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Expo City Dubai begins countdown for COP28

Expo City Dubai – a state-of-the-art ‘green’ destination that hosted the world for six months – shares COP28’s objectives of achieving sustainability and enabling action towards climate security…reports Asian Lite News

An engaging calendar of events will attract visitors of all ages and backgrounds to support global climate change mitigation as Expo City Dubai, proud host of COP28 – The Emirates Climate Conference with the UNFCCC, begins the one-year countdown to the global summit.

Thought-provoking youth discussions, performances, exhibitions and more will feature as part of Expo City Dubai’s sustainability-themed calendar, culminating in an unrivalled, impactful ‘Green Zone’ public area during COP28 (6-17 November 2023). More activations will be revealed over the next 12 months.

Like previous editions, the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), known as COP28, will assess and drive progress on combatting climate change. Expo City Dubai – a state-of-the-art ‘green’ destination that hosted the world for six months – shares COP28’s objectives of achieving sustainability and enabling action towards climate security.

Marjan Faraidooni, Chief of Education and Culture, Expo City Dubai, said, “Tackling climate change remains at the top of the global agenda, a priority for the UAE, and a conversation we are actively engaged in as a city and educational hub. It is clear that every individual must bear the responsibility to learn more about the challenges we face and how we can each play a role to help address them. Expo City Dubai is proud to host COP28, helping to cement its legacy through a full calendar of impactful and engaging events.

“Designed as a blueprint for green urban planning, Expo City Dubai is spearheaded by the same team that delivered one of the most sustainable World Expos in history and rallied all segments of society around topics that matter to humanity. Leveraging our signature creative storytelling and expertise as a convener, our diverse programming will engage everyone, regardless of age, background or awareness, in wider efforts to mitigate climate change, building momentum to COP28 and beyond as Expo City continues its journey to net zero.”

The Next Gen World Majlis, an Expo School Programme platform for youth to discuss issues that impact all our futures, makes its post-Expo 2020 comeback on 21 November, when a group of students aged 9-12 years, selected from schools across the UAE, will explore the climate crisis, probing who, if anyone, can be held responsible; what should be asked of world leaders; the current role and potential of schools in tackling the crisis; and the risks of inaction.

The event is in line with World Children’s Day, commemorated annually on 20 November to promote international togetherness, awareness among children worldwide, and the improvement of children’s welfare.

Youth also takes centre stage in the return of Expo Young Stars on 24 and 25 November at Al Wasl, where students will express their thoughts and present an interpretation of climate issues through sustainability-themed performances. Part of the Expo School Programme, the Expo Young Stars performances are open to the public, and attendance is free of charge.

These events will be followed by the ‘Reflections on Climate Change’ exhibition, inviting visitors to learn about the history and goals of COPs, the components of the crisis, and initiatives in place to maintain hope for the future. Dates for the exhibition will be announced at a later stage.

Terra – The Sustainability Pavilion continues to welcome visitors as it brings Expo City Dubai’s commitment to sustainability to life, taking them on a journey under the ocean or through the forest and empowering individuals of all nationalities, ages and interests to make more sustainable choices in their own lives.

An example of sustainability in action, Expo City Dubai retains 80 percent of Expo 2020’s built infrastructure, including 123 LEED-certified buildings and eight infrastructure projects rated ‘Excellent’ under CEEQUAL.

ALSO READ: UAE to unveil net-zero pathway at COP27

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Capacity building programme for COP28 launched

The training programme will be open to senior government officials, corporate executives, diplomats, negotiators and advisors…reports Asian Lite News

The Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA), the UAE’s leading diplomatic training centre, in cooperation with the Office for the UAE Special Envoy for Climate Change, have launched a capacity building programme aimed at enhancing knowledge, information and skills to address climate change through progressive climate action.

The training programme will be open to senior government officials, corporate executives, diplomats, negotiators and advisors and will focus on the essentials of climate change, regional climate priorities, climate diplomacy, the energy transition and the UAE’s net zero strategic initiative.

Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber

The courses will also provide trainings on communication and stakeholder engagement and other essential topics to enhance the role of the public and private sectors in delivering social and economic progress through climate action.

Approximately 150 to 200 individuals will be selected through a competitive process to undergo an extensive first wave training programme of six-months, to be followed by a second wave of similar duration, in anticipation of the UAE’s COP28 Presidency.

“The AGDA training programme will provide an essential tool for key segments of UAE’s leadership in the public and private sector to prepare for COP28 and seize the socio- economic opportunities of progressive climate action,” said Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and the UAE Climate Change Special Envoy.

