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COP28 Higher Committee meets to discuss climate summit

In the ‘Green Zone’, there were over 500,000 visits with people attending numerous events hosted by the Presidency and partners…reports Asian Lite News

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the Higher Committee for COP28 UAE, convened members to discuss the implementation of the UAE Consensus, delivery on commitments and pledges and to ensure continuity of the UAE’s legacy.

During the meeting, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed stated, “COP28 was a historic event and with the UAE Consensus and through the Action Agenda we delivered a groundbreaking text that offers tangible, actionable solutions to climate change. We can’t lose momentum. We need to carry this promise into action.”

“When the UAE took on the Presidency of COP28, our goal was clear; we wanted to host a COP that was game-changing, inspirational and transformative. We aimed to fulfil past commitments and set new ambitions, achieving this through building trust and the UAE’s dedication. There is no doubt that the COP28 Presidency did this and showed the world that the UAE is a place where people can come together and unite around a common goal,” he said.

Sheikh Abdullah lauded the legacy of the Founding Father the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in preserving the environment, from which the COP28 presidency inspired its vision and followed in its footsteps.

He also expressed his appreciation to all participants in the conference from the federal, national and private sectors for their contributions and positive cooperation.

The UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs also thanked the members of the Higher Committee, noting that COP28 set a new global standard that strengthens the UAE’s ability to host and manage the most important international conferences with the highest levels of excellence.

During the meeting, Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Deputy Chairman of the Committee, and President of the COP28 emphasised that the historic success of COP28 was the result of the forward-looking vision of the UAE’s leadership and its firm commitment to building a sustainable future for the country and the world.

He also thanked Sheikh Abdullah for his guidance, diligence and follow-up and highlighted that the success of COP28 was a result of the leadership’s unwavering commitment to a sustainable future, the outstanding work of the Higher committee members and the whole national effort that helped produce a historic, global event.

He praised Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the Education and Human Resources Council and Chairperson of the Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation (SHF), for her role in supervising the preparations and arrangements for hosting the conference and providing a unique experience for visitors.

The committee, under her leadership, took all necessary supportive measures to achieve the high standards expected from the world, implementing innovative plans for construction and logistics design that empowered all participants to unite efforts, work together, and achieve success.

He also commended the role of the Media Committee of the conference, led by Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, which highlighted the UAE’s experience in future planning, economic development, and building a qualitative model for sustainable development.

He also praised the distinguished role and commendable efforts of the Protocol Committee headed by Mohammed Abdullah Al Junaibi, and the Security and Operations Committee headed by Talal Belhoul Al Falasi.

The COP28 UAE Higher Committee, comprising ministers and government officials representing all sectors, has worked collaboratively to coordinate nationwide efforts and deliver a successful climate summit.

Over the past year, committee members received regular updates on the vision for COP28, including detailed information on accommodation, logistics, protocol, security, and event management–critical elements that delivered a world-class experience.

Over the two weeks of COP28, around 85,000 people attended various events in the ‘Blue Zone’ – 156 Heads of State and Government, 22 leaders of international organisations, over 780 ministers, 500 mayors, over 50,000 students and thousands of other key stakeholders, including parliamentarians, youth, businesses, philanthropies, civil society, and Indigenous Peoples.

In the ‘Green Zone’, there were over 500,000 visits with people attending numerous events hosted by the Presidency and partners.

At COP28, through the UAE Consensus, global leaders agreed an unprecedented commitment to transition away from fossil fuels “in an orderly and equitable manner”, alongside a goal to triple renewable energy and capacity and double energy efficiency by 2030.

Leaders also agreed to an aim to reduce methane and other non-CO2 gases, end deforestation by 2030 and ensure that all future COPs have a Youth Climate Champion.

During the summit world leaders created, operationalised and began to capitalise the Loss and Damage Fund, which will help climate vulnerable countries adapt to the impacts of climate change and has secured USD 792million in pledges to date.

