The first meeting of international climate diplomats since the Paris Agreement was adopted is taking place from 16 to 26 May in Bonn. The meeting marks the beginning of a new phase of climate diplomacy which will focus on the technical structure and implementation of the decisions.
Minister Hendricks commented: "Now, after Paris, comes the long implementation phase. Here, too, we want to remain a driving force and support our partners on the journey together towards a climate neutral global economy. The goal in Bonn is to prepare for the next Climate Change Conference in Marrakesh. The Federal Government will be actively supporting Morocco with preparations for the conference."
Since 2010, the Federal Government has been supporting Morocco in its efforts to establish solar energy in the country. A new focus of this cooperation will be on strengthening management through a new climate competence centre which is being set up to advise Morocco on the implementation and development of its national climate policy. In addition, the centre will provide the Moroccan Presidency with strategic support for the upcoming Climate Change Conference. The Federal Environment Ministry is funding the project with around 4.5 million euros through its International Climate Initiative.
The climate talks in Bonn will be conducted at working level and will deal first and foremost with organisational issues. The newly formed Ad Hoc Working Group on the Paris Agreement (APA), entrusted with the task of implementing the decisions taken in Paris, will hold its first session. During this session, the Chairs of the Working Group will be elected and operating arrangements agreed on.
An initial exchange of views on the following questions regarding the technical foundation of the Paris Agreement is also expected: How exactly will the agreed global stocktake in 2018 work? What data must be supplied by each country for the new global transparency system? What concrete assistance will be provided for developing countries for the establishment of climate authorities?
Following the debates on technical issues at working level in Bonn, the Federal Government will push the international debate on the implementation of the Paris Agreement forward at political level with the Petersberg Climate Dialogue on 4 and 5 July.
Together with the Moroccan Foreign Minister, Federal Environment Minister Hendricks will be inviting a representative group of ministers to Berlin for the Petersberg Climate Dialogue.