UN climate chief warns of harassment at Cop27

A United Nations chief has reminded Cop27 delegates of the importance of “harassment-free sessions” at the climate summit in Egypt.

Simon Stiell, the United Nations executive secretary on climate change, said in a message on the official conference app that he wanted to draw attention to the organization’s code of conduct at meetings.

“Harassment-free sessions can only be achieved if we all act consciously and create a safe space where this doesn’t happen,” he said.

“There is a process in place to investigate reported cases and consequences if reported cases are found to have substance.”

It was unclear whether Mr Stiell’s message was a response to a specific grievance raised at the conference or a routine reminder of the United Nations Code of Conduct.

The Independent has asked the UN for comment.

UN conferences, meetings and events should be “professional, respectful and inclusive and provide a harassment-free environment for all participants,” according to the organization’s code of conduct.

Harassment in any form, including sexual harassment, will not be tolerated, it said.

This year’s conference, held in Sharm El-Sheikh, kicked off on November 6 and will last through Friday, with world leaders seeking to build on commitments set out in the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement to tackle global warming to limit to 1.5 °C by the end of 2015 per century, if possible.

But scientists say that with about 1.2°C of warming already achieved, that target is likely to be missed.

On Tuesday, Ugandan climate activist Vanessa Nakate slammed world leaders for insisting on backing new fossil fuel projects despite warnings from scientists it will push temperatures across the planet to dangerous levels.

“The focus of many leaders is on making deals for fossil fuel lobbyists, surviving the next election cycle and reaping as much short-term profit as possible,” Ms Nakate said at an event on the sidelines of the summit.