mphasizing the emptiness of promises regarding carbon emission reductions. The latest data shows an increase in emissions, and the natural events of this year clearly indicate that climate change is taking a dangerous turn.
Below is the full text of Mr. Rama’s speech in Baku at COP29:
I decided to put aside my prepared speech because, since yesterday, I’ve been watching the silent screens of televisions in the leaders’ lounge, where the organizers had thoughtfully placed green plants over the comfortable couches.
People there eat, drink, meet, and take photos together. Meanwhile, silent clips of leaders’ speeches continue to run endlessly in the background.
To me, this seems like exactly what’s happening in the real world every day.
Life goes on with its old habits, and our speeches, full of good words about fighting climate change, do nothing to change the status quo. Worse still, as the UN Secretary-General pointed out yesterday, carbon emissions have actually increased this year, from the COP last year to this one. Instead of decreasing, targets are once again being postponed in a world that is increasingly confused and deeply divided.
I come here from a small country in the heart of Europe, Albania, where we are proud to produce 100% of our energy from renewable sources. But what does it mean for the future of the world if the biggest polluters continue with business as usual?!
God forbid I lecture anyone, since after all, we are used to being lectured, not lecturing others. But what I am asking is: What on earth are we doing at these meetings, one after another, if there’s no real political will to move beyond words and unite for meaningful action? And what is even worse, some major and minor players have even boycotted this annual event.
What does this say?
For a long time, we Albanians lived under the curse of a cruel history that left us isolated, without any individual rights, without freedom of movement, and without hope for the future. Yet now, we are fortunate to be part of the European Union, and for the first time in our history, freedoms, individual rights, dreams, and hopes are part of our lives. But what’s happening in Europe and the world today leaves little room for optimism, even though optimism is the only way of survival we know as Albanians.
While my silent image appears on the screens in the beautiful lounge behind this room, I want to end by sharing a story from Enes bin Malik, may Allah be pleased with him (and just so you know, I am Catholic), who narrated that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “If the Day of Judgment arrives, and one of you has a sapling in his hand, if he is able to plant it before that moment comes, then let him plant it.”
