Berlin: Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE) Minister Willie Aucamp has issued a call to reframe the narrative surrounding climate action in developing economies. Aucamp attended the 17th Petersberg Climate Dialogue held in Berlin, Germany, earlier this week.

According to South African Government News Agency, discussions focused on identifying opportunities for international cooperation and accelerating a shift to climate-neutral economies, based on three key areas, namely: mitigation, climate finance, and how the multilateral climate regime can accelerate implementation. The high-level dialogue, held on 21-22 April 2026, served as a strategic convening point to discuss concrete ways to address the climate crisis and strengthen confidence in multilateral climate negotiations ahead of COP31 in Trkiye and the African COP32 next year.

Aucamp reiterated South Africa’s commitment to meeting targets set by the Paris Agreement and the nation’s own Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). The Minister highlighted that developing economies contribute less in terms of emissions but are significantly affected by climate change, stressing the need for mutually beneficial investment opportunities in green technology and innovation.

The discussions underscored three key areas: mitigation, reducing and closing the gap to 1.5 degrees Celsius; climate finance, including operationalisation of the New Collective Quantified Goal on finance for adaptation finance; and accelerating implementation for mitigation, adaptation, and addressing loss and damage due to climate change. Aucamp emphasized the importance of transitioning talks towards implementation and tangible financial instruments that benefit developing economies.

While attending the dialogue, Aucamp engaged in bilateral engagements with international figures in the climate change space. He highlighted the unique socioeconomic dynamics that impact efforts to curb climate change and fast-track adaptation efforts, using the recent flood devastation in South Africa, particularly in Kruger National Park, as an example. He requested support for the Kruger Recovery Fund during these discussions.