Sonam P. Wangdi, Chair of the Least Developed Countries (LDC) Group on Climate Change, has reiterated the importance of countries submitting updated nationally determined contributions (NDCs) this year. 

Speaking at the opening of the UNFCCC Climate Dialogues, taking place from 23 November-4 December, Mr Wangdi said: “The LDC group strongly affirms that the postponement of climate negotiations should not be taken as the postponement of climate action, specifically the submission of enhanced NDCs, due this year, and the delivery of 100 billion dollars in climate finance annually by 2020. 

“The LDC Group is playing our part to progress work and build ambition through these challenging times. All 47 LDCs are determined to communicate updated NDCs. Despite significant limitations and challenges during the pandemic our countries are aiming to communicate updated NDCs by the end of 2020.” 

NDCs embody efforts by each country to reduce national emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. The Paris Agreement requires each Party to prepare, communicate and maintain successive NDCs that it intends to achieve, which are at the heart of achieving the Paris Agreement’s long-term goal for adaptation.  

NDCs are submitted every five years to the UNFCCC secretariat, and all Parties are requested to submit the next round of NDCs by 2020. 

Commenting on the importance of taking swift climate action, Mr Wangdi said: “Climate action has been delayed long enough. We cannot afford to put off action any further. 

“The world is hitting a reset button as we speak. Every policy decision governments make should be consistent with the Paris Agreement.”  

You can watch the Group Chair’s full statement here. 

Join the Thimphu Ambition Summit on 9 December 

The LDC Group is holding the ‘Thimphu Ambition Summit: Momentum for a 1.5°C World’ on 9 December to highlight actions that LDCs are taking to address climate change, to enable dialogue on climate ambition, both on mitigation and adaptation, and to mobilise support for a green economic recovery from Covid-19. Find out more and register here.