This year will mark a momentous occasion for the United Arab Emirates as it takes on the esteemed role of hosting the 28th session of the Conference of Parties (COP 28) to the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change). From November 30, 2023, to December 12, 2023, the UAE will be at the center of global discussions on crucial environmental matters, setting the stage for a historic gathering.
Notably, COP 28 will coincide with the UAE national day on December 2, further adding to the significance of this moment. With over 80,000 delegates, including 140 heads of state and government, converging at the event, decisions that hold the key to vital environmental actions will be contemplated and taken. The remarkable Dubai Expo City has been chosen as the venue for COP28, symbolizing the shared aspirations of sustainability and fostering international collaboration in addressing pressing global challenges, objectives that both COP 28 and Expo 2020 Dubai hold in common.
If all goes according to plan, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is on its way to becoming the second Middle Eastern country to host a session of the Conference of Parties (COP), following Egypt’s lead. This decision was reached by the UNFCCC after the UAE garnered unanimous support from the Asia-Pacific group during COP 26 in Glasgow, Scotland, in 2021.
COP28, as per global reports, carries immense environmental expectations and is poised to deliver significant resolutions in the fight against climate change.
COP, also known as the Conference of Parties, stands as the highest authority for decision-making within the UNFCCC. The UNFCCC was established to address the escalating threat of climate change, with its inception dating back to the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, commonly referred to as the Rio Summit or Earth Summit, held in 1992. The Secretariat of the UNFCCC is based in Bonn, Germany.
The presidency and venue of the COP sessions rotate among the five recognized regions of the United Nations, namely the Caribbean, Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Central, Eastern, and Western Europe. The inaugural COP meeting took place in Berlin, Germany, in March 1995, and these sessions are typically held on an annual basis unless otherwise decided by the participating Parties.
Since its inaugural conference in Berlin, the Conference of Parties (COP) has yielded notable achievements. Patricia Espinosa, the Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change, highlighted the sustainable outcomes of COP 26 during the ministerial dialogue at OLADE energy week. The following outcomes were emphasized:
The Paris Agreement is a global treaty aimed at combating climate change by legally binding all participating parties to limit the rise in global temperatures to below 1.5 degrees Celsius. It was established during the 21st Conference of Parties (COP 21) held in Paris in 2015,
COP 28 refers to the 28th session of the Conference of Parties, an annual gathering aimed at discussing and finding solutions to address climate change. This upcoming event will be hosted by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at Dubai Expo City from November 30 to December 12, 2023. The thirteen-day program will commence on Thursday and conclude on Tuesday.
The upcoming COP 28 in November 2023 will involve several tangible actions, including the following:
The choice of the UAE as the host for COP 28 highlights the country’s dedication to transitioning its economy towards clean and renewable energy sources, embracing technological advancements, and implementing climate-smart solutions. The conference will primarily concentrate on demonstrating the economic benefits of inclusive climate action.
The UAE views the opportunity to host COP 28 as a privilege and recognition of its long-standing commitment to environmental initiatives spanning over three decades. As early as 1989, the country ratified the Vienna Convention for the protection of the Ozone layer, signaling its determination to combat climate change. Subsequently, in 1995, it became a member of the UNFCCC and ratified the Kyoto Protocol in 2005.
The UAE has implemented and advocated for several environmentally friendly initiatives, including:
The decision of the UNFCCC was met with appreciation by various representatives of the UAE government. Reflecting on the legacy of Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, emphasized that COP 28 should be a ‘solutions COP,’ offering viable solutions to the challenging global issues of our time.
Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, the Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Special Envoy for Climate Change, emphasized the importance of inclusivity at COP 28. He expressed that representatives from all sectors, including public and private, developed and developing nations, as well as academics and civilians, should have the opportunity to express their opinions and concerns. The UAE believes in the principle that ‘partnership promotes progress,’ and this philosophy should be evident throughout COP 28.
Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, the Minister of Climate Change and Environment, highlighted COP 28 as a crucial platform for comprehending the global implications of climate change on both planetary and economic scales. She emphasized that the UAE’s approach of considering challenges as opportunities has paved the way for a sustainable future for future generations. COP 28 presents an opportunity to share insights on this approach, and she expressed her desire to increase youth participation in the conference proceedings.
Comprising 31 experts from diverse countries across six continents, the COP28 UAE Advisory Committee is a distinguished group of individuals well-versed in the field of climate change. Representing a wide range of sectors including policy, industry, energy, finance, civil society, youth, and humanitarian action, these committee members will serve as trusted advisors to the COP Presidency. Their role encompasses providing valuable guidance and counsel in preparation for COP28 and beyond.
The Advisory Committee exemplifies the core principles of diversity and inclusivity that lie at the heart of COP28 UAE. With a significant 65% of its members originating from the Global South, the committee ensures a broad spectrum of perspectives and experiences. Its principal objective is to foster collaboration and spearhead transformative action in critical domains such as adaptation, mitigation, finance, loss and damage, food and agriculture, and nature-based solutions.
The COP 28 summit in the UAE comprises two distinct zones for different participants.
Managed by UNFCCC, the Blue Zone serves as the main site for all parties involved, including heads of state, ministers, negotiators, accredited observer organizations (NGOs, IGNOs, and UN agencies), media, and other leaders.
The Green Zone is designated for the general public, youth organizations, civil society, indigenous groups, and the private sector. This area provides a blend of entertainment, culture, and business. Within the Green Zone, three exhibition areas—the Decarbonization Hub, the Technology and Innovation Hub, and the Knowledge Hub—offer businesses the opportunity to showcase their ideas. The primary aim of the Green Zone is to foster dialogue, raise awareness, and encourage commitment to climate action.
To secure pavilions for COP 28, the application portal for expressions of interest opened on May 10, 2023, and will close on June 15, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. (GMT+4).
Interested delegations looking to secure a pavilion during COP 28 can visit https://www.cop28.com/en/blue-zone-eoi for detailed information and to submit their applications, as announced by the UNFCCC.
Observer organizations, including NGOs and IGOs, should register their representatives for each conference using the Online Registration System (ORS). Information on the admission process for NGOs and IGOs can be found on the official UNFCCC website. Once registered, representatives can attend any session or meeting of the UNFCCC.
In order to ensure the active involvement and meaningful participation of young individuals in climate-related decision-making processes, the International Youth Climate Delegate Programme (International YCDP) will include 100 youth delegates in international climate policy negotiations. While giving priority to small island developing states (SIDS) and least developed countries (LDCS), the programme welcomes youth from all regions. Eligible participants should be between the ages of 18 and 35.
A selection committee, led by YOUNGO, the Official Children and Youth Constituency of the UNFCCC, has been assigned the responsibility of shortlisting the candidates. The chosen delegates will have the opportunity to:
The UAE’s commitment to environmental initiatives, such as transitioning to clean energy sources and implementing climate-smart solutions, makes it an ideal host for this important gathering. The conference aims to deliver significant resolutions in the fight against climate change and promote international collaboration in sustainability efforts.
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