High-Level Climate Champions

As I conclude my tenure as the UN High-Level Climate Champions for COP28 UAE, I find myself humbled and deeply moved by the incredible journey we’ve shared. Over the past two years, we’ve achieved extraordinary progress together, elevating climate ambition, amplifying the voices of Indigenous Peoples, women, and underrepresented communities, and pushing for transformative solutions. The commitment to nature, which is central to our climate strategy, has been unwavering, and I am proud of the significant strides forward made alongside incredible co-champions like my sister Nigar Arpadarai, and Doctor Mahmoud Mohieldin, and the leadership demonstrated through initiatives like #RaceToZero, #RaceToResilience, and the 2030 Climate Solutions. Through the #MarrakeshPartnership, we’ve mobilized thousands of actors across the private sector, civil society, and government to drive the bold changes necessary for a nature-positive, resilient world. At COP28, the #UAEConsensus marked a pivotal moment, recognizing the inseparable link between climate and nature. With momentum building globally, we’ve seen historic commitments to triple renewable energy capacity and accelerate finance for nature-based solutions. As I pass the torch to my co-champion, Nigar, and the next High-Level Champion, I am filled with gratitude for all the tireless work we’ve done together. I’m excited for what lies ahead, knowing that the foundations we’ve built will continue to grow. We’ve made tremendous strides, but the work is far from over. The climate crisis is urgent, and our path forward must be one of collective action, where every sector plays a role. To all those working on the frontlines, I urge continued support for their leadership. It’s time to scale up action, integrate nature into every climate strategy, and ensure that no one is left behind in this fight for a sustainable future. Let us move forward with unwavering determination, ready to tackle the challenges ahead and take the bold actions needed to secure a better world for generations to come. #UNHighLevelClimateChampions #ClimateAction #NaturePositive #Sustainability #ClimateJustice #COP30 #UNFCCC

As COP29 Azerbaijan concludes, I reflect on my tenure as a UN High-Level Climate Champions for COP28 UAE, a journey that has been both transformative and rewarding. It has been an honor to serve as a steadfast advocate for aligning global climate and biodiversity goals, and to champion the recognition of #NatureBasedSolutions as critical tools for mitigating and adapting to climate change. Throughout this journey, my focus has been on ensuring inclusivity in climate negotiations, advocating for the inclusion of women, #IndigenousPeoples, and other underrepresented groups. The progress we've made is evident, especially with the #UAEConsensus reached at COP28, which for the first time recognized the need to implement the #ParisAgreement and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework together. A significant milestone achieved at COP29 was the renewal of the mandate for the UN Climate Change High-Level Champions, extending their work through 2030. This decision, made by all parties a year before the original mandate was set to expire, underscores the importance of sustained high-level engagement in driving voluntary efforts, initiatives, and coalitions under the #MarrakechPartnership. It ensures that the critical work of fostering collaboration among non-state actors, scaling up climate ambition, and integrating nature-based solutions will continue through the decade. The alignment of these goals has gained unstoppable momentum, and I am encouraged by the growing support for integrating nature goals into Nationally Determined Contributions and climate action plans. As we move forward, it is essential that these plans align with obligations under the Convention on Biological Diversity to maximize the benefits of nature-climate strategies. The collective efforts of non-state actors, including the private sector, civil society, and local authorities, have been instrumental in driving ambitious climate action. Initiatives like the Ocean Breakthroughs and Mangrove Breakthroughs, developed under the Marrakech Partnership, have made incredible strides and will continue to shape the future of climate and nature integration. Inclusion has been at the core of everything we do, and it has been a privilege to champion the voices of Indigenous Peoples, women, and local communities. One key initiative I am especially proud of is the Global Data Study on Indigenous Peoples’ Climate Contributions, which will be presented at #COP30, providing invaluable insight into the role Indigenous Peoples play in biodiversity and climate resilience. Looking ahead, I am deeply optimistic about the path we have paved together and the progress we’ve made. I look forward to seeing these initiatives continue to flourish as we approach COP30 in Belém, Brazil, and beyond. Our journey is far from over, and together, we will continue to advance the climate and nature agenda for a sustainable future.

