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.
