Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, COP28 UAE President-Designate, emphasized the need to mobilize resources and partnerships toward a bold and transformative approach to climate action.
His remarks came during the World Sustainable Development Summit hosted by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) in New Delhi.
Al Jaber reaffirmed the UAE’s unwavering commitment to the Paris Agreement goal of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius but stressed that progress was far from what was needed.
“Let me make one thing absolutely clear: the goal of keeping 1.5 alive is non-negotiable. It is also clear that business as usual won’t get us there. We need a paradigm shift in our approach to mitigation, adaptation, finance, and loss and damage.”
Acknowledging the need to support those impacted by climate change, he also pointed to the need to boost support for adaptation, and to embrace nature-based solutions.
“On adaptation, COP28 must conclude the Global Goal on Adaptation, and finalize agreement around doubling adaptation finance. TERI has been at the forefront of pushing for this goal, which will help protect vulnerable communities across the Global South. Adaptation also means preserving ALL life on earth, protecting biodiversity, natural ecosystems, and endangered species. As a nation, and as the COP28 Presidency, we share India’s firm belief that safeguarding and respecting nature is a fundamental obligation. The UAE has always embedded environmental protection, respect for nature, and climate action into our development strategy,” state news agency WAM cited Al Jaber as saying.
The COP28 President-Designate emphasised that the step change in the climate progress needed cannot happen without accessible and affordable capital, noting that trillions, not billions, are required.
“A key enabler will be the reform of the International Financial Institutions and Multilateral Development Banks. We must mobilise much more concessional finance to unlock more private sector capital and target investments where they are needed most. As such, scaling and accelerating climate finance will be one of the key goals of the COP28 Presidency, and we will rally all relevant parties in an effort to get it done.”
Dr. Al Jaber expressed that progressive climate action represents an immense opportunity for the world: “An opportunity to create millions of jobs and invent new sectors, businesses, and industries. In fact, it will create the greatest leap in human development and prosperity since the first industrial revolution.”
“Let’s ensure that progress is truly inclusive… that no-one is left behind. Let’s keep 1.5 alive, while putting an end to energy and water poverty. Let’s unite around climate action that carries humanity forward. And let’s prove that you can be pro-climate and pro-growth at the same time.
“In the months to come, myself and the COP28 team, will continue to listen, consult, and engage with everyone. Everyone from civil society, Indigenous peoples, the private sector, governments, women, and youth," he added.
“Let’s unite everyone around a COP of action and a COP for all. Let’s remember that the world makes progress through partnership, not polarization."
“And let’s follow TERI’s motto: ‘the best way to predict the future is to create it.’ So, let’s get to work and create a sustainable future together.”
