MARRAKECH, Morocco, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Executive Secretary Patricia Espinosa said Monday that transformation to a "low-emission resilient society and economy" should be a singular global target.
"Our work here in Marrakech must reflect our new reality. No politician or citizen, no business manager or investor can doubt that the transformation to a low-emission, resilient society and economy is the singular determination of the community of nations," Espinosa said in her address at the opening of the 22nd Conference of Parties (COP22).
While early entry into force of the Paris Agreement is a clear cause for celebration, it is a timely reminder of the high expectations that are now placed on governments, said the executive secretary.
She also stressed that achieving the aims and ambitions of the Paris Agreement is not a given, considering the huge difficulties of changing the course of two centuries of carbon-intensive development.
According to the UN official, another key work is to mobilize financial resources to allow developing countries to green their economies and build resilience.
She noted that countries should take more audacious nationally determined contributions and integrate them into national policies and investment plans.
Espinosa also called on giving support for adaptation higher priority to safeguard development gains in the most vulnerable communities.
The COP22, held in Marrakech until Nov. 18, will focus on action items to implement the Paris Agreement, especially those related to adaptation, transparency, technology transfer, mitigation, capacity building and loss and damage mechanisms.
The Paris Agreement, adopted in December 2015 at COP21 in Paris, was ratified in October by 96 countries and the European Union and entered info force on Nov. 4.
The conference will also be an opportunity to debate and discuss issues concerning agriculture, food security, energy, industry, transport and water.
The event is taking place in Bab Ighli village, which extends over an area of nearly 300,000 square meters.
Around 20,000 delegates from 196 countries are gathering at the COP22 climate change conference.