The programme will not only strengthen the UAE’s capabilities in climate diplomacy, but will also empower the private sector to maximise the opportunities of low carbon sustainable development.”

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He added, “As the UAE prepares to host leaders and negotiators from 197 countries, we are keen to build a broad and inclusive coalition of constructive partners. We will encourage a process that takes input from all sectors, public and private, civil society, scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs. We aim to turn pledges and promises into practical outcomes. I am confident that this capacity building programme will enable government and private sector entities to communicate effectively with key partners and translate strategies on paper into results on the ground.”

Nickolay Mladenov, Director General a.i. of AGDA, said, “We are honoured to partner with the Office of the UAE Climate Change Special Envoy in undertaking such a unique national training programme in support of the critical effort to prepare for a successful COP28 in 2023. The UAE has set ambitious national goals for itself and is ready to advance the capacity and skills across all sectors of government to deliver successfully on the COP28 host requirements.”

The series of training modules will also include prominent speakers with expert knowledge on relevant climate verticals, from mitigation to adaptation, climate finance, climate diplomacy, renewable and clean technologies and other innovations in low carbon economic development.

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OPEC Lauds UAE Hosting COP28

OPEC Lauds UAE Hosting COP28

OPEC chief Barkindo stressed the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company is a pioneering model of employing advanced technology to produce low-carbon energy, and strengthen supply chains…reports Asian Lite News

Mohammed Barkindo, Secretary-General of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), said the selection of the UAE to host COP28 in 2023 in Abu Dhabi is a significant milestone in the history of the event and a historic opportunity for the global energy sector to start a new glorious chapter of transition to clean energy and address climate change.

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In his statement to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), on the sidelines of his participation in the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC) 2021, Barkindo congratulated the UAE for being chosen to host COP28, which highlights its prominent global stature and supports its aspirations to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

Hosting such a major international event in the UAE is a significant achievement that supports the country’s goal of leading international efforts in this strategic field, by implementing distinguished initiatives and making significant investments in low-carbon energy production, he added.

COP28 is highly important, not only for the UAE but for all OPEC and non-OPEC member states and players in the oil and gas industry around the world, he said, congratulating the UAE and its leadership and people.

Barkindo stressed the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) is a pioneering model of employing advanced technology to produce low-carbon energy, most notably hydrogen and strengthen supply chains. During ADIPEC 2021, it signed two agreements with South Korea’s GS Energy and Japan’s Mitsui, along with Fertiglobe, to launch a joint project to produce low-carbon blue ammonia facility at the TA’ZIZ Industrial Chemicals Zone in Ruwais, highlighting the fact the UAE is leading the international efforts to transform the energy sector.

Barkindo then highlighted the keenness of OPEC to benefit from the UAE’s efforts and expertise in energy transition, expressing his happiness at participating in the 37th edition of ADIPEC, and noting the event is the start of the post COVID-19 pandemic era and the resumption of international activities.

He then lauded the good organisation of the event and the UAE’s courage and professionalism in deciding to hold it in 2021 in Abu Dhabi to shape the future of the energy sector.

Dubai

Path-breaking initiatives at COP26

At COP26, the Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate (AIM for Climate) – a major new initiative led by the UAE and US with the support of over 30 governments – was officially launched. AIM for Climate announced an “early harvest” of US$4 billion of increased investment to accelerate innovation for climate-smart agriculture and food systems over the next five years.

The UAE has pledged US$1 billion of increased investment as part of this initiative, which aims to increase and accelerate agricultural and food systems innovation in support of climate action. AIM for Climate is focused on leveraging high-potential economic returns and job creation from innovation investment in a sector that employs over 2 billion people and feeds the world’s growing population.

The UAE also joined the Global Methane Pledge building on its position as one of the least methane intense nations in the world. The nation will share its capabilities and experience in best-in-class methane performance with signatories to the EU-US led initiative that aims to cut global methane emissions by 30 per cent by the end of the decade. The UAE has long acted as a regional leader in methane reduction.

Over five decades, the country has successfully reduced the volume of natural gas flared in the domestic energy sector by more than 90 per cent. In turn, the UAE’s hydrocarbon industry today holds one of the world’s lowest methane intensities of 0.01 per cent. The UAE will build on this foundation of ultra-low methane intensity in the energy sector to further improve its methane performance.

