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UAE President invites President of Chad for COP28

The meeting was attended by members of the G20 and invited countries, partners affiliated with the group, and representatives of many international organisations specialising in international development…reports Asian Lite News

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan sent a letter to Lt. Gen. Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, Chairman of the Transitional Military Council, President of the Republic of Chad, which included an invitation to COP28, that will be held in Dubai Expo City this November.

The letter was delivered by Rashid Saeed Al Shamsi, UAE Ambassador to Chad.

Meanwhile, The UAE participated in the second meeting of the G20 Development Working Group for 2023, which is being held under the presidency of the Republic of India, in the city of Kumarakom in Kerala, India.

The meeting discussed the two drafts of the action plan focused on efforts to accelerate progress on the sustainable development goals, as well as discussions and proposals from countries on the group’s directions, in line with the priorities of India’s presidency of the G20.

The UAE team participating in the meeting included Rashed Al Hemeiri, Director of Foreign Aid Affairs Department, and Dr. Kamal Al Yammahi, from the Development Cooperation Department, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. The meeting was attended by members of the G20 and invited countries, partners affiliated with the group, and representatives of many international organisations specialising in international development.

During the first day, the UAE delegation participated in sessions on data for development and women’s participation, as well as on ‘green’ development, where capacity-building mechanisms in the field of using data to serve the development goals of developing countries were reviewed. India’s vision as chair of the G20 towards empowering women and girls to reach their full potential was also covered, with discussions on changing the narrative of “women’s development” to “women-led development” and the most important challenges facing women. Discussions also covered the challenges of limited financing and lack of access to capital, technology and education for small and medium enterprises, and the efforts of the G20 to forge international consensus and create momentum for a strong multilateral approach in order to bring about effective and just transformations in developing countries.

The UAE delegation also participated on the second day in a session on sustainable development, coordination and partnerships. The session included a presentation of the Green Development Pact, which provides support for developing countries to mitigate risks, including for sustainable consumption, adaptation to climate change, and reducing carbon footprints, industrialisation with decarbonisation. The second day also featured a call to international institutions such as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the United Nations Development Program and the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, to conduct an assessment of the role played by the G20 in the past few years in responding to crises and the success it has achieved.

During the sessions, the UAE delegation stressed the importance of taking into account the differences between rural and urban environments, and different social and economic backgrounds when dealing with action plans related to the development of women, bridging the gender gap and initiating more discussions about financing action plans and the participation of the private sector. The UAE delegation also highlighted their experience in providing assistance to developing countries in the field of clean energy and showing how to implement successful projects, especially with regard to sourcing finance, and how to overcome any challenges.

The meeting also called for countries to seize the opportunities presented by the upcoming Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28), which will be hosted by the UAE in November this year, and which represents the largest global conference of heads of state, government and stakeholders on climate and environmental issues. COP28 seeks to find solutions to climate challenges, and at the conference the G20 summit will be able to present its results related to climate change and its impact on development.

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‘Green Retreat’ paves way for COP28

The collaborative event served as a strategic precursor to the UAE’s much-anticipated hosting of the Conference of Parties (COP28) later this year….reports Asian Lite News

The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, a leading force in global climate initiatives, recently hosted ministers and over 150 high-ranking officials from 50 government and private entities at the ‘Green Retreat’.

This collaborative event served as a strategic precursor to the nation’s much-anticipated hosting of the Conference of Parties (COP28) later this year.

Held in Expo City Dubai, the Green Retreat unfolded under the inspiring theme ‘United for Climate’. The event harnessed the collective power of various stakeholders, building on their accomplishments in climate change action, environmental preservation, and sustainability promotion across the nation.

By fostering innovative ideas and projects, the retreat facilitated a collaborative approach to showcase the UAE’s most impactful initiatives in the lead-up to hosting COP28 in Dubai, set to take place from November 30 to December 12, 2023.

The Green Retreat was attended by H.H. Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, President and Chief Executive Officer of the UAE Independent Climate Change Accelerators (UICCA); Mariam bint Mohammed Saeed Hareb Almheiri, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment; Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy; Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure; Dr. Ahmad Abdulla Humaid Abdulla Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Education; and Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, Minister of Culture and Youth.

The Green Retreat attracted a diverse and influential group of attendees, including senior officials from relevant federal and local government ministries and agencies, accelerator representatives, government media offices of the seven emirates, major private sector companies, and numerous prominent business leaders.

