Statement of UNFCCC

Video statement for the GEO- 20 plenary,

Remarks by the Director of the Intergovernmental Support and Collective Progress

Division, UNFCCC, Cecilia Kinuthia-Njenga

Introduction

Allow me to recognize the longstanding partnership between the Group of Earth Observations (GEO) and the UNFCCC processes, to collectively advance Earth observations for climate action. Just recently, during the COP 29, we collaborated with GEO on the launch of a policy brief on the role of innovation and advanced technologies in Earth observations which provides insights and actionable solutions to countries and stakeholders to advance Early warnings, thereby reducing the impacts of climate change.
We are pleased that the UNFCCC and its processes have benefitted from Earth observations data to enhance understanding of the changing climate, inform effective climate action and assess progress towards the convention and the Paris Agreement.
While significant advances have been made by the Earth observation community, in both ground, surface and space-based observations, gaps still exist to enable us to reach the last mile in informing climate policy and real-time action, as well understanding the effectiveness of these actions in this critical decade.
The recent WMO State of the Global climate 2024 affirmed that key climate indicators, again reached record levels in 2024, in that 2024 was the warmest year on record, making the last 10 last years the warmest on record. With thanks to Earth observation data, we are continuously having a clear understanding of the changing climate. But this is not enough. We need the intelligence, tools and resources to translate climate information into effective response mechanisms.
Delegates, this year’s GEO-20 plenary and particularly GEO’s Post 2025 Strategy provides an opportunity of the narrative and mindset that we need: moving beyond generic Earth observations data towards Earth intelligence for climate action.

Earth Intelligence for effective climate action and sustainable development

Colleagues, allow me to share some three reflections on key considerations for this platform in advancing Earth Intelligence for effective climate action and sustainable development:
- Firstly, for accelerating both global scale and local observations products that inform climate action- The UNFCCC process is constantly in need of fit-for-purpose, robust and near real time data for Parties to understand options and urgently act in a dynamic world. Climate solutions and informed products are required at global, regional and national levels. (note- most spatial resolutions and models do not meet the needs of smaller and mid-sized countries). We are depending on the GEO and wider observation community to ensure that Earth information, at various scales and with high certainty, is made available to policy makers. This is how we ensure that response to climate change remains informed by evidence and science.
- Secondly, in supporting the climate action and sustainable development nexus. Colleagues, in a world of competing priorities and growing needs from populations, there lies an opportunity in leveraging Earth observations data to inform models and pathways that simultaneously support climate action and sustainable development. Be it clean and sustainable energy, decent jobs, disaster risk reduction, food security, and infrastructure development, data from Earth observations should guide developmental policies and meaningful investments.
- Thirdly, advancing partnerships and collaborations as a key enabler. Colleagues, we know that the distribution of capacities for generating robust Earth intelligence and related technologies remains uneven. We invite partners in all forms of Observations to enhance their collaborative efforts and fill such gaps. The effectiveness of climate action lies in enhanced collective ambition and accelerated action by all countries.

Conclusion

As I conclude: In the UNFCCC, we will continue to utilize platforms such as the Earth Information Day and the Research and Systematic Observation workstreams to provide countries with the latest information and advancements in Earth observations. As Parties are revisiting their climate action plans, and others having done so, the role of Earth observations data and ultimately Earth intelligence in guiding effective climate action cannot be overemphasized.
We congratulate GEO on the Post 2025 Strategy and look forward to a continued partnership in safeguarding our future.
With these remarks, I wish you all fruitful deliberations.

I thank you all.