These outcomes, which were politically negotiated, were matched with an Action Agenda, that engaged global leaders, business leaders, civil society, youth and Indigenous Peoples. As part of this agenda over 52 oil and gas companies, representing 40 percent of production, endorsed the ‘Oil and Gas Charter’ which will see them target net zero emissions by 2030.

The agenda saw USD 85 billion pledged in new financial commitments – which includes the launch of the UAE’s ALTERRA Fund, the world’s largest catalytic private investor. The fund was launched with USD 30 billion in funding and will seek to mobilise USD 250 billion to drive positive climate action globally.

The agenda also delivered significant outcomes on adaptation, including pledges from 159 countries on food and agriculture and on climate and health, endorsed by 144 countries – these declarations were the first of their kind.

In addition, a pledge on renewables and energy efficiency was endorsed by 132 countries. In total eleven pledges and declarations were launched and received historic reports which will galvanize practical adaptive and mitigating responses to climate changes and protect the most vulnerable.

The COP28 Presidency continues its focus on the implementation of the UAE Consensus, delivery on commitments and pledges and to ensure continuity of the UAE’s legacy. (ANI/WAM)

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US pledges $3 bn for Green Climate Fund

The latest pledge would be additional to another $2 billion previously delivered by the US…reports Asian Lite News

The United States has pledged $3 billion to the Green Climate Fund, Vice President Kamala Harris said in Dubai at the UN COP28 climate summit.

The fund, with more than $20 billion in pledges, is the largest international fund dedicated to supporting climate action in developing countries.

The latest pledge would be additional to another $2 billion previously delivered by the US.

Sources said the pledge was subject to the availability of funds. The politically divided U.S. Congress needs to authorize the funding. Harris announced the pledge in her address to the summit.

“Today I am also proud to announce a new $3 billion pledge to the Green Climate Fund which helps developing countries invest in resilience, clean energy, and nature-based solutions,” she said.

The fund’s facilitators said in October that the current second round of replenishments had brought in about $9.3 billion in pledges to fund projects in climate-vulnerable counties between 2024 and 2027.

Even so, pledges so far represent a fraction of roughly $250 billion that developing countries would need every year by 2030 just to adapt to a warmer world, according to the United Nations. In addition to supporting climate adaptation, the fund also finances projects to help countries shift to clean energy.

Harris, who was representing the US at COP28 in place of President Joe Biden, was part of a US delegation that also includes climate envoy John Kerry and dozens of senior administration officials and cabinet members.

“It was important for both the president and vice president to ensure that a leader from the United States was at COP,” an official said, adding that Harris wanted to “make sure we are telling the world the story of progress that we have made in the US.”

Meanwhile, physicians, activists and country representatives at this year’s COP28 U.N. climate summit in Dubai have called for greater global efforts to protect people from the increasing health and safety risks posed by climate change.

With global temperatures set to continue climbing for decades, experts say countries will need to boost funding for healthcare as heatwaves become more dangerous and diseases like malaria and cholera spread.

Climate-related impacts “have become one of the greatest threats to human health in the 21st century”, COP28 President Sultan Ahmed Al-Jaber said in a statement.

Late on Saturday, 123 of the nearly 200 countries gathered at COP28 signed a declaration acknowledging their responsibility to keep people safe. The declaration made no mention of fossil fuels, the main source of climate-warming emissions.

Thanks to climate change, cases of malnutrition, malaria, diarrhoea and heat stress are already on the rise in some regions.

A small group of physicians in white coats and climate activists held a small demonstration within the COP28 compound to raise awareness of the issue on Sunday.

“We are in a lot of trouble,” said Joseph Vipond, an emergency physician from Alberta, Canada. He recalled the case of a child dying from an asthma attack made worse by smoke inhalation from Western Canada’s record wildfires this year. “This is having real world impacts.”

Climate change is also increasing the frequency of dangerous storms and more erratic rainfall.

In September Storm Daniel killed more than 11,000 people in Libya, and last year’s massive flooding in Pakistan fueled a 400% increase in malaria cases across the country, according to the World Health Organization.