In line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment will take the lead in coordinating the collaborative efforts of all government and private institutions in preparation for the highly anticipated COP28 summit.

In her address, Mariam Almheiri underscored the ambitious mission of the Green Retreat, which brought together national experts and strategic partners from various sectors to advance climate action in the UAE.

The goal is to present a model that reflects the country’s status and climate efforts during COP28 UAE and to enhance the nation’s role in offering innovative and inspiring solutions to global climate challenges while fostering a climate-resilient world.

“The UAE’s hosting of COP28 this year, along with naming 2023 as the Year of Sustainability, is tangible evidence of our wise leadership’s vision and commitment to playing a leading role in the fight against climate change, which impacts humanity as a whole,” she said.

“UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has demonstrated the UAE’s commitment to uniting global efforts in line with the approach of our late founding leader, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.”

She added: “The Green Retreat serves as an invaluable opportunity for participants to learn about the UAE’s outstanding climate action record and contribute their ambitious ideas to drive tangible progress in national efforts towards sustainable economic growth.”

“We aim to develop a comprehensive climate action plan through the particpation of all government and private institutions, which will create significant opportunities for economic growth and diversification, generate employment for youth, foster inclusive and cohesive communities, harness the potential of clean energy, and safeguard natural habitats and preserve the environment.”

In her speech, Almheiri highlighted the severe climate challenges the world is facing, such as escalating food waste, carbon emissions, waste management issues, biodiversity loss, and the imminent threat to living organisms. She emphasized the urgent need for the world to take swift action, and promoting sustainability across various sectors to secure a better future for upcoming generations.

Plan for govt collaboration

The Green Retreat featured seven Thematic Councils addressing critical topics in the sustainability value chain. These included Water Resource Management and Conservation; Biodiversity and Blue Carbon Ecosystem Protection; Private Sector Engagement and Industry Transformation; Waste Management and Circular Economy; Sustainable Transportation; Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency; and Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security.

The Councils consisted of experts from federal and local government entities as well as the private sector, who discussed various ideas and challenges related to each topic. They proposed solutions in the form of initiatives and projects to be implemented by individual entities or through coordinated efforts.

Each Council presented 8 to 10 projects and initiative ideas supporting the respective topics. The most feasible and impactful ideas were chosen as part of the preliminary plan for national climate activities through January 2024. Representatives from the government media office also discussed ideas that could be added to the national climate action agenda.

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COP28 President-designate meets with Macron

Dr. Al Jaber’s trip to Paris built upon the strong partnership between the UAE and France in the field of energy transformation and climate finance…reports Asian Lite News

Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, COP28 President-Designate, has concluded a two-day trip to Paris as part of his global listening tour. During his visit, Dr. Al Jaber met with French President Emmanuel Macron and key stakeholders across government and civil society. Dr. Al Jaber outlined his vision to drive climate action through mitigation, adaptation, climate finance and loss and damage. Throughout his meetings, he emphasized the importance of climate finance and the need to reform multilateral financial institutions to unlock capital for clean technologies, adaptation efforts, and loss and damage financing.

During his meeting with President Macron, Dr. Al Jaber emphasised the need for ambitious reforms across international financial institutions and multilateral development banks.

To build momentum in advance of COP28, Dr. Al Jaber highlighted his desire to work with President Macron on the Summit for a New Global Financial Pact, scheduled to take place in Paris in June 2023. According to Dr. Al Jaber, “This will be a critical milestone ahead of COP28…We need to define clearly how the political momentum generated in June can lead to real action at COP28. This includes an emphasis on mobilizing private finance, scaling up concessional financing, and advancing carbon markets.”

Dr. Al Jaber continued his listening tour by meeting with key stakeholders from government and civil society. He met with International Energy Agency (IEA) Executive Director Fatih Birol; Former Prime Minster of France and COP21 President Laurent Fabius; Minister of the Economy, Finance and Recovery for France Bruno Le Maire; and Minister of Energy Agnès Pannier-Runacher. During these meetings, Dr. Al Jaber stressed the need to deploy all necessary resources to transform the global energy systems and deliver on pledges made in 2015 with the signing of the Paris Climate Agreement.

During a special roundtable hosted by the IEA and attended by Ambassadors representing Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries and developing economies, comprising 80 per cent of all global emissions, Dr. Al Jaber emphasized the opportunity for all sectors to come together to deliver progress.

