Statement by Irakli Garibashvili, Georgian prime minister at Sharm El-Sheikh UN Climate Change Conference

Dear president, Excellences, dear friends, I am honoured to address you on behalf of my country, Georgia, and thank the president of the Arab Republic of Egypt for the leadership as our host and for the tireless efforts in the preparation of this very important event. 

Dear Colleagues, climate change has become a challenge for our generation and we, as leaders of our countries, are responsible to find a solution for the sake of humanity and our future generations. There is no time for deliberation, we need swift and result-oriented actions. 

In this spirit, Georgia is considering turning the Paris commitments into credible delivery and increasing the ambition of its Nationally Determined Contributions in 2025. We have developed a very comprehensive Georgia’s 2030 Climate Change Strategy and subsequent Action Plan to further facilitate the ambitious agenda for climate change mitigation.

Additionally, Georgia, with its Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy targets to reach carbon neutrality by 2050 with unifying national efforts and with international support. 

Georgia has one of the cleanest grids; 85% of our electricity comes from renewable sources, and further enhancing the share of renewable energy is a strategic priority for my country. Additionally, we continue to support further non-traditional renewable energy development projects such as solar, wind, hydrogen, geothermal and other means of sustainable sources.

I am ascertained that a robust framework for increasing the resilience of our countries will be an outcome of our negotiations in Sharm El-Sheikh. However, these efforts can only be effective if the perspectives and contexts of developing countries in all regions are considered. 

Equitable geographical representation, sovereign equality, and dignity of all its member states is a fundamental principle of the UN's work and of this body. This principle - to “leave no one behind” is echoed in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Therefore, achieving equitable geographic representation in the composition of constituted bodies under the convention remains among our highest priorities at this COP. 

In conclusion, dear friends, I encourage and remind all our colleagues that success cannot be achieved alone; only with joint efforts, we will be able to reap the rewards. So let’s together translate the outcomes of COP 27 into prompt climate action. Thank you!