Governments and philanthropic bodies are expected later on Sunday to announce new financing for climate-related health issues.

The World Bank on Sunday launched a new Climate and Health program to explore possible interventions and public health solutions for developing countries.

Ten of the world’s top development banks including the World Bank also said on Sunday they would work together to help countries track climate impacts, including public health risks, and to identify investment opportunities and priorities.

In a statement, the banks said the window of opportunity to secure a liveable planet was “rapidly closing”.

Microsoft co-founder turned philanthropist Bill Gates said scientists were working on new treatments for and prevention of mosquito-spread malaria as the rise in temperatures creates more hospitable habitat for the insects to breed.

“We have new tools at the lab level that decimate mosquito populations,” said Gates, whose foundation supports public health research and projects for the developing world.

“These new innovations give us a chance, at a reasonable cost, to make progress.”

Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also spoke on Sunday at COP28, urging reform to the world’s insurance system as another key requirement to keep people safe.

“Right now insurance companies are pulling out of so many places, they’re not insuring homes, they’re not insuring businesses,” Clinton said, addressing a panel on women and climate resiliency 

ALSO READ: UN Honours Climate Champions at COP28

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COP28: Over 120 Nations Back Climate and Health Declaration

The COP28 Presidency joined with the World Health Organization to announce the declaration to accelerate actions to protect people’s health from growing climate impacts.

Over 120 countries backed the COP28 UAE Declaration on Climate and Health on Saturday, delivering a breakthrough moment for health in climate talks.

The COP28 Presidency joined with the World Health Organization to announce the declaration to accelerate actions to protect people’s health from growing climate impacts.The declaration was announced at the World Climate Action Summit, where world leaders have gathered for the start of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai.Signed by 123 countries, the declaration is announced one day ahead of the first ever Health Day at a COP and marks a world first in acknowledging the need for governments to protect communities and prepare healthcare systems to cope with climate-related health impacts such as extreme heat, air pollution and infectious diseases.The declaration was developed with the support of a number of ‘country champions’, including Brazil, Malawi, the UK, the US, the Netherlands, Kenya, Fiji, India, Egypt, Sierra Leone, and Germany.This joint action comes as annual deaths from polluted air hit almost nine million and as 189 million people are exposed to extreme weather-related events each year.”The impacts of climate change are already at our door. They have become one of the greatest threats to human health in the 21st century. Governments have now rightly recognized health as a crucial element of climate action,” said COP28 President Sultan Al Jaber.He continued “the declaration sends a strong signal that we must reduce global emissions and work together to strengthen our health systems”.”The climate crisis is a health crisis, but for too long, health has been a footnote in climate discussions,” said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, World Health Organization.”The WHO thanks the UAE for making health a key priority in its COP28 Presidency, and welcomes this declaration, which emphasises the need to build climate-resilient and low-carbon health systems, to protect the health of both planet and people.”Climate change is increasingly impacting the health and wellbeing of our communities,” said Lazarus Chakwera, President of Malawi — one of the first countries to endorse the declaration. “Malawi has experienced these impacts first-hand –extreme weather events have displaced tens of thousands of our citizens and sparked infectious disease outbreaks that have killed thousands more. This year, at COP28, we are calling for a bolder path forward that prioritizes investments in health and wellbeing, ensures a just transition away from fossil fuels, and creates a healthier future for all of us.”The declaration covers a range of action areas at the nexus of climate and health, including building more climate-resilient health systems, strengthening cross-sectoral collaboration to reduce emissions and maximize the health benefits of climate action, and increasing finance for climate and health solutions.Signatories have also committed to incorporate health targets in their national climate plans and improve international collaboration to address the health risks of climate change, including at future COPs.

ALSO READ: UAE, Malaysia Advance Deal On 10GW Clean Energy Projects

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India Met Emission Target 11 Years Ago: PM Modi at COP28

UAE President H.H. Sheikh Mohamed, UN SG Antonio Guterres and Indian PM Narendra Modi pose for a photo at the COP28 venue in Expo City Dubai, UAE.

