2 November 2009: Opening the resumed ninth session of the Ad Hoc Working Group on Further Commitments for Annex I Parties under the Kyoto Protocol (AWG-KP) and resumed seventh session of the Ad Hoc Working Group on Long-term Cooperative Action under the Convention (AWG-LCA), which are being held from 2-6 November 2009, in Barcelona, Spain, Yvo de Boer, UNFCCC Executive Secretary, welcomed delegates to the last five days of formal negotiating time before Copenhagen noting that “the clock had almost ticked down to zero.”

He highlighted progress in Bangkok on adaptation, technology, reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries (REDD), and capacity building. De Boer underscored the need for the Barcelona talks to continue the “good work” begun in Bangkok in order to reach an agreed and ambitious outcome in Copenhagen. He explained that such an outcome should include: ambitious individual emission reduction targets for Annex I countries; and clarity on nationally appropriate mitigation actions (NAMAs) by developing countries as well as on long-term finance to unleash urgent action in developing countries. He concluded by stressing the importance of building trust and strengthening cooperation to reach a successful agreed outcome in Copenhagen.
The Barcelona talks are the last negotiating session before the 15th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC, which will take place in Copenhagen, Denmark, from 7-18 December 2009. The meeting brings together over 4,000 participants, including delegates from 181 countries, and is expected to achieve progress on adaptation, technology cooperation, REDD and enhanced capacity building. [IISD/RS coverage] [UNFCCC Executive Secretary’s Speech] [UNFCCC press release]