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AHMED MURAD (CAIRO) - The 28th session of the Conference of the Parties United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) conference, hosted by the United Arab Emirates from November 30 to December 12, is a significant event that will gather over 70,000 high-level participants to discuss environmental and climate issues. This event will bring global attention to the UAE as it strives to provide the necessary atmosphere and facilities for the success of this global conference.
COP28 represents a new start for international climate action, which will contribute to enhancing the UAE’s position and consolidate its regional and international leadership in environmental and climate work.
Jamal Bayoumi, former Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs of Egypt, believes that the conference is one of the most important global conferences in the last decade. It represents a new global start for international climate action, drawing the world’s attention to the UAE, the host country of the conference, which is expected to witness a large attendance from around the world, Bayoumi said.
The Egyptian diplomat told Aletihad that the UAE is keen on providing a suitable atmosphere and capabilities to ensure the success of the conference and achieve a qualitative leap in international climate action that contributes to saving our planet and protecting humans from the repercussions of climate change. The world looks at the UAE with appreciation and respect, and therefore the conference represents an “added value” to the country’s external status, the diplomat said.
By hosting the COP28 Climate Conference, the UAE aims to achieve the highest climate ambitions and enhance sustainable economic and social development, ensuring a bright outlook for future generations. This makes it the most important global climate change-related conference that will foster pioneering initiatives to facilitate consensus among the concerned parties.
Bayoumi expressed his confidence in the UAE’s ability to host COP28 in a manner fitting to its reputation and distinguished international stature. This achievement will be added to its ongoing foreign policy successes and accomplishments, which has made Abu Dhabi one of the most important Arab and global capitals. Abu Dhabi plays positive and effective roles on the regional and international stages, which is appreciated by global powers and international community organisations that strive to consult and coordinate continuously with the UAE on various issues.
In turn, the Vice President of the Arab Centre for Political Studies and Strategy in Cairo, Dr. Mukhtar Ghobashi, praised the active role played by Emirati diplomacy in preparations for organising COP28.
He told Aletihad that the world is now following the significant efforts being made in preparation for hosting the conference, with the goal of achieving global consensus on serious and actionable solutions to face climate change consequences.
In June, 13 world leaders pledged in a joint statement to support climate action at COP28. The statement was issued by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, US President Joe Biden, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President Charles Michel, Kenyan President William Ruto, Senegalese President Macky Sall, and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Ghobashi mentioned that the UAE’s focus on major global issues, such as environment and climate, has earned it a prestigious regional and international standing. It has become one of the most influential countries both regionally and globally, and is highly respected by the majority of the world’s nations.
On the other hand, climate change and sustainable development expert Dr. El-Sayed Sabry explained that the ramifications and impacts of climate change affect all countries and pose a direct threat to global water and food security. This increases the value and importance of the conference.
Sabry told Aletihad that COP28 is associated with important regional and international movements aimed at achieving impactful results and recommendations in regards to international climate action. This contributes to enhancing the UAE’s regional and international standing and leadership in environmental and climate action.