Modi, partaking in a group photo with global leaders at COP28, thanked for ongoing support on climate justice, finance, and green credit in his Hindi address….reports Asian Lite News

Emphasizing the necessity for climate action grounded in equality, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared on Friday that India had met emission intensity-related goals 11 years earlier.

Speaking at the inaugural session of a high-level segment of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai, Modi said, “India aims to reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 45 per cent by 2030. We have decided to increase the share of non-fossil fuels to 50 per cent.”

“Today, India has presented an excellent example of the balance between ecology and economy before the world. Despite India being home to 17 per cent of the world’s population, its contribution to global carbon emissions is less than 4 per cent. India is one of the few economies which is on the path to meet NDC (Nationally Determined Contribution) targets.

“India is committed to the UN Framework for Climate Change process, and that is why, from this stage, I propose to host the COP33 summit in India in 2028,” Modi said.

Modi, who also participated in group photo session with other world leaders at the COP28 summit, in his address in Hindi expressed gratitude for the continuous support to issues like climate justice, climate finance and green credit raised by him.

Earlier, Modi was received at the venue of the COP28 summit by UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

During the summit, Modi met UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron and former Britain Prime Minister Tony Blair and admired their passion to work towards sustainable development.

Interacting with Ethiopia Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali on the sidelines of COP28, Modi wrote on X, “India values the longstanding friendship with Ethiopia, a relationship enriched by strong mutual cooperation.”

The two-week United Nations Climate Change Conference opened on Thursday with a resounding call to accelerate collective climate action.

The conference is taking place in what is already known to be the hottest year ever recorded in human history, as the impacts of climate crisis wreak unprecedented havoc on human life and livelihoods around the world.

COP28 in Dubai from November 30 to December 12 is a decisive moment to act on climate commitments and prevent the worst impacts of climate change.

The UAE has the Presidency for COP28, with Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, as this year’s President.

This year’s COP marks the conclusion of the “global stocktake”, the first assessment of global progress in implementing the 2015 Paris Agreement.

The findings are stark: The world is not on track to limiting temperature rise to 1.5-degree Celsius by the end of this century.

It does recognise that countries are developing plans for a net-zero future, and the shift to clean energy is gathering speed, but it makes clear that the transition is nowhere near fast enough yet to limit warming within the current ambitions.

ALSO READ: ‘India, UAE to Drive Global Climate Discourse’

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World Unites in Dubai

More than 180 heads of state and government from around the world are attending the event….reports Asian Lite News

The 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) kicked off yesterday at the Expo City Dubai. More than 180 heads of state and government from around the world are attending the event. The conference will continue until December 12.

COP28 is the largest global climate event ever hosted by the UAE. There have been a record number of attendance requests for both the Blue Zone and Green Zone, with up to 500,000 participants expected. Over 97,000 people are registered for the Blue Zone and 400,000 for the Green Zone.

These participants include government ministers, representatives from non-governmental organisations (NGOs), the private sector, indigenous peoples, and youth. All are coming together to reshape global climate action.

ALSO READ: ‘UAE Determined to Unite World at COP28’

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US President Biden to Skip COP28 in Dubai

Despite Biden’s absence, COP28 anticipates significant global advocacy for an unprecedented agreement to phase out carbon-emitting coal, oil, and gas…reports Asian Lute News

US President Joe Biden will not attend the COP28 gathering of world leaders in Dubai this week, as confirmed by a US official on Sunday. The decision, reported earlier by The New York Times, reflects uncertainties due to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and the intensification of his presidential campaign in January.

The White House released Biden’s Thursday schedule, revealing prior commitments such as a bilateral meeting with President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço of the Republic of Angola and attendance at the National Tree Lighting event. These conflicting engagements influenced his choice to skip COP28 in Dubai.

