South Africa has welcomed the adoption of the Belém Political Package at the COP30 United Nations climate summit, describing it as a critical step toward unlocking climate finance and ensuring a just transition for developing nations.
Forestry, Fisheries and Environment Minister Willie Aucamp said the agreement, reached at the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in Brazil at the weekend, provided a framework to translate pledges into action.
“We stand ready to work with all parties to ensure that the decisions taken at COP30 translate into action,” Aucamp said, noting South Africa’s domestic climate instruments already align with international obligations.
The Belém Political Package includes commitments to strengthen Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) – countries’ climate action plans under the Paris Agreement – and introduces the “Global Mutirão,” a mechanism to accelerate implementation of NDCs and national adaptation plans.
It also establishes a two-year work programme on climate finance, with a call for developed nations to triple adaptation finance by 2035.
COP30, held in Belém, Brazil, comes amid intensifying pressure on governments to balance climate ambition with economic realities.
The conference focused heavily on adaptation finance and just transition frameworks, reflecting demands from developing nations for fairer support in tackling climate impacts.
JN/APA