Latest from Garb News
Garb News
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Garb News
Ambassador Mostafa Sherbiny: The 2025 Bonn Climate Summit (SB62) – A Defining Moment on the Road to COP30 in Belém
Between Hope and Political Pressure: What to Expect from the 2025 Bonn Climate Change Conference The 2025 Bonn Climate Change Conference (SB62) is not merely a technical checkpoint, but a critical juncture in the global climate governance process. Taking place in Bonn, Germany, from June 16 to 26, this session convenes global negotiators to resolve outstanding issues from COP29 in Baku and lay the groundwork—both technical and political—for COP30 in Belém, Brazil. This year's Bonn Conference comes at a moment of increasing global uncertainty—amid intensifying geopolitical tensions, retreating climate finance commitments, and rising populist rhetoric—making it a litmus test for the international climate regime. Ambassador Mostafa Sherbiny, head of the Climate Ambassadors Delegation, confirmed his official participation in SB62. He announced that he and his delegation will hold an official press conference on Monday, June 16 at 3:30 p.m. in Room 4, as listed in the official UNFCCC conference agenda. In a statement to the Middle East News Agency, El-Sherbiny emphasized the significance of this year's Bonn session: 'We arrive in Bonn amid alarming indicators of accelerating climate change. Meanwhile, some major economies are backsliding on their climate commitments, and the gap between scientific necessity and political delivery is growing wider. This increases the urgency for stronger involvement from non-state actors and civil society—especially climate ambassadors—who can help drive ambition from the ground up.' Critical Issues on the Table at Bonn 1. Adaptation: Moving from Ambiguity to Accountability The Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) remains one of the Paris Agreement's most underdeveloped components. Though enshrined in 2015, the goal of 'enhancing adaptive capacity, resilience, and reducing vulnerability' is still evolving into measurable action. At COP28 in Dubai, parties adopted a GGA framework with targets across water, health, agriculture, biodiversity, infrastructure, and cultural heritage. Negotiators in Bonn are now working to refine a shortlist of 490 indicators (down from an initial 9,000) to track progress—evaluating their feasibility, contextual relevance, and alignment with social equity. 2. Mitigation: Momentum in Decline Despite the existence of a Mitigation Work Programme (MWP), global ambition remains underwhelming. Sectoral dialogues have failed to spark meaningful commitments or implementation. The first Global Stocktake (GST1) called for a transition away from fossil fuels, but many nations are resisting converting this political will into enforceable actions. 3. NDC3: A Race Against the Clock By February 2025, all countries are expected to submit their third round of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC3). As of today, only 22 countries have done so, putting pressure on others ahead of a second deadline in September 2025. These submissions will form the basis of a synthesis report by the Paris Agreement Secretariat—crucial for tracking progress toward the 1.5°C goal. 4. Transparency: The Paris Agreement's First Stress Test For the first time, countries are reporting under the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF). Over 110 nations have submitted Biennial Transparency Reports (BTRs) covering their NDCs, support received or provided, and capacity-building needs. In Bonn, these reports will be reviewed and discussed to identify strengths, weaknesses, and data gaps. 5. Climate Finance: Crisis of Trust Persists At COP29, parties agreed to a new New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) of $300 billion per year. Yet many developing countries see this figure as insufficient and lacking a credible delivery roadmap. While finance is not expected to dominate the Bonn agenda, side discussions may emerge around Brazil's 'Baku–Belém roadmap,' which seeks to increase the finance ceiling to $1.3 trillion annually by 2030. 6. Gender and Human Rights: Negotiating Under Pressure A new Gender Action Plan is due following its extension at COP29 in Baku. However, political resistance from certain countries—particularly those opposing terms such as 'gender' or 'intersectional discrimination'—poses a challenge. If negotiators fail to reach inclusive language, the substance of the action plan could be weakened, undermining participation of women and marginalized groups. 7. Logistics for COP30 in Belém Belém, located in the heart of the Amazon, presents unique logistical challenges. In Bonn, discussions will center around infrastructure readiness, expected delegate numbers, and possible access limitations. Brazil is preparing for a potentially record-breaking turnout exceeding 80,000 participants. 8. Brazil's Role: A Return to Climate Leadership Brazil's COP30 presidency signals a renewed commitment to climate leadership, as the country integrates its finance and agriculture ministries into the negotiation process. Brazil is prioritizing protection of the Amazon, Indigenous rights, and delivering tangible outcomes—not just rhetoric. This assertive leadership style is already shaping the tone of negotiations in Bonn. Message from the Climate Ambassadors Delegation Ambassador El-Sherbiny stressed the delegation's key priorities: 'We are here to reinforce the outcomes of COP28, push for implementation over promises, and help rebuild trust between the Global North and South. Our focus includes innovative climate finance tools, community-based adaptation, and youth and women's empowerment.' He further urged donor nations and international financial institutions to redirect climate finance toward real, scalable projects that strengthen the resilience of vulnerable countries—particularly in Africa and small island developing states (SIDS). Looking Ahead to COP30 in Brazil El-Sherbiny concluded: 'Bonn must be more than a procedural checkpoint—it must become a consensus-building platform that sets a clear and ambitious direction for COP30. We need real action beyond declarations. The ball is now in the court of governments, institutions, and multilateral finance systems.'
