COP26 South African Pavilion Roadshow Launch

Demonstrating government and business ambition and credibility, as well as positioning South Africa as an attractive low-carbon investment destination

Climate change is one of the biggest threats to our global economy and tackling it is also one of the world’s big economic opportunities. The 26th International Climate Change Conference (COP26), to be held in Glasgow, UK  in November 2021, will be a pivotal moment for governments and business across the globe to make ambitious commitments to tackle climate change and achieve a Just Transition. The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified calls for a green recovery and building back better.

In order to achieve a green recovery and greater economic competitiveness in the future, South Africa will have to develop not only robust net-zero plans but also position itself as preferred low-carbon and climate resilient investment destination in a manner that balances economic, social and environmental priorities.

South Africa’s key trade partners have already committed to deep carbon cuts. To access these new markets and capital, South Africa needs to position itself as a credible market. Backed by an enhanced country level contribution to global climate efforts, South Africa’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) will enable South Africa to access trade and finance opportunities fundamental to transitioning our economy and maintaining its competitiveness.

COP26 is an opportunity for government and business to jointly develop and affirm South Africa’s long-term commitments towards net-zero emissions by 2050 and a climate resilient future, underpinned by a Just Transition. South Africa’s transition is an opportunity to stimulate an economic recovery that is just: meaning that it reduces inequality, maintains and strengthens social cohesion, eradicates poverty, ensures participation in a new economy for all, and creates a socio-economic context which is resilient to the physical impacts of climate change.

The National Business Initiative (NBI) and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and Environment (DFFE) take pleasure in inviting NBI members to attend this COP26 South African Pavilion Roadshow Launch that will highlight how the business community can support South Africa’s presence at COP26 and partner to deliver a successful Pavilion that will demonstrate and promote South Africa as a low-carbon and climate resilient trade investment destination.

Please click here to register for this Zoom event.