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What is going to be important for our multilateral action in 2022 – three examples
Illustration of the Southpole from NASA, © picture alliance / Zoonar - magann
The G7 Presidency is the highest-profile example of our commitment to multilateralism is 2022. But there are also other highlights in the new year. Climate diplomacy, human rights work and the Antarctic Treaty are just three examples of many.
Taking committed steps forward in climate diplomacy: COP27 in Egypt in November
The Federal Foreign Office has put the spotlight on climate diplomacy in 2022: the Parties to the Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) managed to agree on the final key details of the Paris Convention in Glasgow in late 2021. To ensure global warming does not exceed 1.5 degrees as agreed in Glasgow, emissions need to drop drastically in the course of this decade.
We know that we can only achieve the Paris climate goals if we get industrialising and developing countries on board and shape the transformation processes required for this around the world together with them. To this end, we will take the lead on international Climate Change Conferences within the Federal Government and also negotiate at these conferences on Germany’s behalf in the future.
- Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock in her speech upon taking office on 8 December 2021
As the impact of the climate crisis can be felt everywhere even today – particularly often in countries which have barely contributed to this high concentration of greenhouse gases – adjusting to the consequences of the climate crisis and dealing with the resulting loss and damage are also part and parcel of global climate protection. That is going to be the priority when Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock travels to Egypt for COP27 as Germany’s chief negotiator.
One of many ways we can promote global human rights protection: The World Congress against the Death Penalty in Berlin in November 2022
From 16 to 18 November 2022, Germany will host the 8th World Congress against the Death Penalty in Berlin. Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock is serving as patron and will give the opening speech. The Federal Foreign Office is also providing the Congress with 500,00 euro of financial support. With this step, the new Government is underscoring its desire to work to abolish this punishment which is utterly incompatible with the principle of human dignity. The World Congress is the most important political forum for efforts to abolish the death penalty. It brings together representatives from politics, human rights defenders and figures from art and academia. We are working to ensure the World Congress in Berlin can create momentum to strengthen the work of local actors, convince states to make concrete commitments and mobilise citizens.
Less well known but all the more important: 44th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting in Berlin in May 2022
The 44th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) will be held from 23 May to 2 June 2022 in Berlin under Germany’s chairmanship. Antarctica is the only one of the world’s continents which has neither a government nor a parliament. Decisions are taken by the Contracting Parties to the Antarctic Treaty. Key issues on the agenda in Berlin are to include the impact of the climate crisis, the increase in tourism in the Antarctic region and improving international cooperation in the face of intensified research activity. Participants from some 50 countries are expected to attend. Germany advocates an all-embracing approach to nature and environmental protection in Antarctica. We want to ensure that the flora and fauna of this unique continent are preserved for future generations. The famous emperor penguin is but one example.