#COP29 makes progress toward mobilising increased climate finance. Plus extension of High-Level Champions mandate and outcomes across adaptation, finance and mitigation signal that non-State actor leadership and collaboration will be more important than ever in lead up to COP30 in Belém, Brazil. Read more: https://lnkd.in/e3_5V5jJ

What does it take to mobilize non-state actors at a global climate conference like?#COP29? High-Level Champion?Nigar Arpadarai’s day is filled with high-stakes dialogues, collaboration with diverse stakeholders, and relentless commitment to advancing climate ambition. Her role goes beyond diplomacy—it’s about empowering collective action across businesses, youth, and organizations to make real progress. This behind-the-scenes glimpse shows the dedication it takes to turn climate goals into realities. Join us in celebrating the power of inclusive leadership and partnership at?#COP29. Watch the full video and follow her journey of impact. #ClimateAction?#COP29?#COP29ImpactMakers

Gender-responsive climate action isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s the SMART thing to do. ?Including a gender-responsive approach in national climate action plans (NDC) delivers better climate and social outcomes– better health ??, quality jobs ??, and economic development ??- benefiting the whole of society. ?Incorporating it into national transparency reports (BTR) ?? helps us track whether our progress is equitable and effective for all. The world needs climate action and gender equality to go hand-in-hand –one enables the other. Because we need everyone in this collective crisis. #GenderDay | #COP29

Yesterday at COP29 Azerbaijan, I was honored to co-host the "Enhancing Inclusive Climate Action: Alliance for Gender-Responsive Climate Finance" roundtable at the UAE Pavilion. This pivotal discussion brought together representatives from National Gender and Climate Change Focal Points, intergovernmental organizations, multilateral development banks, philanthropies, civil society, women’s rights organizations, youth feminist leaders, and Indigenous Peoples organizations. The event featured incredible insights from Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland and Member of The Elders Foundation; Dr Jemimah Njuki, Chief of the Economic Empowerment Section at UN Women; and Bridget K. Burns, Executive Director of WEDO and member of Roots Rising. We also heard powerful contributions from youth feminist leader Ayshka Najib and closing remarks from Joci Aguiar, Advisor on Environment and Climate Justice to the Ministry of Women, Brazil. The session was skillfully moderated by Sana Kapadia, a seasoned finance and investment professional, gender-smart investing specialist and global changemaker. Focused on implementing the outcomes of COP28 UAE and setting a forward-looking agenda towards COP30 Brazil, the conversation emphasized the transformative role of gender-responsive climate finance. We explored key themes such as expanding access to finance for women-led initiatives, improving gender data systems, and ensuring local leadership in climate solutions. As we carry the momentum forward on #GenderDay, let’s commit to embedding gender equity in all facets of climate action and ensuring this critical conversation continues at COP30 in Brazil. A heartfelt thank you to our partners, including UN Women, UN Climate Change (UNFCCC), and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, for their collaboration in making this event possible. Together, we can foster a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable climate future. #COP29Azerbaijan #GenderEquality #ClimateFinance #JustTransition #InclusiveClimateAction

Step into the lives of extraordinary people making extraordinary strides in climate action through our #COP29ImpactMakers campaign. Each story offers a window into the efforts of dedicated individuals who refuse to wait for change—they create it. From restoring ecosystems to engineering green technologies, these stories not only highlight achievements but also ignite a call to action. Meet some of the Impact Makers with us at #COP29, be inspired, and explore how every action counts in our collective quest for a sustainable planet. And why not nominate an Impact Maker - or share your own climate action story - using the hashtag #COP29ImpactMakers? The campaign will run throughout 2025. COP29 Azerbaijan High-Level Climate Champions Sumaya Gasimova Aretz Orkhan Mustafayev Saba Fatdai Sevinj Sarukhanova PMP?

The evidence is clear: climate change exacerbates gender inequalities, particularly threatening the livelihoods, health, and safety of women and girls. Today at #COP29 the High-Level Champions, Nigar Arpadarai and Razan Al Mubarak, joined a united community of people who understand that gender equality and women’s rights are central to the movement for just climate action. With 83 national governments supporting the COP28 Gender-Responsive Just Transitions and Climate Action Partnership, we are now focusing on crucial aspects such as data collection, financial support, and creating equal opportunities. For example, close to 40% of all Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are owned by women, and act as a vital source of employment for women. Access to decent work is equally important, and closing the gender gap in business growth globally could add up to $2.3 trillion to GDP and up to 433 million jobs. At every level of society, people are offering their insights, partnerships, and solutions to shape and implement these plans. This is why we are encouraging delegates to listen carefully, embrace this support, and seize the opportunity to build stronger collaborations.

From boardrooms to grassroots, #women are shaping the fight against climate change, bringing transformation solutions, resilience and equality to the forefront of decision-making. On #GenderDay at COP29, read our spotlight on inclusive climate action. Featuring insights from our High-Level Climate Champions, Indigenous leaders, business pioneers, and academics, discover why women are catalytic to the race to a better world. Read more: https://lnkd.in/g28r3eu7

With over 15,500 companies, financial institutions, cities, states, regions, and academic institutions from over 150 countries participating in the #RaceToZero, significant strides are being made towards our 2030 targets. However, to drive real change, we need voluntary action that fosters a supportive policy environment and mobilises climate finance for investable Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). At #COP29, the Race to Zero community is ready to lead and drive momentum for net-zero initiatives. Together, we can support governments in developing implementable climate plans and advance net-zero frontier actions.