The Ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change says the Malawi government has not sponsored any accredited government officials to the United Nations Conference of Parties (COP 28) slated for 30 November to December 12, 2023, in Dubai.

The line minister, Micheal Usi said this on Monday morning in Lilongwe during a press briefing, where he also disclosed that a total of 153 Malawian delegates will be in attendance.

Usi said the delegation which comprise of government officials, civil society organizations, youth representatives and the academia has been sponsored by United Nations agencies, the private sector and other development partners.

“The President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera was supposed to attend the conference, but he has delegated me instead following the austerity that were placed to cushion the pain of devaluation and as part of economy recovery plan adding that all officials attending the conference will account for their trip,” Usi said.

Usi said the conference is very crucial to the nation as it will provide a platform to lobby for climate financing and operationalization of the Paris Agreement which Malawi is party to.

“We will take advantage of this trip to lobby for loss and damage funds which are allocated to address losses incurred due to adverse climatic conditions,” Usi said.

COP28 offers an opportunity for Malawi and other countries to advocate for the needs and concerns of its people on the international stage and also provides a platform for nations to come together to address the pressing challenges posed by climate change and to collectively chart a course of action toward a sustainable and resilient future.