With programmes such as "UAE Net Zero" by 2050, the UAE aims to achieve net zero emissions through economic development

UAE, a leader in environmental innovation and host of COP28

La bandera ondea sobre un barco en la Marina de Dubái, Emiratos Árabes Unidos- PHOTO/REUTERS
photo_camera PHOTO/REUTERS - The flag flies over a ship in the Dubai Marina, United Arab Emirates.

The COP28 Climate Summit will take place from 30 November to 12 December in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) is an official global event under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. 

Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and COP28 President Sultan al-Jaber said: "The upcoming sessions in Bonn are critical to shaping meaningful, pragmatic and impactful outcomes at COP28. As incoming Presidency, we will ensure a fair, inclusive and transparent Presidency that provides space for all Parties to reach consensus on the entire agenda. That includes making climate finance more available, accessible and affordable; doubling adaptation finance; operationalising the loss and damage fund; tripling global renewable energy capacity by 2030; and putting youth, nature and health at the heart of climate progress. We express our full support to the Chairs of the Subsidiary Bodies and call on all Parties to ensure that we make as much progress as possible on all tracks. Our aim is to build on the outcome of SB58 to achieve a balanced and ambitious outcome in the UAE this December". 

The UAE's record of commitment to climate action begins in 1989 with its ratification of the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer, among the first Arab countries to do so. In 1995 it joined the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and in 2015 it joined the Paris Agreement. The UAE has experience in organising and hosting events related to climate change and the environment, in 2019 it organised the Abu Dhabi Climate Meeting, and hosted the UAE Regional Dialogue for Climate Action in 2021. 

Climática.

PHOTO/WAM - La ministra de Cambio Climático y Medio Ambiente,  de los Emiratos Árabes Unidos Mariam bint Mohamed Almheiri
PHOTO/WAM - United Arab Emirates Minister of Climate Change and Environment Mariam bint Mohamed Almheiri

Minister of Climate Change and Environment Mariam Almheiri said, "This year, we are taking on a tremendous responsibility of global leadership as hosts of COP28. This is a significant honour for such a young nation". She comments that it is also a testament to the global community's confidence in the wise leadership that the UAE can provide on the international stage. "I have held several diplomatic meetings in Washington, D.C. From my conversations, it was clear that the Emirati spirit has resonated deeply and is helping to fuel a growing sense that at COP28 UAE can deliver a 'COP of Action' and a 'COP for all', explicitly for climate vulnerable countries," the Minister explained. She also highlighted the interest and involvement of Emirati President Mohamed bin Zayed in COP28 and his responsibility to make a positive mark on the world.  

Through multilateral platforms such as COP28, the UAE will continue to increase its ambition for the environment, and focus on climate action as a huge opportunity for economic and social progress. The UAE will also share its best practices and lessons learned with other countries, especially developing nations, and support them in their transition to a low-carbon future. 

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