Tag: COP28

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COP28: UAE banks discuss advancing green finance

As part of its commitment to supporting the UAE’s competitiveness and economic ambitions, the CBUAE conducted a review of its own initiatives outlined in its 2023-2026 strategy…reports Asian Lite News

Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor of the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), held a meeting with CEOs of UAE banks to discuss priorities and future initiatives for the banking sector, with a particular focus on advancing green finance in the financial sector.

During the meeting, the Governor highlighted the important role of UAE banks in developing and implementing green and sustainable finance plans and aligning with sector-wide sustainability objectives in support of the initiatives during the ‘Year of Sustainability’ and the UAE’s hosting of COP28.

As part of its commitment to supporting the UAE’s competitiveness and economic ambitions, the CBUAE conducted a review of its own initiatives outlined in its 2023-2026 strategy, focussing on promoting greater sustainability practices across the UAE financial sector and CBUAE’s own operations.

The CBUAE has formed a high-level Committee on Green and Sustainable Finance (the Sustainability Committee), chaired by the Governor, with the Assistant Governors as its members, to lead and oversee the progress and implementation of wide-ranging sustainability initiatives.

The CBUAE’s Banking and Insurance Supervision area leads the integration of sustainability in regulatory frameworks in addition to advancing Islamic sustainable finance in the UAE. It will also adopt more robust sustainability practices as part of its supervisory operations and currency management.

The CBUAE’s Monetary Policy and Financial Stability area will adopt sustainability principles in reserves management and monetary operations, in addition to conducting climate-risk stress testing, and climate-related economic research.

Likewise, the CBUAE’s Strategy, Financial Infrastructure and Digital Transformation area will continue to ensure the key role of sustainability in the CBUAE’s strategy and facilitate sustainability initiatives in the area of digitisation in the financial sector.

Internally, the CBUAE is also adopting sustainable practices across its workplace, procurement operations, and facilities management.

The CBUAE commended banks’ progress in reaching Emiratisation targets and outlined expectations of continuous growth of job opportunities for UAE nationals. The share of UAE nationals as a proportion of total employees in UAE banks improved to 33.2% in 2022, with a 2026 target set by the CBUAE of 45%. The 2026 target for Emiratisation of senior executive roles is 30%.

With regards to the digital transformation of the financial sector, the meeting also encompassed the progress and roll-out of the domestic card scheme and instant payment platform planned in 2023.
In addition, the meeting participants discussed financial consumer protection, market conduct, financial crime supervision in the banking sector, and the Emirates Interbank Offered Rate (EIBOR).

Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor of the CBUAE, commented, “In line with the vision of the UAE’s wise leadership and in support of the nation’s sustainability efforts and objectives, and in implementation of the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of the Presidential Court, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the CBUAE, we are working towards enabling and promoting the green agenda in the financial sector by strengthening the principles and frameworks for green finance.”

He added, “Our meeting with the UAE banks reinforces the importance of sustainability, Emiratisation and consumer protection and underlines our commitment to achieving our ambitious digitalisation, financial technology, and innovation targets. In this regard, we commend the UAE’s licensed financial institutions for their efforts towards enhancing the financial sector and the banks’ initiatives to support the ‘Year of Sustainability’ and the UAE’s hosting of COP 28.”

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Emirati Engineer named UAE Liaison for COP28  