Despite Biden’s absence, COP28 anticipates significant global advocacy for an unprecedented agreement to phase out carbon-emitting coal, oil, and gas. The absence of the US President, who participated in previous COP summits since 2021, underscores the challenges in balancing international commitments amid pressing domestic and global concerns.

Hosted by the United Arab Emirates, a major oil and gas producer, the event expects participation from numerous world leaders, senior ministers, and officials representing 198 nations, along with around 70,000 delegates. The Dubai gathering marks the largest annual COP held within the 1992 UN convention on climate change framework.

Taking place at Expo City Dubai from 30th November to 12th December, COP28 will is expected to witness many announcements on realistic and inclusive solutions to the global climate crisis, from just energy transition paths to climate finance and adaptation.

With the Summit starting this week, Power Shift Africa has published a report that issues a call for decisive and unprecedented action to combat the escalating climate crisis.

With 2023 poised to be the hottest year ever recorded, the UN Secretary-General declared that this year marks the end of global warming and the onset of global boiling. This urgency is magnified in Africa where there has been drought in the Horn of Africa, causing unprecedented death and suffering, in a continent least responsible for the climate crisis.

Even the most polluting nations are not immune to the climate crisis, with recent floods in New York and Dubai serving as a stark reminder that mere words and pledges won’t thwart the destructive power of the climate crisis. As COP28 is beginning on November 30, the big question is; Will this summit step up and provide an unprecedented response to the global climate crisis?

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COY18: Global Youth Unite For Climate Advocacy

Conference of Youth kicks off in Dubai ahead of COP28. H.E. Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri: “Young people are the future generations and agents of change and sharing your stories and your innovative ideas for climate change solutions is vital.”…reports Asian Lite News

More than 1000 of young people from across the world on Sunday gathered for the Conference of Youth (COY18) in Dubai to amplify their voices as they advocate for climate change.

The 18th edition of the COY18, which is running at EXPO City Dubai until November 28, is being held in the lead-up to the United Nations Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP28).

In her keynote speech, Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment said the UAE has always believed in the power of youths and has taken the lead in training and up-skilling children and youth activists about so they can be helpful in climate change action.

“Young people are the future generations and agents of change and sharing your stories and your innovative ideas for climate change solutions is vital,” said Almheiri.

Almheiri added: “When it comes to empowering youth for a resilient future, our approach is three-fold. The first is to provide young people with opportunities to access climate information and better understand the issues the planet faces. We then provide them with the tools to decide on the best course of action to take, and finally, we build a platform to make their voices heard. I am proud of the work the UAE has done to ensure this at COP28 ”.

“We should work together to take action in the fight against climate change so as to build a future that works for everyone’s dreams and aspirations” said Almheiri.

She noted that young people will be positively impacted by the COY18 and COP28.

The opening was attended by Her Excellency Shamma bint Suhail Al Mazrui, Minister of Community Development, COP28 Youth Climate Champion and Deputy Chair of the Arab Youth Center, and His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Digital Economy, Artificial Intelligence and Remote Work Applications.

António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN) said June and July were the hottest months of this year. “Youth voices are critical in shaping the climate change and make things happen. Let’s fight as one to help the future you deserve,” he said.

Amy E. Pope, Director General (DG) of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said young people will be impacted by the COP28 “but we need voices of the youth.

“Climate change is one of the greatest issues of our time and for many of you in this room, it will be the defining challenge of your future,” said Pope.

“All of the elements of the UN agreement are in place. We have all the information and the tools we need to make tangible change and change isn’t happening fast enough.”

She noted that this year will probably be the hottest year recorded in human history and that there are already 31.8 million internal displacements due to weather related hazards as of 2022.

COY18 serves as a platform for climate advocacy, capacity building and policy development training to prepare the youth for their participation in international climate discussions and events.

The three-day conference has been organised by the Arab Youth Center, The American University of Sharjah (AUS), and New York University Abu Dhabi’s Green House.