Garb News
29-05-2025
- Business
- Garb News
São Tomé and Príncipe: The Island of Cocoa and Economic Development
المصدر - ساو تومي وبرينسيبي.. جزيرة الكاكاو والتطور الاقتصادي تقع ساو تومي وبرينسيبي في خليج غينيا، وهي دولة أفريقية صغيرة تتكون من جزيرتين رئيسيتين والعديد من الجزر الصغيرة. رغم مساحتها المحدودة، تتمتع البلاد بتاريخ غني وثقافة متميزة، حيث كانت مستعمرة برتغالية حتى استقلالها عام 1975. الاقتصاد: بين الزراعة والطموح النفطي يعتمد اقتصاد ساو تومي وبرينسيبي بشكل رئيسي على الزراعة، حيث يشكل الكاكاو المنتج الأساسي للتصدير، إلى جانب جوز الهند والقهوة وزيت النخيل. رغم ذلك، فإن البلاد تواجه تحديات اقتصادية، حيث تعتمد على المساعدات الدولية بنسبة 75%، وقد استفادت من مبادرات تخفيف الديون الدولية. في السنوات الأخيرة، بدأت البلاد في استكشاف النفط في مياهها الإقليمية، مما يفتح آفاقًا جديدة للنمو الاقتصادي. كما تسعى الحكومة إلى تعزيز السياحة البيئية، مستفيدةً من طبيعة الجزر الخلابة والتنوع البيولوجي الفريد. المجتمع والثقافة: تنوع وتأثير برتغالي يبلغ عدد سكان ساو تومي وبرينسيبي حوالي 220 ألف نسمة، ويتحدثون البرتغالية كلغة رسمية، إلى جانب لغات محلية مثل الكريولو. يتميز المجتمع بتنوع ثقافي يعكس التأثير البرتغالي، حيث يظهر ذلك في الموسيقى، الفنون، والمطبخ المحلي الذي يعتمد على المأكولات البحرية والفواكه الاستوائية. رغم التحديات الاقتصادية، فإن البلاد تحافظ على نظام ديمقراطي مستقر، وتسعى إلى تحسين مستوى المعيشة عبر الإصلاحات الاقتصادية والاستثمار في التعليم والصحة. التحديات والفرص المستقبلية تواجه ساو تومي وبرينسيبي تحديات مثل البطالة، ضعف البنية التحتية، والاعتماد على المساعدات الخارجية، لكنها تمتلك فرصًا واعدة في الزراعة المستدامة، السياحة البيئية، واستكشاف النفط، مما قد يسهم في تعزيز اقتصادها وتحقيق التنمية المستدامة. São Tomé and Príncipe: The Island of Cocoa and Economic Development São Tomé and Príncipe is a small African nation located in the Gulf of Guinea, consisting of two main islands and several smaller ones. Despite its limited size, the country boasts a rich history and a unique culture, having been a Portuguese colony until gaining independence in 1975. Economy: Agriculture and Emerging Oil Prospects The economy of São Tomé and Príncipe is primarily based on agriculture, with cocoa being the main export product, alongside coconut, coffee, and palm oil. However, the country faces economic challenges, relying on international aid for about 75% of its budget, and benefiting from global debt relief initiatives. In recent years, São Tomé and Príncipe has begun exploring offshore oil reserves, opening new opportunities for economic growth. Additionally, the government is focusing on eco-tourism, leveraging the islands' stunning natural beauty and rich biodiversity to attract visitors. Society and Culture: Portuguese Influence and Local Traditions With a population of approximately 220,000 people, São Tomé and Príncipe's official language is Portuguese, alongside local languages such as Creole. The society reflects a blend of Portuguese heritage and African traditions, evident in its music, arts, and cuisine, which features seafood and tropical fruits. Despite economic difficulties, the country maintains a stable democratic system, striving to improve living standards through education, healthcare, and infrastructure development. Challenges and Future Prospects São Tomé and Príncipe faces obstacles such as unemployment, weak infrastructure, and dependency on foreign aid, yet it holds promising opportunities in sustainable agriculture, eco-tourism, and oil exploration, which could drive economic progress and long-term stability. Would you like to focus on a specific aspect, such as tourism or international relations?
