World invited to attend COP28 in the UAE this November
Expo City Dubai is the site of the world’s largest annual climate summit
The COP28 UAE presidency, which is hosting COP28 – the world’s largest yearly climate summit – in Dubai, UAE, is urging the world to head to the Arabian Gulf nation as it prepares to make transformational and practical progress in addressing the climate crisis.
The 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is scheduled from November 30 to December 12, 2023, at Expo City Dubai, the former site of Expo 2020 Dubai.
Pivotal role
COP28 is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of international climate action.
The globally significant summit, scheduled at purpose-built Expo City Dubai, is expected to bring together 70,000+ participants, including world leaders, representatives from the private sector, NGOs, indigenous peoples, and young activists.
Dr Sultan Al Jaber, COP28 President-Designate, said: “Eight years after the Paris Climate Agreement, it is time to reignite hope through unity and action.
“The countdown to COP28 has begun, marking a pivotal moment to shape our shared future.”
COP28, set to feature the first-ever global stocktake to gauge progress towards the goals outlined in the Paris Agreement from COP21, is seen as a crucial moment as the world is falling off track in its climate efforts.
Spearheading change
To remedy this situation and steer the course in the right direction, the COP28 presidency has expressed its commitment to achieving negotiated outcomes and implementing a practical action agenda.
This collective action aims to translate pledges and promises into concrete steps to tackle the climate crisis.
Four pillars
The COP28 presidency has laid out four essential pillars to achieve this necessary course correction.
These pillars included expediting a just, orderly, and equitable energy transition, addressing climate finance issues, prioritising the welfare of people, lives, and livelihoods, and ensuring total inclusivity in all efforts.
COP28, hosted in the UAE, aims to convene global stakeholders to offer practical solutions within these critical pillars to unite the world and keep the 1.5°C target within reach.
As the countdown to COP28 has reached the double-digit point, the world is at a critical juncture for the planet.
As the host nation of COP28, the UAE has pledged to lead a collaborative effort to establish a clear roadmap for accelerating progress toward a just, orderly, and equitable global energy transition while adopting a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to inclusive climate action.
Youth emphasis
The COP28 presidency has placed particular emphasis on the vital role young people could play in addressing the climate crisis.
To empower young people in the UAE, the COP28 Youth Climate Champion, in collaboration with the COP28 presidency and the UAE Ministry of Culture and Youth, has launched the first cohort of the UAE Youth Climate Delegates Programme.
This initiative aims to bring young voices to the forefront of international climate decision-making.
COY18 importance
A pivotal moment for youth worldwide will be the 18th edition of the Conference of Youth (COY18), held at the Expo City Dubai site in November, ahead of COP28.
As COP28 approaches, Dr Al Jaber underlined: “This is a unique time for Emirati society, in all its rich diversity, to welcome the world to our nation and present our heritage of sustainability.
“We hope everyone can unite and enjoy the vibrant exchange of cultures and learning ahead,” he added.
Featured image (L-R) Dr Sultan Al Jaber, COP28 President-Designate and António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, at a meeting at the UN headquarters in New York City. Image: COP28
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Last Updated on 9 months by Arnold Pinto
