Dubai, November 30, 2023: The vibrant city of Dubai is currently playing host to the prestigious COP28 (Conference of Parties), an international climate conference held from November 30 to December 12. This summit marks the culmination of the “global stocktake,” the first comprehensive assessment of global progress in implementing the 2015 Paris Agreement.
This year’s UN Climate Change Summit will assess each country’s progress for the first-time ever towards achieving the goals agreed upon at the 2015 Paris Agreement, one of which is to limit the global temperature rise to “well below 2 degrees Celsius, while aiming for 1.5 C.”
1. Global Leadership and Attendance: COP28 has brought together 160 leaders from various countries and industries, uniting on a common platform to address the pressing climate crisis. The primary focus is on formulating agreements to limit the rise in global temperatures to 1.5°C and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The conference anticipates the participation of over 70,000 delegates, including representatives from member states, business leaders, youth advocates, climate scientists, Indigenous Peoples, journalists, and a diverse array of experts and stakeholders. Notable figures such as King Charles and Dubai’s Ruler, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, grace the attendee list.
2. Diplomatic Absence: In a diplomatic twist, Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi declined attendance at COP28 due to the presence of Israeli President Isaac Herzog. This underscores the geopolitical complexities surrounding climate discussions.
3. Urgent Call for Action: During a pre-COP event, COP28 President Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, also the CEO of Abu Dhabi’s National Oil Co., addressed 100 delegates and 70 ministers. Dr. Al Jaber emphasized the crucial need for unity and multilateralism, urging urgent action to accelerate the global climate revolution. “We don’t have any time to waste. At COP28, every country and every company will be held to account, guided by the north star of keeping 1.5°C within reach,” he declared.
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4. Sustainable Practices: A distinctive feature of the 12-day conference is its commitment to sustainability. Delegates and attendees will be treated to a 1.5°C-aligned menu, aligning with the objective of making the conference carbon-neutral. This innovative approach ensures that participants can enjoy meals while adhering to an individual “carbon budget” of 2.3kCO2e per day.
5. Action Agenda and Inclusive Approach: The UAE takes a leading role in steering a clear roadmap for global energy transition, following the COP28 Presidency’s Action Agenda. This agenda focuses on fast-tracking the energy transition, addressing climate finance challenges, prioritizing people, lives, and livelihoods, all underpinned by a commitment to full inclusivity.
As COP28 unfolds, it stands as a crucial milestone in the global effort to combat climate change, with Dubai serving as the nexus for impactful discussions and decisive actions.