LDC Ministers adopt Dili Declaration, set priorities for COP31 – EnviroNews

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Ministers and representatives from the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) on Thursday, September 3, 2026, in Dili, Timor-Leste, convened for the LDC Group on Climate Change High-Level Ministerial Meeting to prepare for COP31, UNFCCC.

The ministerial meeting was held in the wake of the unprecedented climate induced flood triggered by a glacier rock avalanche in Nepal, with loss of human life and damage to infrastructure. This event is a stark reminder of why the LDC Group exists – to fight for the over a billion people living in communities in LDCs on the frontline of climate impacts, whom we represent.

The meeting closed with the adoption of the Dili LDC Group Ministerial Declaration on Climate Change, which lays out key priorities for the LDC Group.

In the Declaration LDC Ministers called  for COP31 to deliver ambition through urgent mitigation action, particularly from major emitters, to keep 1.5°C within reach; accelerate implementation of the NDCs and NAPs backed by adequate means of implementation through substantially scaled up predictable, accessible and grant based climate finance; operationalizing the Global Goal on Adaptation, resources channeled to averting, minimising and addressing loss and damage, and advancing just and equitable transition that recognizes the development and energy access needs of LDCs.

Marcos Da Cruz, Minister, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Forestry of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, said: “Our Strategy and Ministerial Meeting over the last three days has reinforced one clear message: LDCs cannot afford another year of promises without delivery. We are leaving Dili more united and with clear political direction for COP31. Finance must reach our countries. Adaptation must be scaled up and implemented. Loss and damage must be addressed. And those with the greatest responsibility and capacity must lead with deeper and fast emissions cuts to keep the world on track to 1.5°C. For LDCs, this is about our lives, livelihoods and our future. COP31 must respond with the urgency that reality demands.”

Reflecting on the meeting Ambassador Adão Soares Barbosa, Chair of the LDC Group, said: “The Dili LDC Ministerial Declaration is a clear expression of the unity and determination of the Least Developed Countries. We have set out what COP31 must deliver for those on the frontlines of the climate crisis: a shift to implementation is important, but implementing current pledges alone is not enough—ambition, implementation and support must increase together to match the scale of our needs. LDCs have shown leadership despite contributing the least to this crisis. We now expect the international community to show the same courage, solidarity and commitment.” 

The UNEP Limiting Overshoot report released on Wednesday emphasises what LDCs have long warned: every fraction of a degree and every year above 1.5°C matters. Overshoot cannot become a new normal or an excuse for delayed action. For LDCs, higher and prolonged overshoot means greater adaptation needs, increasing limits to adaptation, and mounting irreversible loss and damage.

The report therefore strengthens the case for immediate and sustained emissions reductions this decade, including a rapid transition to renewable energy systems, alongside scaled-up adaptation and support for loss and damage. COP31 must translate this science into action.