ALSO READ: UAE Wins Bid to Host COP28

The UAE, represented by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MOEI) also announced the Hydrogen Leadership Roadmap, a comprehensive national blueprint to support domestic, low-carbon industries, contribute to the country’s net-zero ambition and establish the country as a competitive exporter of hydrogen.

The road to COP 28 is a testament to the positive climate action initiated by the UAE for over three decades. The UAE was the first country in the Middle East & North Africa to ratify the Paris Agreement and commit to lowering its carbon emissions. It was also a pioneer in setting the region’s first renewable energy and biodiversity conservation targets to match its climate ambitions.

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UAE Wins Bid to Host COP28

The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has officially announced that the UAE will host the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) in 2023.

This was followed by unanimous endorsement by the Asia Pacific Group of nations during COP26, where nearly 200 countries have gathered to take concerted action to cap global greenhouse gas emissions and unite against climate change…reports Asian Lite Newsdesk

The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has officially announced that the UAE will host the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) in 2023.

The UNFCCC confirmation followed unanimous endorsement by the Asia Pacific Group of nations during COP26, where nearly 200 countries have gathered to take concerted action to cap global greenhouse gas emissions and unite against climate change.

In response, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, said: “We are pleased and honored by the UNFCCC decision to select the United Arab Emirates to host the UN Climate Change Conference in 2023 and commit ourselves as a nation to supporting the entire international community in accelerating our combined efforts to overcome the very real threat of climate change.

“COP28 in 2023 will and must be a ‘solutions COP’ – and I am confident that the rich experience of this young, inclusive nation in advancing practical, viable and shareable solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges will again come to the fore as we host the world for the UN Climate Change Conference in two years’ time.

“The UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative, announced earlier this year, shows our own unwavering commitment to promoting climate action. Further, through new investment commitments and partnerships, we are illustrating our determination to support the world in addressing climate change.

“We look forward to welcoming the world at COP28. The voice of every nation and stakeholder will be heard, ensuring that, together, we not only help mitigate the effects of global warming, but also unlock new opportunities to realize greater prosperity and a better life for future generations.”

Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber,

A holistic approach for economic progress Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Special Envoy for Climate Change, said the decision to host COP28 in the UAE is a direct result of the vision of its leadership and the commitment of its founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan to sustainable development. He added that the decision is a direct reflection of the nation’s decades long commitment to progressive climate action.

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He said: ” We very much look forward to the opportunity of uniting the world in an effort to raise ambitions for climate action and to advance progress for humanity. COP 28 will be a crucial global stock-take, measuring how far we have come, and how far we still need to go, to fulfill the Paris Agreement. Our guiding principle for COP 28 will be inclusivity. We want to reflect the views and invite the contribution of both developed and developing countries, the public and private sectors, academics and civil society. The UAE adopts this approach, because we truly believe that partnership promotes progress.”

Highlighting the UAE focus on promoting an inclusive approach, Dr Al Jaber added: “In this spirit, everyone will have a seat at the table. Developed countries alongside developing nation, the public alongside the private sector, scientists alongside civil society and also. importantly the voices of youth. It is together that we will succeed.”

Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri

Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said: “At COP28, we will address the planetary and economic aftermath of climate change as two sides of the same coin, exploring solutions that put us on a path towards limiting global warming to 1.5 C and are economically viable at the same time. We are keen to share our successful approach of turning challenges into opportunities to leave a healthier planet to our children.”

“We firmly believe in young people’s right to have a say in shaping their future, and are dedicated to supporting the highest levels of youth participation in delegations and formal proceedings at COP28.”

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Asia Pacific Group backs UAE’s bid to host COP28

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Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who is leading the UAE delegation to COP26, said the country is grateful and honoured with the endorsement…reports Asian Lite News

The Asia Pacific Group of nations on Tuesday endorsed the UAE’s bid to host the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) in 2023, at the COP26 summit in Glasgow, which brings nation states together to accelerate action on the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, leading the UAE delegation to COP26, said, “We are grateful and honoured with the endorsement to host COP28 in the UAE in 2023, and look forward to the confirmation of the UNFCCC. As a young, inclusive country that celebrates its Golden Jubilee this year, we believe partnership is the key to progress and to solving global challenges. Our vision is to work with all countries to realise net economic benefits from accelerated climate change action.”

Asia Pacific Group backs UAE’s bid to host COP28

Sheikh Abdullah said, “Guided by this trust and our 30-year legacy of positive climate action, culminating in the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative announced before this year’s UN Climate Conference in Glasgow, we are even more determined as a nation to forge ever stronger partnerships, and to innovate new technologies and solutions, to bring about a more sustainable future, both for present and future generations of UAE citizens, and the citizens of countries around the world.”

