Sudan’s Transitional Sovereignty Council Chairman Abdel Fattah al-Burhan urged developed countries Nov. 11 to double adaptation funding, saying access for developing nations should be fair and free from politics, Anadolu Agency reported.
His remarks came as heads of state and government began COP31’s high-level segment in Antalya, Türkiye, the agency said. Anadolu quoted al-Burhan saying climate-finance pledges should become “resources that developing countries can access fairly, quickly and easily.” He argued adaptation should also advance national development and strengthen the prospects for peace, security and justice.
Al-Burhan cited drought, floods, desertification, land degradation and water shortages among the pressures facing Sudan. He said declining crop and livestock production threatened food security and livelihoods.
He said exceptional circumstances in Sudan had compounded those climate challenges, citing effects on infrastructure, public services and institutions. Communities’ ability to cope with climate risks had also been affected, according to Anadolu’s account.
Al-Burhan urged governments to shape adaptation support around the needs and priorities of developing countries, particularly least-developed and conflict-affected nations. He also called for international cooperation that recognizes countries’ differing responsibilities and capacities.
Anadolu reported that fighting broke out in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. The agency cited the United Nations (UN) on the conflict’s effects: millions have been displaced, and people in some parts of Sudan face severely limited access to health care, shelter and safe water.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) estimates developing countries will need $305 billion annually for adaptation by 2035. International public adaptation finance from developed to developing countries was between $28.2 billion and $31.7 billion in 2024, according to UNEP. That estimate covers adaptation needs; COP29 set a separate, broader goal of at least $300 billion a year in climate finance for developing countries by 2035. An earlier EconoTimes report on developing countries’ adaptation needs covered the UNEP estimate.
The appeal adds to calls at COP31 for governments to turn climate-finance commitments into projects, including a separate push for delivery at the summit.