The conference offers the youth an opportunity to discuss and support intergovernmental climate change policies and promote change at the local and international levels.

Organised by the Children and Youth Constituency of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (YOUNGO, UNFCCC), the event is in line with the work of the global network of children and youth activists and non-governmental organizations shaping international climate change policies and formally representing youth concerns in UNFCCC processes

On his part, Hassan Khalid Sabt, Chairman of the Dubai Youth Council, said that the Dubai Youth Council is honoured to be present at this conference and be part of the COY 18 events before the start of the COP 28.

He noted that the Dubai Youth Council will hold a dialogue session to discuss investment in food technology and the challenges facing the world, explaining that all speakers are from the UAE youth who are aware of the importance of food technology in the country.

Haya Aseer – Projects Team Lead – Arab Youth Center, which is participating in organising the conference, said that convergence of young minds from 170 nations presents a unique opportunity to foster their active participation in COP28, empowering them to transform challenges into catalysts for progress. This is achieved through a series of engaging workshops that solicit their perspectives and aspirations, ensuring their meaningful integration into the formulation of international climate policies.

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Abdullah, Kerry Discuss Climate Change, COP28

They also discussed climate change challenges and their impacts on international peace and security…reports Asian Lite News

 H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Chairman of the National Higher Committee Overseeing Preparations for the 28th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP28), met with John Kerry, the US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate.

During the meeting, which was held in Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Abdullah and Kerry reviewed the UAE-US cooperation on climate change, with the UAE top diplomat briefing Kerry on the UAE’s preparations to host this major global event in less than a month, and the myriad opportunities available to enhance joint cooperation within the framework of COP28.

They also discussed climate change challenges and their impacts on international peace and security.

Sheikh Abdullah underscored the UAE’s keenness on establishing a distinguished and pioneering model of partnership with the United States in the field of climate change, based on the strategic relations binding the two friendly countries.

He pointed out that the UAE-US cooperation in the field of climate change has fructified into several qualitative initiatives and projects that support the efforts of the two countries to achieve sustainable economic growth and enhance global climate action.

Sheikh Abdullah noted that the UAE looks forward to achieving a qualitative leap in the global response to the impacts of climate change during its hosting of COP28, as part of an integrated approach based on inclusivity, innovation, and multilateral action, in support of the efforts being made to achieve comprehensive and sustainable development.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, President of COP28.

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COP28 Chief Urges Enhanced Adaptation Finance

Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber’s remarks came during the third Climate and Development Ministerial, which was convened at Pre-COP, and co-hosted by the United Kingdom, Vanuatu and Malawi….reports Asian Lite News

Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and COP28 President, has called for greater efforts to tackle adaptation finance gaps and prioritise actions to make climate finance more accessible to vulnerable nations.

His remarks came during the third Climate and Development Ministerial, which was convened at Pre-COP, and co-hosted by the United Kingdom, Vanuatu and Malawi.

“People and the planet lie at the heart of the climate process- which is focused on protecting lives, livelihoods and nature,” Dr Sultan said.

Addressing delegates, Dr. Sultan said, “To guarantee an inclusive and equitable transition to low-carbon and resilient growth, the voices of emerging and developing countries must not go unheard. COP28 must leverage an adequate response to the Global Stocktake and set out a pathway to fill the financing gaps and address shortcomings in the global climate finance architecture.”

Co-hosts the United Kingdom stressed the need to support the most vulnerable. Graham Stuart, UK Minister of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, said, “The UK is determined to deliver on its ambitious climate commitments while supporting those most at risk from the impacts of climate change – represented by our $2 billion contribution to the Green Climate Fund earlier this year.

“These pre-COP discussions are key to shaping the agenda for COP28. Together with our international partners, we will delve into the challenges and opportunities involved in our mission to reduce CO2 and help the most vulnerable countries adapt to climate change. We’ll hear different perspectives on the global effort to keep 1.5°C within reach and encourage every nation to join the UK on a pathway to net zero.”

