Today's Edition
Abu Dhabi (Aletihad) - “The UAE is a country of opportunities, cooperation, and positive action. We are ready to host the largest international conference to find solutions for the climate challenges facing our planet,” said President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, immediately after the Secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in November 2021 announced that the UAE would host the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP28).
This event is considered the most important and largest international conference for climate action, featuring the participation of world leaders and heads of state. “Finding solutions to the climate challenges facing planet Earth”, is the conference’s main goal, as defined by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed.
This goal differentiates COP28, scheduled to be held in Expo City Dubai from November 30 to December 12, from previous sessions, as this conference marks a transitional stage from words and planning into tangible actions.
The UAE received the endorsement of the Asia-Pacific Group to host the 2023 session of the Conference of the Parties after two weeks of intensive activities, involving about 200 countries, towards joint action on limiting global greenhouse gas emissions and unifying efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Upon the announcement, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, said: “We are pleased with the selection by the Secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change for the UAE to host the COP28 in 2023, especially as this choice coincides with our preparations to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of the UAE. We affirm our continued commitment to supporting the international community’s efforts to intensify cooperation to reduce the impact of climate change and the challenges it causes.”
His Highness added: “The late Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God bless his soul, was keen on protecting the environment, and his approach has been a source of motivation and an inspiration for the progress we have made environmentally and in developing and diversifying the economy over the past 50 years. This legacy will remain a beacon for us in our endeavours to ensure the well-being of the generations of today and tomorrow.”
He continued: “We strive to make COP28 a forum for solutions, and I am confident that our young and open country, through its profound experience, will be able to push for practical solutions to the most pressing global challenges.”
Sheikh Abdullah said that the UAE’s strategic initiative to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 reflects the country’s firm commitment to supporting climate action, noting that its numerous investments and partnerships around the world demonstrate its determination to support other countries in facing the challenges of climate change.
Saving the Planet
In a few days, the UAE will host COP28, thanks to the visionary leadership and commitment to sustainable development established by the Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
The milestone event reflects the world’s appreciation for the UAE’s positive contributions to climate action. It comes in recognition that the time has come to take ambitious climate action to save the planet, through a bold plan focused on real progress, and transforming challenges into opportunities for economic growth, with support from the international community.