Garb News
19-05-2025
- Business
- Garb News
EU Climate Pact Ambassador:
Ambassador Mostafa Sherbiny, EU Climate Pact Ambassador and Chair of the Scientific Chair for Sustainability and Carbon Footprint, stated that amidst the European Union's radical transformation towards a more just and sustainable economy, European companies are entering a critical phase of mandatory disclosure and stringent oversight with the entry into force of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). While major global investors and funders race to assess corporate performance based on transparency, governance, and compliance with ethical standards, a real threat looms over companies that conceal or manipulate their ties with entities involved in serious violations of international law — most notably companies of the Israeli occupation entity. Failure to disclose sources of supply or clients linked to the occupation economy is not just a blatant breach of disclosure standards but a deliberate deception that exposes such companies to severe regulatory penalties, exclusion from green markets, and simultaneous loss of investor and consumer trust. In this context, the EU Climate Pact Ambassador warns that European companies' disregard for these ethical and legal obligations poses a direct threat to their sustainability and reveals a structural weakness in their governance systems, potentially leading to both moral and financial collapse in global markets. With the CSRD now in effect, European companies are legally required to fully and transparently disclose all their activities and supply chains in accordance with unified European disclosure standards (ESRS). These standards were developed to align with the European Green Deal objectives and principles of environmental, social, and economic governance. This obligation extends beyond the environmental dimension to include ethical and social aspects, encompassing respect for human rights and relevant international standards, including United Nations resolutions, the International Court of Justice, and the Geneva Conventions relating to war and occupation. This places legal and ethical responsibility on European companies to disclose any direct or indirect relations with parties involved in serious human rights violations or accused of war crimes or crimes against humanity. In this context, European companies dealing with Israeli occupation companies or operating in occupied Palestinian territories must disclose the nature of these relationships and the extent of their compliance with international standards. This is especially crucial in light of increasing human rights reports documenting ethnic cleansing, systematic home demolitions, land razing, civilian killings, and the siege of millions of civilians. Such practices clearly violate the UN Charter, the Fourth Geneva Convention, and UN Security Council and General Assembly resolutions, meaning any company cooperating with this entity or benefiting from its products or services is at risk of being held accountable for complicity or indirect participation in these violations, with serious repercussions on its reputation and market sustainability. The ESRS standards require companies to analyze risks related to supply chains and clients, considering negative impacts on human rights and the environment as integral parts of the overall sustainability and governance assessment. Given the classification of the Israeli regime as an occupying force under international law, companies operating with or through it are required to disclose the nature of such relationships in their periodic reports according to ESRS S2 (value chain) and ESRS G1 (governance and ethical standards). Therefore, hiding these relationships or misrepresenting them exposes the company to penalties, fines, and loss of investor and consumer trust. The risks of dealing with the occupation go beyond ethical and legal dimensions to include financial and investment risks. Investors today are increasingly aware and committed to responsible investment and social responsibility principles. Hence, any company proven to be involved in unethical relationships with regimes or entities accused of crimes against humanity will likely be excluded from sustainable investment circles and lose financing opportunities from banks and international institutions adhering to environmental and social governance principles. It may also be barred from issuing green bonds or participating in regulatory markets tied to European sustainability mechanisms. From a governance perspective, dealing with Israeli occupation companies undermines the integrity of European companies' internal systems and raises serious questions about their actual commitment to transparency, responsibility, and accountability. The core values of good governance are based on strict adherence to international law and ethical standards governing corporate conduct towards society, the environment, and human rights. Ignoring this aspect constitutes a clear violation of governance principles and shakes stakeholder trust in the company. The European shift toward linking investment and sustainability performance with ethical values is gaining momentum, especially after