By William Madouk
South Sudan has called for global action to address the climate disaster, saying that the world is running out of time to safeguard its most vulnerable citizens.
In her remarks at the Belem Climate Change Summit 2025 in Brazil, Minister of Environment & Forestry, Josephine Napwon Cosmas, said her country is committed to global climate solidarity and sustainable development.
“South Sudan stands ready to engage constructively at COP30,” Hon. Napwon stated, reaffirming her country’s commitment.
Mrs. Napwon noted that South Sudan is suffering devastating floods, severe droughts, heatwaves, and changing rainfall patterns, which have disrupted livelihoods and increased community vulnerability.
“The successful implementation of NDCs for countries such as South Sudan is heavily reliant on access to predictable and sufficient climate finance. We advocate that a new collective quantitative goal currently under negotiation be ambitious… and grant-oriented,” she noted.
Quoting the United Nations Secretary-General’s stark warning that the world is “on the brink of overshooting the 1.5°C threshold,” the minister said that the window to act is fast closing, and every delay puts millions of lives at risk.
She encouraged world leaders to raise at least USD 1.3 trillion yearly by 2035 to fund climate adaptation and mitigation efforts, particularly in developing countries.
“It should include clear pathways for direct access for the less developed countries and states experiencing fragility,” she added, “For South Sudan, the upcoming decade must be on translating NDCs to specific finance and action on the ground. Empowering communities with resources and knowledge to prosper,”
She praised the progress made in establishing the Loss and Damage Fund. Still, she criticized its inadequate budget, claiming it must be fully capitalized to meet the immediate needs of frontline nations.
The minister emphasized the country’s efforts to carry out its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), National Adaptation Programme of Actions (NAPAs), and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs).
She also advocated for more cooperation under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, highlighting the need for technology transfer, climate finance, and capacity building.
Napwon extended President Kiir’s appreciation to international partners for their continued support and urged nations to ensure that COP30 becomes a summit of action, not words.