THE FOLLOWING IS THE SPEECH OF THE SPEAKER OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA IN ITS ENTIRETY:

Honourable colleagues,

The Republic of Serbia is following the climate disturbances with great concern and has been for a long time taking part in the global efforts to stop man’s harmful effects on the environment. No one can deal with this problem alone and it is clear that all segments of society need to be involved. I think it is very important for the parliaments to be actively involved in this struggle which is why I want to thank the IPU and the UK Delegation to the IPU who organised this gathering and enabled us to, on behalf of our parliaments, give our contribution.

There are no political and economic differences or interests that would justify any of us leaving the common front of the fight to preserve the climate. Unfortunately, at the summit here in Glasgow, we saw that there are such excuses and that some other reasons are put forward as more important than the fate of our planet. These reasons do not exist and until we achieve full unity around these goals, the problem will exist and get bigger.

The Republic of Serbia is active in this fight and takes part in all global initiatives to reduce harmful gas emissions. We understand this as our duty to us and our future generations, as well as a duty to others. The obligation to reduce harmful gas emissions is built into our laws and they are implemented.

Serbia is a small country and its share in the global threat to the climate is not large, but still it exists. Our economy has been on an upward trajectory for a long time, our energy needs are increasing and with them the risk of potential pollution. To address this, Serbia has been employing various measures to stimulate energy transition for years and increasing the capacities for the production of energy from renewable sources. Almost one fifth of the total electricity produced in the country comes from renewable sources and we aim to continue with this increase.

What we need to talk about more as well as more openly is how to reach the level where our efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions become sustainable, how to reorient our capacities to environmentally friendly ones without endangering our economic development, and especially our social environment.

The obligations we have undertaken have their price and it is not a small one. But there are many countries like Serbia that need more support in order to achieve the goals they are definitely committed to. Just as no one can fight climate change alone, no one can implement the measures to stop the negative impact on the climate alone.

That is why I want to call, once again, on behalf of the Republic of Serbia, for global solidarity in this aspect, in technological, financial and any other support that will lead to the achievement of common goals. Otherwise, I am not optimistic that we will be able to effectively deal with the biggest problem of our generation, the destruction of the climate and accelerated changes that we will not be able to stop.

I am convinced that this gathering will also be a turning point in that sense. I believe that everyone wants to pull the brake on the irreversible threat to the climate, but that is not enough. We have to show it in actions, and we will only be able to do that if we support each other.

Thank you!