the war on Gaza and increasing public and human rights pressure to boycott companies dealing with the occupation or contributing to its military or civil economy — whether directly through contracts or indirectly through imports from illegal settlements or reliance on technologies produced in occupied territories. Many European institutions have already begun reviewing their commercial relationships in response to these trends, indicating that the European market will gradually shift toward a more ethically disciplined and internationally compliant environment. The importance of disclosure within ESRS also lies in providing tangible tools to assess the social and human rights impacts of business operations across supply chains, ensuring companies adopt responsible and sustainable practices. Disclosure isn't merely about listing relationships but also includes risk analysis, mitigation planning, and evidence of respect for decent work principles, non-discrimination, equality, and the right to self-determination — all of which are violated daily in the occupied Palestinian territories by the occupying force. Thus, any commercial relationship in this context requires careful analysis and serious disclosure of these violations. Therefore, it is essential for European companies dealing with Israeli companies — whether through imports, operational dependence, or technology use — to provide detailed analysis demonstrating these companies' compliance with human rights principles, managing potential direct and indirect violation risks, and clarifying the nature and impact of such relationships on affected communities. This aligns with ESRS S3 (impacted communities in the value chain) and must include clear and convincing justifications proving the company's commitment to preserving human dignity and avoiding complicity in perpetuating or normalizing the occupation. Regulatory bodies in the EU and civil society must monitor and review sustainability reports submitted by companies and assess their compliance with full disclosure regarding trade relations that may violate ethical and legal principles. Parallel shadow reports should be submitted in cases of manipulation or concealment regarding relations with Israeli entities or institutions operating in occupied territories. This oversight role will enhance the credibility of the European disclosure system and prevent it from becoming a mere bureaucratic procedure that serves corporate interests at the expense of human and rights-based principles. European companies' full commitment to ESRS disclosure standards forms a cornerstone for achieving genuine sustainability with ethical, humanitarian, and legal dimensions. Sustainability cannot be achieved through commercial relationships that fund or legitimize occupation or facilitate its crimes against civilians. Nor can sound governance exist if based on concealment or normalization with regimes practicing apartheid, ethnic cleansing, and mass killings. Companies must understand that dealing with the Israeli entity is no longer just a commercial choice — it is an ethical test that determines their true adherence to the values they publicly endorse. Key Messages: 1. The EU Shift Toward Ethical Governance: The enforcement of the European CSRD directive and the ESRS standards marks a qualitative shift in corporate oversight regarding transparency, sustainability, and ethical compliance. 2. Warning Against Ignoring Ties with the Israeli Entity: Failure to disclose commercial relations with the occupation entity or companies operating in occupied territories constitutes a breach of disclosure standards and a serious act of deception that exposes European companies to sanctions and fines. 3. Legal and Ethical Responsibility: European companies are obligated to disclose their relationships with entities involved in human rights violations under ESRS standards — particularly ESRS S2 (Value Chain), ESRS G1 (Governance), and ESRS S3 (Affected Communities). 4. Collapse of Trust and Investment Implications: Investors and international banks are increasingly committed to ethical values, and any complicity or undisclosed relationship with the occupation threatens companies with exclusion from sustainable markets and the loss of green financing. 5. Role of Civil Society and Parallel Oversight: A call for civil society organizations to monitor the reports submitted by European companies and to provide "shadow reports" in cases of manipulation or concealment of the true nature of commercial ties. 6. Disclosure as an Ethical and Strategic Tool: Disclosure under the ESRS framework is not limited to transparency alone — it includes human rights impact analysis and the obligation to demonstrate how companies avoid harming human dignity or becoming complicit in supporting the occupation. Political and Ethical Messages: The article asserts that dealing with the occupation entity is no longer just an economic choice, but an ethical test. It directly links European legal compliance with corporate responsibility toward human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories. It aligns with a growing discourse in Europe that calls for connecting sustainability with international justice.