30 years of climate action

For more than three decades, the UAE has acted with foresight in tackling climate change. The nation has shown unwavering commitment towards investment projects aimed at mitigating and adapting to climate challenges, and more importantly, creating a positive economic impact for its people.

A critical player in the region, the UAE is now calling for bolder action. This October, it launched the Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative, an ambitious national drive to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

In addition, the UAE is determined to support the international community and find practical ways to implement and drive change. It is also calling for closer analysis of future climate-related risks and “anticipatory action” – a humanitarian model that releases resources in advance of reliably predicted climate disasters.

Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and UAE Special Envoy for Climate Change, said, “COP 28 will be especially significant as the first stocktake of national commitments after the Paris Agreement. Our goal will be to make COP 28 as inclusive and action-oriented as possible; a solutions COP that brings together developed and developing countries and unites all sectors – public, private, academic and civil society – around a focus on tangible solutions.”

ALSO READ: UAE Joins Global Methane Pledge at COP26

Investments in clean energy projects

The use of renewable energy has been integral to the UAE’s multifaceted strategy to reduce emissions and ward off the worst effects of global warming. These initiatives include solar power, carbon capture and hydrocarbon energy. In recent years, the UAE has invested an estimated US$17 billion in renewable energy projects in 70 countries with a focus on developing countries.

In 2021, the UAE organised the regional climate dialogue and participated in the Leaders Summit on Climate, where it extended its commitment to sustainable agriculture and farming. Recognising that food systems account for one-third of all global carbon emissions, the UAE partnered with the US to launch the Agriculture Innovation Mission (AIM) for Climate that has garnered the support of 30 countries to date.

The UAE is home to three of the world’s largest and lowest-cost solar plants. Whether achieving the world’s lowest-cost solar power, introducing biodiversity conservation targets, deploying commercial-scale carbon capture technology, running a zero-carbon nuclear power plant or pursuing hydrogen energy, the UAE has been a pioneer of significant climate initiatives in the region.

Further supporting the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) has announced that it will decarbonise its power grid at scale through nuclear and solar clean energy sources starting January 2022, marking a global first by a major oil and gas company.

A holistic approach to climate action

Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said, “The UAE’s steadfast commitment to building bridges with the international community in the face of global challenges has significantly contributed to winning international support for its COP28 bid.”

“Building on its three-decade experience in fighting climate change, the country intends to mobilise the international community into robust climate action, and highlight the importance of adopting sustainable economic development models that turn challenges into opportunities at COP28. We will make sure to bring everyone on board and give climate change the urgency and priority it deserves to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement,” she added.

Since the UAE ratified the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer in 1989, it has joined the UNFCCC (1995), signed the Paris Agreement (2015) and ratified the Kyoto Protocol (2005), as well as organised the Abu Dhabi Climate meeting two years ago.

Moreover, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) officially inaugurated its permanent headquarters at Masdar City in Abu Dhabi, a low-carbon urban development featuring innovative solutions in energy and water efficiency, mobility and waste reduction.

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‘UAE is an obvious choice to host COP 28’

Dr. Nawal Al-Hosany

Dr. Al-Hosany said that she was talking to La Camera about the UAE’s role in accelerating the global energy transition…reports Asian Lite News

The UAE has become the global convener of choice for urgent international dialogues, according to Dr. Nawal Al-Hosany, UAE permanent representative to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).

This is especially the case when it comes to renewable energy solutions and the global energy transition, she added, noting that a natural next step in this direction is hosting the 2023 UN Conference on Climate Change (COP 28).

In her article in The National, Dr. Al-Hosany narrated her conversation with Francesco La Camera, Director-General of IRENA, saying, ” he said something which struck a resonant chord.”

“When I first moved to the UAE [in 2019], I was not surprised by what was happening here, in terms of the modernisation of the nation,” he said. “But I didn’t expect the pace.”

Dr. Al-Hosany said that she was talking to La Camera about the UAE’s role in accelerating the global energy transition and securing a future of clean energy access for all, on the latest episode of On Renewables, the UAE Mission to IRENA’s videocast.

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“The reason La Camera’s observation about the pace of the UAE’s transformation hit home is this: it serves well to be reminded of how much our nation has achieved in such a short time, and how much we can achieve in the critical years ahead.