The importance of the Ministerial was highlighted by the Vanuatu Minister of Climate Change Adaptation, Energy, Environment, Meteorology, Geohazards and Disasters Management, Hon. Ralph Regenvanu. He said, “As we gather today, the people of Vanuatu are right now facing a landscape destroyed by Cyclone Lola that hit just days ago. Climate impacts are growing daily in the Pacific Islands as the cause of the crisis continues unabated.”

“Adaptation and resilience initiatives are a last line of defence, literally saving lives in Vanuatu, by minimising the impacts of the worsening climate crisis. Yet, Small Island Developing States struggle to access the funding we need to support the adaptation plans and programs that are so desperately required in our island communities. We stand side-by-side with our co-hosts to ensure the 2023 Climate and Development Ministerial delivers real change. We call on all countries and institutes to bring transformative ambition to this process.”

This view was backed up by the Malawi Minister for Natural Resources and Climate Change, Hon. Dr. Michael Usi. He said, “Least Developed Countries are among the world’s most vulnerable countries to the impacts of climate change, yet have done the least to contribute to the problem.”

“For years we have been calling for improved access and delivery of Climate finance, and more at the local level. This will enable local communities and countries to adapt to climate change and build resilience. We are proud to co-host the Climate and Development Ministerial process this year to drive forward the transformational shift we need in the delivery of the climate finance.”

At the Ministerial – which was started in 2021 to unite and lend support to climate vulnerable countries – Dr. Al Jaber emphasised that dealing with adaptation finance is a fundamental aspect of climate finance reform. Finance, he said, needs to be affordable, available and accessible. It is also one of the four pillars of the COP28 Presidency’s Action Agenda, alongside fast tracking the energy transition, nature, lives and livelihood, and inclusivity.

Dr. Al Jaber said the COP28 Presidency is also working on improving conditions for the most vulnerable countries by reallocating and channelling Special Drawing Rights (SDRs), a financial instrument allocated by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), to the Resilience and Sustainability Trust to address debt sustainability and create fiscal space for resilience investment.

He also highlighted the efforts made by the UAE, including the recent pledge of US$4.5 billion to support clean energy initiatives at the Africa Climate Summit, with the aim of promoting green growth on the continent.

“We are working on all fronts. But we do not have all the answers and there is much to be done,” he said.

Later during the day, in his closing remarks, he commended the countries and institutions nominated to co-lead the delivery of the Vision and Actions for Adaptation Finance, considering it an important milestone ahead of COP28 to prioritise the countries most vulnerable to the impact of climate change.

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COP 28 Team Meets Leaders in Amazon Region

Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and COP28 President-Designate, praised President Lula for championing bold policies that prioritise Indigenous Peoples and serve as a blueprint for other regions…reports Asian Lite News

A high level delegation from the UAE meets top leaders from the Amazon region during the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organisation (ACTO) at South Brazilian city of Balem.

Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and COP28 President-Designate, gave remarks at the Amazon Summit and Collaboration for Sustainable Development, urging leaders to build on President Lula da Silva’s commitment and inspire transformational progress on nature at COP28.

Gathering in the Brazilian city of Belém, Dr. Al Jaber met with leaders from the region and around the world to discuss ways to advance sustainable development and forest protections. All member states of the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organisation (ACTO) attended the summit.

Among the issues being discussed at ACTO’s first such meeting in 14 years were a possible deal to halt deforestation by 2030 and joint efforts to fight rampant illegal mining and organised crime groups that are tightening their grip on the rainforest region. The Brazilian President unveiled a blueprint for the future of the Amazon, a 6.7m sq km region that is home to nearly 50 million people spread across eight countries and one territory.

During his visit to Brazil, Dr. Al Jaber held meetings with world leaders to discuss the COP28 energy transition agenda, including with Luis Arce, President of Bolivia; Gustavo Petro, President of Colombia; Felix Tshisekedi, President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo; and Mark Phillips, Prime Minister of Guyana.

