Climate finance must be accessible to developing countries, free from politics: Sudan’s Burhan

Rania Abushamala

Sudan’s Transitional Sovereignty Council Chairman Abdel Fattah al-Burhan on Wednesday called for faster and fairer access to climate finance for developing countries, urging that funding decisions be kept free from politics.

Speaking on the opening day of the high-level segment for heads of state and government at the COP31 UN climate conference in Antalya, Türkiye, al-Burhan said climate finance pledges must become “resources that developing countries can access fairly, quickly and easily.”

Al-Burhan called on developed countries to redouble their efforts and double funding for climate adaptation. He urged governments to make adaptation “a tool to advance development, peace, security and justice.”

He said Sudan was facing growing risks from drought, floods, desertification, land degradation and water shortages. Declining crop and livestock production was threatening food security and livelihoods, he added.

“The exceptional circumstances Sudan is going through have compounded these challenges,” al-Burhan said, citing the impact on infrastructure, public services and institutions, as well as on communities’ ability to cope with climate risks.

He called for continued international cooperation based on equity and the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities. He said countries should take into account the circumstances and priorities of developing nations, particularly least developed countries and those affected by conflict.

Fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces broke out in April 2023. The UN says the conflict has displaced millions and severely limited access to safe water, health care and shelter in parts of Sudan.