“We’ve become so accustomed to our achievements in the fields of renewable energy and climate action that we should not forget what those achievements are. Not only for what has been done, but for what can be done,” she said, adding that the UAE is home to three of the world’s biggest solar plants and it has become so integral to the UAE identity as an incubator of renewable energy solutions.

With 3.2 million solar panels installed across 8 square kilometres, Noor Abu Dhabi can produce 1.2 gigawatts of clean electricity, and meet the energy demands of up to 90,000 people. And soon, the Al Dhafra Solar Project, which set a record low tariff of US$1.35 cents per kilowatt-hour, is set to be almost double the size of Noor.

In Dubai, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, which set the original benchmark for the world’s largest single-site solar park, spread over 77 square kilometres, has just seen the inauguration of a first-of-its-kind green hydrogen project.

“It is worth noting that these projects were made possible thanks to international collaborations,” Dr. Nawal Al-Hosany explained. “In the instance of the two Abu Dhabi solar projects, that’s with leading Chinese firms – Jinko Solar Holding and China Machinery Engineering Corp for Noor and Al Dhafra, respectively. And in the case of the green hydrogen project, it is with close technology- and knowledge-transfers with Germany’s Siemens Energy.”

And that’s just for projects at home. The UAE has been a pioneer in bringing clean energy to countries around the world. “To date, the UAE has invested US$16.8 billion in renewable energy ventures in more than 70 countries around the world. And in small island developing states and least-developed states alone, it has invested more than US$1bn.”

“Countries from the Caribbean to Eastern Europe have benefitted from the UAE’s mission to make clean energy more accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic circumstance. The nation’s leadership has pursued this model for good reason. What we see when we collaborate across borders is that costs come down, the economic opportunity goes up and society at large reaps the rewards,” she went on to say.

Dr. Al-Hosany said that having provided the headquarters of the world’s leading authority on the global energy transition for more than a decade, “the UAE is perfectly situated to host the world’s biggest climate change conference”.

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UAE announces offer to host COP 28

The UAE has established itself as a natural host for high-level large format international events focused on climate action and sustainable development…reports Asian Lite News

The United Arab Emirates today announced an offer to host the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Abu Dhabi in 2023, with a focus on the economic case for inclusive climate action.

Commenting on the UAE’s offer to host COP 28, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, said, “The climate challenge is daunting, but it is also matched by enormous opportunity to drive economic growth and job creation. As a country that sits at the heart of the hydrocarbon industry and has made significant investments in energy diversification domestically and around the globe, we have seen first-hand that there is now an unprecedented business case for the highest level of climate ambition – especially when it advances gender equality and empowers youth.”

“COP 28 will represent a pivotal moment to capitalise on this opportunity, and our vision is to work with all countries to realise their net economic benefits from accelerated action.”

As the permanent host country for the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the first country in the region to sign and ratify the Paris Agreement and the first in the region to commit to an economy-wide reduction in emissions as part of its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), the UAE has demonstrated a proven track record in progressive climate action and multilateral cooperation that makes it an ideal convener for COP 28.

The UAE has established itself as a natural host for high-level large format international events focused on climate action and sustainable development. Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week is the world’s largest annual sustainability event, with over 45,000 delegates from 170 countries, and the UAE has hosted both preparatory meetings for United Nations’ climate summits in 2014 and 2019.

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Also, the upcoming Dubai Expo – focused on the Sustainable Development Goals and including 192 national pavilions – will welcome tens of millions of visitors starting in October.

The UAE’s investments in domestic renewable energy – including many of the world’s largest solar projects – over the last 15 years have yielded the world’s lowest solar costs. The UAE’s investments internationally have also contributed to renewable energy’s dramatic cost reductions over the last decade, reshaping global energy markets.

UAE economy on track towards recovery in 2021

The UAE has invested around $17 billion in commercial renewable energy projects on six continents and provided over $1 billion of grants and soft loans for renewable energy power plants, including through the UAE-Pacific Partnership Fund and UAE-Caribbean Renewable Energy Fund.

In addition, the UAE has pioneered carbon capture and storage to decarbonise heavy industry, led initiatives in climate-smart agriculture and prioritised biodiversity conservation.

“As COP 28 host, the UAE would leverage its experience as a regional and global convener to mobilise all actors in achieving the Paris Agreement and reinforcing the compelling investment case for raising ambitions,” Sheikh Abdullah added. “Climate impacts are already being acutely felt, but our experience gives us optimism that we can meet global climate goals while creating social and economic opportunities – with contributions coming from all corners of the globe.”

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