Dr. Al Jaber also held bilateral meetings with Marina Silva, Minister of Environment of Brazil; Mauro Vieira, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brazil; Jean Paul Prates, CEO of Petrobras; and Antonio Queiroz, Vice President of Innovation, Technology and Sustainable Development at Braskem, among others.

Dr. Al Jaber said, “You are the guardians of a vital and delicate ecosystem that sustains life, lives and livelihoods, not only for the peoples of the Amazon region, but for the planet we all share.”

In his speech, Dr. Al Jaber praised President Lula for championing bold policies that prioritise Indigenous Peoples and serve as a blueprint for other regions. He also marked the opportunity to engage with leaders in Brazil, the host of COP30, to build a substantive bridge between COP28 and COP30 that ensures inclusive, resilient and lasting climate progress.

 “We will build on the experience and the lessons that the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organisation and Indigenous Peoples can teach us in advancing the dual goal of protecting and restoring nature, while advancing sustainable development.”

The day prior, Dr. Al Jaber met with the Minister of Indigenous Peoples of Brazil, Sonia Guajajara, and representatives of Indigenous leaders from the Amazon.

Dr. Al Jaber added, “Critically, we will put the rights of Indigenous peoples front and centre of our approach to nature. While representing five per cent of the global population, indigenous communities protect over 80 per cent of our biodiversity.”

He also held a bilateral meeting with President Lula, underscoring the important role that G20 nations play in driving climate action.

“Let me commend the leadership of President Lula in reducing deforestation in Brazil by 34 percent in just the last six months and targeting zero illegal deforestation by 2030. This is the kind of leadership we want to build on to inspire transformational progress at COP28 on nature, alongside all climate pillars. We will work to enhance South-South cooperation to strengthen the alliance between the leaders of tropical forest regions from the Amazon to Indonesia and the Democratic Republic of Congo and look to expand it further,” he said.

Dr. Al Jaber underscored that delivering transformational progress will require a shift in climate finance. “We need to expand available, accessible and affordable finance to meet the needs of the most vulnerable and ensure that adequate finance meets the needs of nature.”

He confirmed plans to keep the pressure on donor countries to fulfill the overdue pledge of US$100 billion and ensure a designated portion of the funds is directed to nature and forest protection. Significant reform of international finance institutions and multilateral development banks was also cited as critical to unlocking more concessional finance, lowering risk and bringing private finance to the table.

“In addition, we are calling on all parties to match the Kunming-Montreal Biodiversity Framework they signed up to last year that protects 30 percent of nature by 2030, with budgeted strategies,” Dr. Al Jaber said, adding that “This includes directing finance to restore degraded agricultural land, support sustainable farming, protect coastal areas, marine life, marshlands, rivers and freshwater lakes.”

Dr. Al Jaber also acknowledged that sustainable agricultural development must aim to provide food security while safeguarding nature, an area in which Brazil has excelled. “Ensuring the health of our natural environment is a critical element for the necessary transformation of the world’s food and agricultural systems. Brazil, as one of the largest producers and suppliers of food to the world, is already taking progressive steps on this journey that we will seek to build on.”

As part of the COP28 Presidency delegation to Brazil, Razan Al Mubarak, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28, emphasised the inextricable link between addressing climate change and nature loss.

“We have just over six years to simultaneously reverse biodiversity loss, halve emissions, enhance adaptation, and advance equity. This transformation needs to be inclusive, nature positive and with justice at its heart,” said Ms. Al Mubarak. “It is my strong conviction that investing in nature is the most cost-effective mitigation and adaptation solution for climate change.”

She also stressed the critical inclusion and support for Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) in the development of collective climate and nature solutions, adding: “We must all recognise the fundamental role of IPLCs in protecting the world’s most biodiverse and ecologically important areas. Over 75 percent of forests are protected by indigenous peoples and local communities, yet only 17 percent of funds allocated in the last ten years included an Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities organisation. Indigenous Peoples need access to resources to maintain their self-determined climate actions.”

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