Geneva, 19 December 2022
Dear Madam Speaker,
Dear Mr. Speaker,
As you may know, the IPU convened the Parliamentary Meeting on the occasion of the 27th session of
the Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27)
in Sharm-El Sheikh, Egypt on 13 November 2022. The meeting was jointly organized with the Egyptian
House of Representatives. It brought together nearly 200 participants from over 50 countries to identify
inter-parliamentary solutions to the climate crisis.
Parliamentarians and experts engaged in rich discussions on how to address key climate issues
including emissions reduction, scaling-up adaptation efforts and mobilizing climate finance. The meeting
provided a platform for parliaments to share concrete climate solutions, including supporting technology
transfer to developing countries, creating financial incentives for green investments, and approving
dedicated climate funding for both adaptation and mitigation. It also showed the steps parliaments
around the world are taking to become greener institutions themselves.
The Parliamentary Meeting concluded with the adoption of an
Outcome Document
to guide
parliamentary action post-COP27. The document specifically calls on parliaments to support additional
and separate funding for loss and damage, which was also a key outcome of the wider COP27
proceedings.
Parliaments have a critical role to play in the response to climate change. Following the decisions made
at COP27, parliaments can use their powers to ensure that the national legislative response to climate
change in their countries is consistent with the binding and time-sensitive international commitments of
the Paris Agreement, including in relation to keeping the target of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees
Celsius alive. Parliaments can also use their budgetary and oversight powers to ensure the commitment
made to establish a fund for loss and damage becomes a reality. The inclusion of vulnerable and
marginalized groups in the climate response will also be a critical area for parliamentarians as they fulfill
their representation functions.
The IPU stands ready to continue supporting parliaments that wish to build their capacity to confront
climate change. In cooperation with partners, the IPU regularly provides technical assistance to
parliaments in all areas of parliamentary work, including in relation to climate change. We look forward to
hearing from you if your parliament is interested in such support.
I would also like to take this opportunity to encourage you to share examples with the IPU of how your
parliament is taking concrete steps to address the climate crisis. The IPU is interested in showcasing
such examples to inspire our other Member Parliaments to take similar action in our joint fight against
climate change. Please send any examples or requests for technical assistance to
Yours sincerely,
Martin Chungong
Secretary General