On Friday, the plan is for the world's countries to have agreed on how much money they will jointly pay annually to poor countries' climate efforts. They will also agree on which countries will participate and pay, and which will receive the money.
The countries' climate and environment ministers have gathered for a meeting in Baku, Azerbaijan, including Sweden's Romina Pourmokhtari (L). During a press conference on Wednesday, she describes the financing issue as the ongoing biggest challenge.
Before we decide on a sum for the goal, we need to know who is participating and contributing. For Sweden, it is crucial for the remaining negotiations, she says.
She describes the situation as fragile and that the geopolitically tense world situation is leaving its mark on the negotiations.
It is noticeable that many are more cautious and do not dare to stretch out their hand as usual, she says.
Agreement with Zambia
Sweden, for example, demands that richer developing countries with high emissions, such as China and the Gulf States, contribute to global climate financing.
Pourmokhtari also brings up that Sweden has entered into an agreement with Zambia and Nepal under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. This means, among other things, that Sweden can credit itself with emission reductions made in those countries.
Exactly what the agreement will entail is subject to later negotiations. But the EU cannot go ahead and leave other countries behind. In that way, Article 6 is an important tool, says Pourmokhtari.
According to Pourmokhtari, discussions are being held with more countries about similar agreements.
Many countries are interested in cooperating with Sweden, she says.
Much work remains
According to Sweden's chief negotiator Mattias Frumerie, many knots remain to be untangled. During the afternoon and evening, drafts of the documents the countries will agree on will be presented, but he believes the work will continue until the last minute.
Much will remain until Friday, he says.
When asked about the scope Sweden has to influence the negotiations on climate action plans, Pourmokhtari responds that Sweden has a strong voice.
We are one of the largest donors when it comes to climate financing, which gives us a strong voice.
