UAE Prepares to Host COP28 with Effective Solutions to Climate Change

FM Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed during a virtual conference for the Higher Committee overseeing preparations to host COP28 on September 13, 2022. (WAM)
FM Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed during a virtual conference for the Higher Committee overseeing preparations to host COP28 on September 13, 2022. (WAM)
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UAE Prepares to Host COP28 with Effective Solutions to Climate Change

FM Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed during a virtual conference for the Higher Committee overseeing preparations to host COP28 on September 13, 2022. (WAM)
FM Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed during a virtual conference for the Higher Committee overseeing preparations to host COP28 on September 13, 2022. (WAM)

United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan stressed on Tuesday that his country would lead an ambitious, inclusive and solutions-oriented approach in the 2023 global climate summit.

Sheikh Abdullah, who is also the Chairman of the Higher Committee overseeing preparations to host the 28th session of the conference of the parties (COP28), said the UAE will cooperate closely with Egypt to support momentum for greater climate progress.

Egypt will host the COP27 United Nations Climate Change Conference in the Red Sea resort of Sharm El-Sheikh in November.

Sheikh Abdullah made the remarks during the Committee’s fourth meeting, which tackled all strategic, technical and administrative elements related to the summit.

COP 28 UAE will be particularly significant, as it will include the first Global Stocktake since the 2015 Paris Agreement, a comprehensive report card assessing progress against key global climate goals.

“The United Arab Emirates will apply its experience as a trusted global convener to ensure COP 28 UAE reflects the voices of all relevant stakeholders to achieve global consensus for practical climate progress,” said the FM.

The UAE will also leverage its track record as a clean tech innovator to deliver solutions for truly sustainable development that maximizes social and economic benefits for all, Sheikh Abdullah added.

Topics to dominate the agenda in Egypt include efforts to mitigate climate change, adapt to climate impacts, and the need for increased climate finance and clarity on loss and damage, the UAE official news agency WAM reported.

Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed al-Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, UAE Special Envoy for Climate Change, and Vice Chairman of the COP28 UAE Higher Committee, said the UAE’s leadership has directed the country’s delegation to COP27 to support the Egyptian presidency and build on their efforts for accelerated implementation.

The UAE has always maintained that progressive climate action has the potential to create new industries, new skills and long lasting, sustainable economic growth, he remarked.

He stressed that serving as the bridge between the global north and south, the UAE will also continue to support and emphasize the need to protect vulnerable countries and fragile communities.

In line with the UAE’s commitment to inclusive representation and engagement, the Committee also emphasized that the UAE delegation at COP27 and its entire approach to COP28 would include participants from the public and private sectors, as well as women, youth, and underrepresented communities.



Conference in Kuwait Warns of Growing Influence of Extremist Groups in Conflict Zones

The High-Level International Conference on “Strengthening International Counter-Terrorism Cooperation and Building Agile Border Security Mechanisms – The Kuwait Phase of the Dushanbe Process” kicked off in Kuwait on Monday. (KUNA)
The High-Level International Conference on “Strengthening International Counter-Terrorism Cooperation and Building Agile Border Security Mechanisms – The Kuwait Phase of the Dushanbe Process” kicked off in Kuwait on Monday. (KUNA)
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Conference in Kuwait Warns of Growing Influence of Extremist Groups in Conflict Zones

The High-Level International Conference on “Strengthening International Counter-Terrorism Cooperation and Building Agile Border Security Mechanisms – The Kuwait Phase of the Dushanbe Process” kicked off in Kuwait on Monday. (KUNA)
The High-Level International Conference on “Strengthening International Counter-Terrorism Cooperation and Building Agile Border Security Mechanisms – The Kuwait Phase of the Dushanbe Process” kicked off in Kuwait on Monday. (KUNA)

Kuwait reiterated its commitment to working with the international community to tackle the growing threat of terrorism, highlighting the importance of strengthening global cooperation in this fight.

Meanwhile, the UN’s Counter-Terrorism Representative warned that the number of deaths from terrorist attacks is on the rise, with the latest Global Terrorism Index showing a 22% increase in fatalities in 2023.

Vladimir Voronkov, Under-Secretary-General of the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism, cautioned that conflict zones could become breeding grounds for terrorist groups like ISIS and al-Qaeda.

He spoke at the High-Level International Conference on “Strengthening International Counter-Terrorism Cooperation and Building Agile Border Security Mechanisms – The Kuwait Phase of the Dushanbe Process” that began in Kuwait on Monday.

Kuwaiti Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al Sabah said: “We expect this phase of the Dushanbe Process to strengthen international efforts aimed at creating a secure and stable future for all.”

“Terrorism knows no borders and does not distinguish between countries or religions,” he noted.

The conference will conclude its work Tuesday, with the adoption of the “Kuwait Declaration” which will reflect the discussions and opinions of the participants and will serve as a guiding document for efforts to combat terrorism.

The Crown Prince urged collective action against terrorism and emphasized the need for unity in facing this challenge. He stressed that terrorism and violent extremism are not linked to any religion, culture, or ethnic group.

He also highlighted the critical role of the UN’s Counter-Terrorism Program and the UN Counter-Terrorism Center in boosting border security, providing member states with the necessary expertise to develop comprehensive strategies that integrate counter-terrorism measures.

This approach is vital for effectively addressing emerging threats at borders.

At the conference's opening session, Voronkov stressed that international cooperation in fighting terrorism should guide all parties toward effective coordination and collaboration to secure their countries and prevent terrorist movements across borders.

Voronkov pointed out that the global security situation is changing, with terrorists exploiting border vulnerabilities. Recent reports show that more than 40% of violent incidents and 10% of deaths from political violence occur within 100 kilometers of land borders.

He specifically noted the growing terrorist presence in coastal West African countries like Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, and Togo, mentioning that violent incidents in border areas have surged by 250% over the past two years.

He also highlighted that the latest Global Terrorism Index indicates a 22% rise in global terrorism-related deaths in 2023, reaching 8,352—the highest number since 2017.

Voronkov cautioned that the travel routes used by groups like ISIS and al-Qaeda pose significant risks, especially in conflict-affected regions like the Sahel, where they can recruit and move individuals across poorly secured borders.