IPCC Review: this morning the InterAcademy Council (IAC) released its independent review of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (commissioned by the SG & IPCC Chair in March). In the press conference, the Chair of the IAC said “Overall, in our judgment, IPCC’s assessment process has been a success and serves society well”, though stronger enforcement of review procedures should be utilized to reduce errors. Among recommendations made, the IAC suggested that the IPCC elect a small Executive Committee, including members from outside the climate community, so that “year-round decision-making authority” could be maintained. Rajendra Pachauri, Chair of IPCC, also spoke to the press in a briefing this morning following the review’s release, in which he affirmed “Science has confirmed that climate change is real”, and noted that the IPCC would review the IAC’s recommendations at its October plenary. In response, the SG issued a statement welcoming the review and reiterating that “the fundamental science on climate change remains sound”.
SG travels: tomorrow the SG leaves for a week-long trip to Liechtenstein and Austria. While in Austria he will deliver opening remarks at a Conference on Corruption hosted by the International Anti-Corruption Academy, address the European Forum 2010, make remarks at the upcoming Security Council retreat (on the implementation of Res 1325 on women, peace and security) and host an annual retreat for senior UN officials.
Pakistan flooding: today UNICEF ED Lake arrives in Pakistan to tour the area and assess UNICEF’s assistance while WFP ED Sheeran is scheduled in arrive tomorrow as part of a fact-finding mission to evaluate WFP’s assistance and operations and ensure coordination with Pakistani authorities. UNESCO’s DG Bokova is also scheduled to visit Pakistan tomorrow, where she will meet with the Prime Minister and other high-level officials to discuss ways that UNESCO can support national rescue and relief efforts. To date, WFP has reached over 2.5 million people with food and will begin delivering 1,500 metric tons of rice per day this week. It still needs 40 helicopters to move relief items to isolated areas, as well as 30 cargo flights to move nutritional supplements into Pakistan over the next 2 months. OCHA has received $291 million in commitments and an additional $21 million in pledges for the $459 million appeal launched earlier this month.