He said: “We need all segments of society – governments, private sector and civil society- working together, driving in the same direction. There is no room for division. Progress is made through partnership, not polarization. I truly believe that we can ignite the greatest leap in human and economic development since the first industrial revolution, if we act together, act smart and act now.”

Dr. Al Jaber also delivered this message of commitment, action and optimism in a roundtable with members of the NGO community. Noting the need for a “bold and transformative course correction”, he said: “Our intention is to respond to the Global Stocktake and begin this course correction by delivering on each and every one of the pillars of the Paris Agreement.” In ending his remarks, Dr. Al Jaber also called on the NGO community to join with the COP28 Presidency to deliver an effective COP, stating “We want your ideas, your thoughts, your networks, your research, your data and your passion. […] We believe that constructive conversations will help us tackle climate change more effectively and build a better future for all.”

Dr. Al Jaber was joined in Paris by Shamma Al Mazrui, UAE Minister of Community Development and COP28 Youth Climate Champion. Shamma met with various stakeholders and emphasized the need for all parties to have a seat at the table and contribute to the COP28 agenda: “What the world needs at COP28 is not just a Conference of the Parties, but a Conference of all Parties. We need everyone to join forces now – from our universities and cities to civil society organizations and nature groups, as well as every single sector of government and industry.”

Dr. Al Jaber’s trip to Paris built upon the strong partnership between the UAE and France in the field of energy transformation and climate finance. The UAE and France are collaborating on numerous energy and sustainability projects. In February 2023 the UAE and France launched a partnership to decarbonize high emitting industries, which will be unveiled at COP28. In July 2022 the UAE and France signed the Comprehensive Strategic Energy Partnership (CSEP), which focuses on enhancing energy security, energy affordability and decarbonization, and progressive climate action ahead of COP28.

Dr. Al Jaber’s visit to France is the latest in his global listening tour, which has seen the COP28 President-Designate visit the United States, Germany and India. Visits to other countries, including developing countries and small islands states, are also planned. The COP28 Presidency intends to use these visits to hear the views of stakeholders across diverse sectors including government, business, academia and civil society and unite efforts ahead of COP28.

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COP28, Dubai Cares to boost education’s climate action role

The announcement was made on the sidelines of the 2023 World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, in the presence of H.E. Amb. Majid Al Suwaidi, Director General of COP28 and H.E. Dr. Tariq Al Gurg, Chief Executive Officer and Vice-Chairman of Dubai Cares…reports Asian Lite News

 The incoming Presidency of the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and Dubai Cares have agreed to partner on a suite of climate education outcomes on the sidelines of COP28 which will take place at Expo City Dubai from 30 November to 12 December 2023.

Dubai Cares will notably host the second edition of the RewirEd Summit, the global education cooperation platform, in conjunction with the global climate summit with a focus on climate action education and approaches this year. Dubai Cares will also lead a global preparatory process from now until the summit to mobilize public and private actors around new policy, financing, and technology outcomes that both equip learners for the net-zero economy and enhance accessibility and resilience in the education sector.

The announcement was made on the sidelines of the 2023 World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, in the presence of H.E. Amb. Majid Al Suwaidi, Director General of COP28 and H.E. Dr. Tariq Al Gurg, Chief Executive Officer and Vice-Chairman of Dubai Cares.

Recognizing the importance of integrating climate and education as key drivers for a sustainable and prosperous future, Dubai Cares, a civil society organization formally associated with the United Nations Department of Global Communications, will support the efforts of COP28 by convening climate and education stakeholders from around the world to unify efforts towards a common vision.

“Climate change is the defining challenge of our era. It is essential for us to empower our youth and society with the knowledge and skills to become changemakers and contribute to meaningful action,” said H.E. Amb. Majid Al Suwaidi, Director General of COP28. “We welcome this partnership with Dubai Cares, to connect with diverse stakeholders, create capacity-building opportunities and mobilize a concerted drive for inclusive climate progress.”

