Liechtenstein: “Failure to act against climate change is not an option”

Climate change and environmental degradation have a profound effect on vulnerable communities around the world.

Following one and a half year of implementation of the ICRC’s Climate and Environment Transition Fund (CETF), the roundtable wished to showcase the potential impact of philanthropic giving and the power of cross-sectoral partnerships to help strengthen the ability of people affected by conflict to build their resilience to climate shocks.

H.R.H. Princess Hereditary Sophie von und zu Liechtenstein, President of the Liechtenstein Red Cross opened the conference, stressing the role the ICRC is playing in the fight against climate change: “With the introduction of the CETF last year, the ICRC has not only demonstrated its commitment but has also taken on a significant role in countries affected by conflicts.”

Currently, 14 out of the 25 countries considered to be most vulnerable to climate change are affected by armed conflict, and people living in these settings face a double burden of climate vulnerability and fragility.

“The challenge is huge – but for the future of our planet and all our people, failure to act is not an option,” stated in response Robert Mardini, ICRC’s director-general.

The roundtable discussions were an opportunity to:

• Share best practices for driving sustainability and climate agendas within private and humanitarian organizations.
• Create opportunities for partners to connect and create synergies within the Principality of Liechtenstein’s philanthropic and private sectors to strengthen climate action globally and in fragile settings.
• Hear an update on progress achieved by the ICRC, the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and other actors in accelerating climate action.
• Ask private actors to back climate action in fragile settings at this critical juncture and ensure rising needs are met.

The panel included high-level representatives from the world of finance, philanthropy, sustainable development, and the humanitarian landscape, including:
– H. S. H. Prince Max von und zu Liechtenstein, Chairman and CEO of LGT Group
– Dr. Maximilian Martin, Global Head of Philanthropy of Lombard Odier Group
– Ruth Ospelt-Niepelt, President of SDG Alliance Liechtenstein
– Robert Mardini, Director General of the International Committee of the Red Cross
– Catalina Jaime, Head of Climate and Conflict at the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Center