Brazilian President Lula in his address called upon nations to focus on actions to address climate change than rhetoric. Brazil is a leading role model in climate action by saving Amazon forests and reducing deforestation as a key step.

He also said the amount of resources spent on arms and armaments in various countries should be used for addressing climate change and reducing poverty. The UN is unable to keep peace as some of its members are benefitting from arms trade and war, which need to be stopped. We do not have two planets to live in, therefore let us unite, act and deliver.
(Reporting by Sajeev Nair, CUTS International, Lusaka & Nairobi)

In his address, Prime Minister Modi emphasised that climate action should be guided by the principles of equality, climate justice, shared responsibilities, and shared capacities. By upholding these principles, we can progress towards a sustainable future, ensuring that no one is left behind.

He affirmed India's commitment to surpass reduction targets by decreasing reliance on fossil fuels by 2030, coupled with consistent efforts to expand the solar and biofuel alliance. PM Modi highlighted various initiatives undertaken by India to address climate change and support other developing nations. Additionally, he participated in High-Level Party Events alongside leaders from industry transition, including Sweden.
(Reporting by Sajeev Nair, CUTS International, Lusaka & Nairobi)

In his emphatic speech, UN Secretary-General Guterres called upon the fossil fuel industry and countries relying on fossil fuels to transition into a sustainable energy model, as the fossil fuel industry is based on an obsolete model and the choice now is for renewable energy.

He has also called upon introducing windfall taxes on the fossil fuel industry to mobilise resources for climate financing. Climate Justice for developing countries and operationalisation of Loss and Damage funds are overdue priorities. He called upon rich countries to fulfil the commitment of financial contribution made under the Paris Agreement making COP28 a game changer and renewing the hope for humankind.
(Reporting by Sajeev Nair, CUTS International, Lusaka & Nairobi)

During his opening Plenary speech at COP28, King Charles III of the United Kingdom urged participating nations to take immediate and genuine action to address the existential threat of global warming. He called upon countries to transform into clean energy sources.

Global stocktake demonstrates the graphic picture of how countries are falling behind in reducing emissions at a national level. King Charles emphasised the climate disasters such as floods that happened in India, Bangladesh, draughts in Africa and wildfires in South America and high temperatures in Europe as a wake-up call for action. We must restore our economic development model based on harmony and balance with nature. We need to focus on nature's positive outcomes when we address climate change. On climate financing, King Charles called upon Multilateral institutions, the private sector and philanthropes to come together for climate action as public finance is never sufficient to address the challenge.

Innovative use of risk reduction and innovative tax also assist in climate financing. The insurance sector has a key role to play in the transition to a new model in areas such as agriculture. We must come up with an ambitious emission reduction target for the next 100 years, King Charles said and COP 28 is an unmissable opportunity to Act.
(Reporting by Sajeev Nair, CUTS International, Lusaka & Nairobi)

On Friday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed that India host the COP33 climate summit in 2028, during his speech at the COP28 summit in the UAE. He also launched the Green Credit initiative, focusing on creating carbon sinks through public participation.

Modi praised India's development model, emphasising the balance between ecology and the economy. He urged rich nations to transfer technology to aid developing countries in addressing climate change.