Lord Mayor of the City of London, Nicholas Lyons, called for unity and resolve in tackling climate change and urged that any conversation on the global transition to net-zero must include China, the world’s second largest economy and biggest producer of carbon emissions, at an annual gathering of top-level diplomats at the Mansion House.

Speaking at the Easter Banquet alongside the Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly, the Lord Mayor commended the City for being at the forefront of developing green finance solutions that will help countries meet their climate commitments and highlighted the Net-Zero Delivery Summit being held on 24 May which will look to turn the commitments made by the global financial sector at COP27 into action ahead of COP28.

The annual Easter Banquet will bring together Ambassadors, High Commissioners and high-level political figures. Keynote speeches on foreign policy will also be delivered by Foreign Secretary James Cleverly.

An extract from the Lord Mayor’s speech is found below.

 “One area where we must work together is the fight against climate change.

“I’m pleased to say the City is at the forefront of developing green finance solutions that will help countries meet their climate commitments.

“And we’re the only place that leads both conventional and green financial centre rankings.

“I was pleased to take part in climate-focused discussions at the World Economic Forum and make sustainable finance a key theme of trips to the Gulf, Australia and India.

“In the words of writer Wendell Berry, “the earth is what we all have in common”.

“So, any discussion on climate change must include China: the world’s second largest economy and biggest producer of carbon emissions.

“Next month I’ll host the Net Zero Delivery Summit an event focused squarely on delivery, which provides an opportunity to take stock of progress since COP27 and look forward to COP28.

“I hope to see many of your nations represented.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk