Ministerial meeting on climate action co-chairs summary

September 16, 2017 – Montréal, Quebec – Canada, China, and the European Union

Canada, China, and the European Union convened the Ministerial Meeting on Climate Action to advance discussions on the full implementation of the Paris Agreement and to demonstrate continued political commitment to global action. 

Representatives from 34 governments of major economies and other key players on climate change met in Montreal, Canada. Ambassador Nazhat Shameem Khan of Fiji facilitated the meeting with representatives from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Ecuador, Egypt, Estonia, Ethiopia, EU, Fiji, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Maldives, Mali, Marshall Islands, Mexico, Morocco, Norway, Poland, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Turkey, United Kingdom, and the United States.

Recognizing that the environment and the economy go hand-in-hand and that ambitious climate action will protect the environment, spur clean growth and sustainable development, create jobs, and improve human health, many emphasized that global efforts are at a critical juncture and indicated a strong commitment to the full implementation of the Paris Agreement. Further, many expressed that the Paris Agreement is irreversible and all stated that it will not be renegotiated.  The United States re-confirmed that it will withdraw from the Paris Agreement but is open to re-engaging on terms more favourable to it.   

Recognizing the importance of providing clarity and certainty to all actors, including investors, many participants acknowledged their political commitment to complete the Paris Work Programme in 2018.  Many expressed the importance of the Paris Agreement and its modalities, procedures, and guidelines to continue to build trust and help solidify confidence in the global commitment to climate action.  It was highlighted that technical negotiations at COP23 should build on the spirit of Paris, and be constructive and balanced to advance consensus on modalities, procedures and guidelines that will help all Parties in the implementation of their Paris Agreement obligations.

There was support for the efforts of the Moroccan and Fijian COP Presidencies in determining the modalities for the 2018 Facilitative Dialogue, based on consultations with Parties. It was reiterated that the Dialogue should help Parties take stock of progress made and further drive ambition, including in collaboration with non-state actors.

The importance of pre-2020 action and the need to build on current efforts were acknowledged.  Many also pointed to the importance of financial, technology and capacity building support and recognized the progress being made.  Furthermore, many highlighted their support for the Marrakesh Partnership on Global Climate Action and that sub-national governments, Indigenous and local communities, and non-party actors are essential in achieving these objectives and that multilateral processes should continue to be more inclusive and recognize the importance of gender equality.

To share lessons and best practices, many participants highlighted their countries’ approaches and experiences in reducing emissions and adapting to climate change, and broadly emphasized their steadfast determination to implementing these efforts and their Nationally Determined Contributions. It was underscored that taking action now is critical in order to accelerate the global transition to a low-carbon and resilient economy.  A number of participants welcomed the momentum and movements of the market in that regard and underscored the importance of carbon pricing.

In light of the commitment to moving forward together and demonstrating progress, a strong message was sent to negotiators to carry forward the positive and open spirit of the Ministerial on Climate Action to advance their work on implementing the Paris Agreement through the completion of the Paris Work Programme and the 2018 Facilitative Dialogue.  Canada, China and the European Union were thanked for taking this initiative and for their offer to co-convene a second meeting in 2018 in Europe.