The theme of this year’s edition was: “Fulfilling the Promise of Paris”, and the meetings were chaired by German Minister for the Environment Svenja Schulze and Chilean Minister for the Environment Carolina Schmidt. The talks focused primarily on how the global climate objectives and goals could be achieved.

Thanks to the adoption of the so-called Katowice Rulebook, the framework for implementing all the measures are almost ready. After several decades of negotiations, the global community has largely worked out the framework needed to act and monitor the impact of these actions, said Vice-Minister Mazurek.

Each year, the Dialogue provides an opportunity for open discussions and debates. Ministers from 35 countries, which signed the Paris Agreement, were invited to this year's meeting. The event also gives countries an opportunity to better understand their expectations, needs and possible limitations.

Standards of living cannot be improved by aggressive economic growth. The essence of the established principles is a transition from the existing emission reduction system to common rules for all countries, with certain leniency for those who need it, Vice-Minister Sławomir Mazurek underlined in his statement.

During COP24 in Katowice, we highlighted two sectors – forests and electromobility – by proposing appropriate ministerial declaration and a partnership. We believe that they can constitute a significant contribution to our joint efforts to improve our climate, said the Vice-Minister.

During these regular meetings, countries can also jointly identify climate challenges faced by the world, as well as provide effective responses through a common and coherent climate protection agenda. This year's Dialogue focused on issues pertaining to financing, implementation and improvement of national climate objectives.

However, talks alone will not be enough to curb climate change; the only solution is for all countries to take action, in line with the motto of COP24: Changing Together, Vice-Minister summed up.

About the Petersberg Climate Dialogue

The Petersberg Climate Dialogue is a recurring event, taking place between climate summits. The first Petersberg Climate Dialogue (PCD) meeting was held in 2010, following the Copenhagen Climate Summit in 2009. The PCD meetings are high-level events for discussion and exchange of views between the Parties to the Climate Convention. The theme of this year’s 10th Dialogue was “Fulfilling the Promise of Paris.”