MASERU, Lesotho (BG) — United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, addressing Lesotho’s Parliament on Thursday, called for immediate and significant actions to deliver climate justice, particularly for African nations disproportionately affected by climate change.

Speaking during his visit to commemorate Lesotho’s bicentenary, Guterres highlighted the continent’s minimal contribution to global emissions—less than 4%—while bearing the brunt of climate impacts, including extreme weather, soil erosion, and declining agricultural productivity.

“Africa must not be forced to choose between economic development and climate action,” Guterres said, emphasizing the continent’s untapped renewable energy potential, including solar, wind, and hydropower, as a transformative solution.

Call for Financial and Technological Support

The Secretary-General criticized the global climate financing system, noting that Africa receives only a fraction of the resources needed to address its climate challenges.

“Africa is paying twice for a crisis it did not cause,” he said, urging developed nations to meet commitments to double adaptation finance to at least $40 billion by next year and deliver the promised $300 billion annually for climate finance.

He also underscored the urgency of operationalizing the Loss and Damage Fund established at COP28, describing the current financial pledges as grossly inadequate.

“The amount pledged corresponds to the sum of the 10 annual salaries of the ten most well-paid football players in the world,” Guterres remarked, calling for swift and substantial contributions from developed nations.

Lesotho as a Model for Resilience

Highlighting Lesotho’s renewable energy initiatives, Guterres praised the Lesotho Highlands Water Project as a model of regional cooperation and climate-resilient development. He also reaffirmed the UN’s support for the Kingdom’s sustainable development goals, including investments in clean energy and climate adaptation.

A Shared Vision for Justice

Guterres tied the call for climate justice to broader themes of global equity, urging reforms to international financial systems to better serve vulnerable nations.

“We need solidarity and justice in action, not just words,” he said, adding that Africa’s leadership and perspective must guide these reforms.

As Lesotho celebrates its bicentenary, Guterres reminded parliamentarians of their critical role in advancing sustainable policies, championing good governance, and securing a better future for all.

“From the challenges of today, a new era of hope and equality can be born,” he concluded.

The Secretary-General’s visit to Lesotho is part of his Southern Africa tour, which also includes discussions on multilateral reforms and regional development with leaders in neighboring countries.