How do you view the Sharm El-Sheikh summit in light of the repercussions of the Russia-Ukraine war?    

The global energy crisis — worsened by the war in Ukraine — has seen a dangerous doubling down on fossil fuels. As countries continue to pursue strategies to replace Russian fossil fuels, short-term measures might create long-term fossil fuel dependence and close the window on limiting temperature increases to the targeted 1.5 °C [above pre-industrial levels].   

We have also seen backsliding in some areas of the private sector — namely, around fossil fuels — while the most dynamic climate actors in the business world continue to be hampered by obsolete regulatory frameworks, red tape, and harmful subsidies that send the wrong signals to markets.    

Every government, every business, every investor, every institution must step up with concrete climate actions for net zero. They should not go back to investing in the very thing that led us to climate disasters. It’s important that we learn from what’s happening, that investment in renewables is vital, and accelerating the transition to renewables — and ensuring it is just and inclusive — is absolutely vital. Another thing which is clear is that it is absolutely immoral for oil and gas companies to be making record profits from this energy crisis on the backs of the poorest people and communities and at a massive cost to the climate. This is why I have urged all governments to tax these excessive profits and use the funds to support the most vulnerable people through these difficult times.

How can we reduce the effects of climate change on developing countries unable to cope with the challenge?   

First, we need to recognise that developing countries are some of the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Two months ago I travelled to Pakistan and witnessed one-third of the country under water — with lost lives, lost crops, lost hope. There is no way anyone can argue there is no loss and no damage. And it’s not just Pakistan. The drought in the Sahel, the rising waters in the Pacific islands and the extreme hurricanes in the Caribbean are all examples of the extremes that are being caused by climate change.   

The largest historical greenhouse gas emitters in the world have a moral responsibility to support the most vulnerable communities — those that have done least to cause the climate crisis. I’ve called on all developed economies to tax the windfall profits of fossil fuel companies. Those funds should be re-directed in two ways: to countries suffering loss and damage caused by the climate crisis, and to people struggling with rising food and energy prices.   

Failure to act on loss and damage will lead to more loss of trust and more climate damage. This is a moral imperative that cannot be ignored and the litmus test of countries to come together to get results at COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh.   

This is one of the biggest tasks we have at COP27: to rebuild this trust between developed and developing countries. Developed countries need to get serious about the finance that developing countries need. They told us in Glasgow that $100 billion will be delivered in full in 2023. At the COP in Sharm El-Sheikh they need to get concrete on its delivery and ensure that those who need funding most can access it. We also need to see evidence of how they will double adaptation finance to at least $40 billion by 2025, as set out in the Glasgow Pact last year, and pledges made to fill the Adaptation Fund. This must be just a starting point. We know adaptation funding needs are set to rise to at least $340 billion annually.  

How can the UN bridge the gap between the US and China and encourage them to cooperate in reducing carbon dioxide emissions given that, together, they are the source of 40 per cent of emissions?   

At COP27, all countries must show the world that they are in this fight, and that they are in it together. My strong appeal here to everyone is to put aside all the geopolitical divides, to put aside all the difficulties, and to come to Egypt ready to work in the safe space provided by the UN. As the world’s two largest-emitting countries, of course the US and China must play a leadership role and work together. We have seen this is possible in the past and we must see it again. But no two countries — no matter how large — can overcome this global climate crisis alone. We need all countries, and indeed all companies, investors, cities, and regions, to step up climate action.

What efforts is the UN making to settle the conflict between Russia and Ukraine in order to spare the world the catastrophe of nuclear weapons being used?  

I have repeatedly expressed grave concern regarding the threat or any possibility of the use of nuclear weapons, including in the context of the war in Ukraine. Such dangerous rhetoric is totally unacceptable and must end. All states must take the nuclear option off the table — for good. 

How can the UN face global challenges such as nuclear terrorism and the rapid spread of infectious diseases?

I have pushed for collective solutions to the shared problems we face, such as the unified response the international community forged in the fight against the spread of Covid-19. Effective multilateralism is the only way of solving problems that truly have no borders. It is vital that every member state of the United Nations recommits itself to multilateralism.  

What are the prospects for settling current crises in Libya, Yemen, and Syria?

With the right amount of political will, these crises can be solved and have to be solved for the sake of people who have suffered for too long. In Libya, Yemen, and Syria my special representatives are at work with the parties and with the key involved nations to broker long-lasting peace.

In Libya, we have a new special representative, Abdoulaye Bathily, who is working to help unify national institutions and move forward to elections as soon as possible. In Yemen, Special Envoy Hans Grundberg is working with all the parties to extend the earlier truce and progress towards a lasting peace agreement. The calm we have seen in the last few months has already benefited many civilians in Yemen. And in Syria, Geir Pedersen, the UN special envoy, continues to work with all sides to push for a resumption of constitutional talks. Only a political solution will solve this conflict.

In the meantime, we continue delivering life-saving humanitarian aid to millions of Syrian men, women, and children through cross-border and cross-line operations.

Why has the Palestinian cause dropped from international priorities?

The Palestinian cause has never fallen from the UN’s priorities. We continue to channel our energies towards a two-state solution for the people of Israel and Palestine. I underscore the UN’s commitment to work with Israelis and Palestinians to return to meaningful negotiations to end the occupation.

My special coordinator, Tor Wennesland, continues to work with the parties to bring them back to meaningful negotiations. The United Nations remains actively engaged with all relevant parties and is committed to supporting Palestinians and Israelis to resolve the conflict by ending the occupation and realise a two-state solution on the basis of the 1967 lines, in line with relevant United Nations resolutions, international law, and bilateral agreements.  

Meanwhile, we have on the ground the biggest operational UN agency in the world, UNRWA. The agency has been working on the ground for more than 70 years and it is a testament to the UN’s continued commitment to the plight of Palestinian refugees.  

Although UNRWA struggles with unprecedented challenges of funding and constraints, our staff on the ground continue to deliver assistance and provide education and health services.  

It’s a lifeline to many refugees, especially in the Gaza Strip where a 15-year blockade is ongoing, restricting people’s movement and access to jobs and livelihoods. We have to continue supporting UNRWA and the Palestinian refugees until a just solution is found to their plight.

How do you see the agreement on the demarcation of the borders between Lebanon and Israel and the formation of a new government in Iraq?  

I welcome the signing of the historic agreement to delineate the maritime boundary between Lebanon and Israel. It can serve as a confidence-building measure that promotes security and stability in the region and provides economic benefits for both Lebanon, Israel, and the wider region.   

I have welcomed the formation of a new government in Iraq, led by Prime Minister Mohamed S. Al-Sudani. I urge the new government to deliver on the long-standing demands of the people of Iraq for reform, accountability and a better future. We have a strong political mission in Iraq and I can tell you that we remain fully committed to supporting the government and people of Iraq.

*A version of this article appears in print in the 10 November, 2022 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly.