Excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen,  

The convergence of biodiversity, climate, land, and development goals is not only a practical necessity; it is a strategic opportunity. The World Economic Forum ranked the top global economic risks over the next decade, which lists extreme weather events first, followed by biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse, critical changes to Earth systems, and shortages of natural resources. Our collective response to these planetary risks needs to similarly connect these key development issues.  

Through our new Strategic Plan 2026-2029, UNDP has reaffirmed dedication to the goals of the three Rio Conventions, placing “Healthy Planet” as an independent objective which will only be achieved through integrated offers that simultaneously achieve globally agreed goals on climate, biodiversity, and land degradation. This will build on UNDP’s flagship initiatives—the Climate Promise and the Nature Pledge—which work across 150 developing countries.  

With this new vision in mind, UNDP made submissions to the UNCBD and UNFCCC with our views regarding a joint work programme for the Rio Conventions, as a dedicated mechanism for Parties and observers to facilitate the identification and operationalization of synergies, - particularly for aligning incentives for financial mechanisms and funds,- and avoid redundancies and proliferation of siloed frameworks, strategies, and reporting mechanisms.  

UNDP’s approach to synergies is three-pronged:  

• It starts with a coherent policy framework across climate and biodiversity, linked to the global conventions
• It is underpinned by alignment in financial flows
• It results in integrated solutions on the ground for communities and societies  

On policy coherence, through the Climate Promise, out of 100 countries supported to deliver their 2035 NDCs:  

• 38 submitted NDC 3.0 to date make reference to targets in the NBSAPs explicitly. At least 72 identify nature-based solutions, biodiversity, and ecosystems measures.
• At least 18 submitted NDCs 3.0, refer to UNCCD and the climate linkages with land degradation.
• UNDP also supports 67 countries to deliver NBSAPs, the majority of which include targets on climate adaptation and mitigation.  

On Finance:  

• In line with the Report on the Roadmap from Baku to Belem for the 1.3T recommendation on “thematic action fronts”, related to strengthening integrated country-led frameworks and platforms, UNDP supports over 85 countries with Integrated National Financing Frameworks (INFFs)—positioned as a key mechanism for aligning finance with NDCs, NBSAPs, and SDGs to deliver them simultaneously. Across 20 countries, these processes have already explicitly incorporated NDCs.
• Based on this, at the recent 4th Financing for Development Conference, we launched the Sevilla Platform for Action on “Integrated Finance for Development, Climate and Nature” aimed to elevate global advocacy and generate knowledge on the economic opportunities of linking climate, nature, and development policy and finance.  

Finally, implementation of integrated solutions is essential for a sustainable future. Portfolios must ensure the active participation of all stakeholders, including women, youth, Indigenous Peoples and local communities.  

• The Tropical Forests Forever Facility, for example, presents a one-of-a-kind opportunity to address climate, land degradation and biodiversity threats, while ensuring front-line communities, including Indigenous Peoples are protected and compensated. UNDP is proud to play a strategic role as part of the TFFF design, particularly through support to negotiations and mobilizing tropical forest country engagement.  

To close, at the request of the Secretary General, and working in collaboration with COP30 Presidency and NDC Partnership, UNDP is developing a framework of support to accelerate NDC implementation called Climate Promise: Forward. The synergistic approach to deliver solutions to the planetary crises will remain central to this all-of-UN initiative.  

I thank you.