Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD) - The 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) is shaping up to be one of the biggest and most important international gatherings of the year, attracting the world’s attention to the UAE’s Expo City Dubai, where the conference will be held from November 30 to December 12.
As the largest decision-making summit on climate issues, more than 70,000 people are expected to participate in COP28, including heads of state, who are expected to work towards making tangible progress in negotiations between the Parties and delegations, along with thousands of NGOs, private sector companies, youth representatives, government entities, and others.
The crucial conference strives to unite global efforts towards effective climate action and solutions, requiring cooperation between civil society, governments, industries, and all economic sectors. The COP28 conference events will take place in two main areas, dubbed the “Blue Zone” and the “Green Zone”, along with a plethora of special “Discovery Hubs” and other areas for attendees to interact with special topics that intersect with climate efforts, such as finance, technology, and the youth.
Blue Zone
The Blue Zone is managed by the Secretariat of the United Nations (UN) Framework Convention on Climate Change, and its entry is open to all parties to the Convention and delegations with accredited observer status. The Blue Zone is designated exclusively for world leaders and accredited representatives of the 198 Parties to the Convention, UN staff, international governmental organisations, non-governmental organisations, and accredited media representatives.
There is no maximum limit for the number of accredited representatives of the parties. However, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change sets a specific quota for the number of accredited observers. This conference area is set to host the official negotiations throughout the two weeks of the conference, along with the Global Climate Action Summit, the Global Climate Action Centre, country pavilions, special events by the COP28 Presidency, and hundreds of side events including panel discussions, dialogue sessions, and cultural events.
Green Zone
Managed by the COP28 Presidency of the UAE, the Green Zone, unlike the Blue Zone, serves as an open platform for non-accredited participants, including youth groups, civil society institutions, non-governmental organisations, the private sector, and indigenous peoples’ groups.
This zone is open for participants to present their views, enhance dialogue, and raise awareness about climate action. The Green Zone hosts events aligned with the specialised topics schedule, including conferences, panel discussions, and presentations.
In this area, there will be a Youth Centre aimed at conducting discussions and promoting communication and joint action to find youth-led solutions to climate change.
Additionally, the zone’s Civil Society Centre will host presentations, activities, and discussions on the role of civil society in finding solutions to climate change. The Green Zone will also organise artistic and cultural programmes that highlight the challenges and solutions of climate change through various artistic mediums.
There will also be three centres dedicated to sponsors and partners, showcasing their ideas, solutions, and innovations. Discovery HubsDedicated hubs across Expo City Dubai will give interested individuals opportunities to be inspired, learn, develop new skills, and collaborate to create and accelerate climate solutions.
Energy Transition Hub
The Energy Transition Hub will serve as a place for connecting, collaborating, and sharing insights, strategies, and solutions to combat climate change. It will provide a platform for leaders and innovators to showcase their sustainability plans and create strategic partnerships that accelerate progress toward net zero.
Knowledge Hub
This Discovery Hub will be a platform to bring together NGOs, UAE government ministries, local government entities, and their partners. It will offer thematic experiences focused on the most important climate challenges and solutions, along with a relaxed networking area with ample seating and grab-and-go food and drink options.
Climate Finance Hub
This Hub serves as the centre of COP28’s transformative mission, hosting key players of the financial industry. It will be a dynamic space for discussions and commitments on topics like carbon markets, green capital, global finance, energy transition pathways, and a just and fair transition for emerging markets and developing economies. Interactions in this Hub are intended to help chart the course towards a greener, more resilient future, as global finance is redefined through a new framework for lasting impact.
Technology & Innovation Hub
This Hub provides a space for cutting-edge technologies and progressive thinking to converge with the goal of creating innovative solutions aimed at tackling climate change and keeping 1.5°C within reach. It will act as a catalyst and help enable governments, businesses, and civil society to collaborate and leverage climate technologies to address the most pressing issues.
Startup Village
The Startup Village is a dedicated space within the Tech and Innovation Hub, featuring over 100 climate tech startups. This village will be open to the public, allowing visitors to engage with startups and learn about the latest climate technologies.
Humanitarian Hub
The Humanitarian Hub is intended to raise awareness about the humanitarian impacts of the climate crisis and inspire action to address climate-related risks. Curated and operated by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) on behalf of the Inter Agency Standing Committee (IASC), the hub will feature initiatives from diverse partners and stakeholders, with a focus on smaller and local organisations, civil society groups, and representatives of affected communities.
Youth Hub
This Hub will provide an inclusive, safe space for young people to host events, share and debate ideas, and explore climate change solutions from a youth lens. Curated and operated in partnership with the Youth Climate Champions and in collaboration with the Federal Youth Authority, it will be a one-stop-shop for networking, relaxation, and hosting cultural activities.
Greening Education Pavilion
In partnership with the Ministry of Education, the Greening Education Pavilion - also known as Earth, Legacy for the Land of Zayed - will bring together government officials, policymakers, experts, students, educators, schools, universities, and public and private entities.
Attendees will discuss, learn, and share knowledge on climate education, guided by the Greening Education Partnership Framework.
