The 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) will be hosted by the UAE in November 2023. COP28 is a yearly conference that brings together world leaders and heads of state to discuss challenges facing the environment. This conference presents opportunities for international change-makers to explore and create solutions to better the Earth’s future.
COP28 will specifically focus on addressing climate change across four key areas: mitigation, adaptation, finance, and loss and damage.
Commitment to Climate Action
As frequently communicated by Ambassador Al Otaiba, the UAE has a deep-rooted appreciation for protecting and preserving the environment. This appreciation has driven the UAE to make strides in recent years, taking action by advancing renewable and clean energy technologies, supporting sustainable agriculture and protecting endangered habitats and animals.
Climate action collaboration between the UAE and US has been particularly fruitful as the countries have launched various initiatives and partnerships together, including Mission Innovation, the Partnership for Accelerating Clean Energy (PACE) and the Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate (AIM for Climate.) These, along with various other projects, have positioned the UAE as a leader and key partner for tackling worldwide climate challenges, and contributed to the country earning the bid to host COP28.
To learn more on the UAE’s commitment to climate action and the environment, visit the UAE Embassy website.
Preparing for COP28
As the conference date approaches, the UAE has begun setting the stage for conversations. Most recently, John Kerry, the US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, convened a meeting at the White House alongside UAE Climate Envoy and COP28 President Designate H.E. Sultan Al Jaber. Also in attendance were Emirati Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi, among other UAE and US officials.
The meeting primarily focused on the need to evolve the multilateral development of the banking systems to allow for more financial contributions to climate action. During his visit to Washington, DC, H.E. Sultan Al Jaber also emphasized the important role the energy industry must play in solving climate change.
In the months leading up to COP28, Emiratis and UAE organizations will continue to prepare for both the event as well as the outcomes and official decisions that are bound to result. Read more about the UAE’s preparations for COP28.