Commenting on the announcement, His Excellency Dr. Tariq Al Gurg, Chief Executive Officer and Vice-Chairman of Dubai Cares, said: “COP28 represents the UAE’s enduring commitment to addressing the climate crisis and accelerating progress towards a better and more secure and prosperous world. As COP28’s education partner, Dubai Cares looks forward to supporting the UAE’s efforts by uniting education and climate actors towards a common vision of unlocking the potential of transformed education systems to not only mitigate climate challenges, but also contribute to national and global aspirations. We are pleased to see that COP28 will be the first COP gathering to prioritize education in climate discussions by placing it at the forefront of its agenda. We are grateful to the COP28 Presidency for believing in our mission and for selecting Dubai Cares to coordinate stakeholders in designing the COP’s education programming.”

Building on its 15 years of experience in designing innovative programs globally as well as advocating for children and youth’s right to education and based on its strong network of country partners, educational institutions, multilateral organizations, UN agencies, global mechanisms and the private sector, Dubai Cares will drive the conversation on positioning education as a key climate solution by enabling stakeholders to showcase innovative practices and scalable solutions to mobilize action for transforming education and climate action.

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COP28 outlines path ahead for UAE-hosted Climate Summit

At the heart of these investments is a vision of a fully sustainable economy underpinned by effective regulatory oversight and contributions from all stakeholders…reports Asian Lite News

H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and Chairman of the Higher Committee overseeing preparations to host the 28th session of the conference of the parties to the UNFCCC (COP28 UAE), convened members to discuss the road to COP28 UAE to be held at Expo City Dubai in November, 2023 and emphasized that the UAE is committed to building on the foundation set in COP27, Sharm el Sheikh and accentuating the nation’s climate leadership and ambitions to the world.

In the meeting, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed commended Egypt on the progress made in Sharm el Sheikh at COP27, its leadership in unifying the 197 countries and the EU around climate action and guiding the COP process towards the establishment of a new ‘loss and damage’ fund to support the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries.

H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed acknowledged the significance of two consecutive COPs being held in the MENA region and the vital role that the MENA region must play in the global transition to sustainability and climate action. He stressed the UAE’s determination to guide the process forwards and deliver meaningful progress at COP28, the Emirates Climate Conference, by facilitating inclusive dialogue, innovative solutions, as well as leveraging groundbreaking partnerships and building consensus among parties.

H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed said, “After the success in gathering the world at Expo 2020 Dubai, the UAE will leverage its outstanding track record as a trusted global convenor to ensure that COP28 will be inclusive, transparent, and pragmatic. COP28 aims to transform and urgently accelerate climate action to meet the commitments the world has made.”

The UAE has embraced the vision of a climate-focused future, investing heavily into renewable energy and dynamic technologies centred around sustainable innovation. At the heart of these investments is a vision of a fully sustainable economy underpinned by effective regulatory oversight and contributions from all stakeholders.

As a historically trading nation located in the epicenter of the world, the UAE is best placed to support negotiations over fundamental areas of focus such as energy, agriculture, investment, and sustainable transport. With this philosophy at the centre of its outlook, the UAE’s believes cooperation will play the most crucial role in ensuring the global decarbonisation effort is met.

Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, UAE Special Envoy for Climate Change, and Vice Chairman of the COP28 UAE Higher Committee, said that the UAE will engage in partnership with the UNFCCC’s Secretariat to develop the COP28 agenda. Building on the outcomes of COP27, the UAE and the UNFCCC will work with Parties and partners to accelerate climate action to meet the commitments the world has made.

The COP28 UAE Higher Committee includes ministers and government officials to ensure a comprehensive approach that aligns efforts.

The Higher Committee brings together the voices of various industries and sectors, at all levels, to prepare for COP28 UAE.

Members of the Higher Committee include Mohamed Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs; Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemy, Minister of State for International Cooperation; Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure; Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and the Environment; Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade; Shamma bint Suhail Faris Al Mazrui, Minister of State for Youth Affairs; Muhammad Abdullah Al Junaibi, Chairman of the Federal Authority for Protocols and Strategic Narratives; Lieutenant-General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police.

Members also include Lieutenant-General Talal Humaid Belhoul Al Falasi, Director-General of State Security Department at Dubai Police; Staff Major General Pilot Faris Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Commander-in-Chief of the Abu Dhabi Police; Mattar Mohammed Al Tayer, Director-General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Rashid Saeed Al Ameri, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Presidential Court for Government Coordination Sector; Major General Khalifa Hareb Al Khaili, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Interior; Helal Saeed Almarri, Director-General of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, Saif Saeed Ghobash, Secretary-General of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, and Dr. Jamal Mohammed Al Hosani, representing the Supreme Council for National Security.

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