أبوظبي في 26 مايو/وام/ باشر عبدالله الرميثي، زميل برنامج خبراء الإمارات والمستشار في مكتب المبعوث الخاص للتغير المناخي لدولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة، عمله كمسؤول اتصال لدولة الإمارات، نيابة عن رئاسة مؤتمر الأطراف كوب 28، لدى أمانة اتفاقية الأمم المتحدة الإطارية بشأن تغير المناخ في مدينة بون الألمانية، وذلك لضمان التنسيق بين فريق رئاسة الدورة الثامنة والعشرين لمؤتمر الأطراف COP28 وأمانة اتفاقية الأمم المتحدة الإطارية بشأن تغير المناخ. وتتمثل الأهداف الرئيسية لعمل عبدالله الرميثي في بناء علاقة متينة بين فريق رئاسة الدورة الثامنة والعشرين لمؤتمر الأطراف ونظرائهم في أمانة اتفاقية الأمم المتحدة الإطارية بشأن تغير المناخ. ومن بين الأهداف الأخرى أيضا تبادل المعرفة والخبرة المتعلقة بالعمليات والاتصالات مع أعضاء فريق رئاسة الدورة الثامنة والعشرين لمؤتمر الأطراف، وتنسيق مشاركة ممثلي فريق رئاسة الدورة الثامنة والعشرين لمؤتمر الأطراف، والاجتماعات والفعاليات ذات الصلة باتفاقية الأمم المتحدة الإطارية بشأن تغير المناخ. وقال الرميثي إنه خلال الأشهر القادمة  سيعمل مع الزملاء في الأمم المتحدة لتحقيق مزيد من التنسيق والتعاون بما يلبي التطلعات التي  نصبو إليها بخصوص مؤتمر كوب 28 مشيرا إلى أن المهارات والمعرفة التي راكمها من خلال عمله في هيئة البيئة في أبوظبي، وتخرجه في برنامج خبراء الإمارات، وكذلك عمله  في فريق COP28 جميعها ساهمت في وصوله  إلى هنا.وقال أنه يتطلع اليوم لتقديم نتائج ممتازة في خدمة وطنه .  و الرميثي هو أحد خبراء عام الاستدامة في الدولة، تحت رعاية مؤسسة سلامة بنت حمدان آل نهيان، ويتولى أيضا منصب مدير إدارة السياسات والتشريعات البيئية والتغير المناخي في هيئة البيئة في أبوظبي، وهو زميل برنامج خبراء الإمارات الذي انطلق في عام 2019 .  

He will also work closely with representatives of the COP 28 Presidency team to coordinate their participation in relevant UNFCCC meetings and events…reports Asian Lite News

Abdulla Al Remeithi, a Fellow of the UAE National Experts Programme and Senior Advisor at the Office of the UAE Special Envoy for Climate Change, has recently been named as UAE Liaison on behalf of the COP28 Presidency at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Bonn, Germany.

The UNFCCC Secretariat (UN Climate Change) is the United Nations entity tasked with supporting the global response to the threat of climate change. In his new role, Al Remeithi will draw on his expertise to ensure effective coordination between the two entities, spearheading efforts to foster cooperation between the COP 28 Presidency team and the UNFCCC Secretariat, while simultaneously building strong relationships with his counterparts there.

In addition to this, Al Remeithi will share valuable insights with members of the COP 28 Presidency team, helping to optimize operations and communication.

He will also work closely with representatives of the COP 28 Presidency team to coordinate their participation in relevant UNFCCC meetings and events.

In a statement, Al Remeithi expressed his enthusiasm for his new role, saying, “Over the course of the next months, I will have the privilege of working alongside global experts and colleagues at the United Nations to promote greater collaboration in pursuit of climate action. The skills and expertise I have honed through my work at the Environment Agency in Abu Dhabi and the UAE National Experts Programme, combined with my experience with the COP 28 team, have all contributed to my ability to make a meaningful contribution in this role.”

Abdulla Al Remeithi is a distinguished leader in the field of sustainability and environmental policy and has been recognised as one of the Year of Sustainability’s Experts Network in the UAE, under the auspices of the Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation.

As the Director of Environment Policy, Regulation and Climate Change at the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, Al Remeithi has played a pivotal role in advancing the UAE’s environmental agenda and promoting sustainable development.

In addition, Al Remeithi is a Fellow of the UAE National Experts Programme, developed in 2019, under the direction of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, as a launchpad for UAE-based specialists who strive to play a leading role in the transformation of future-growth sectors aligned with the UAE’s national priorities. (ANI/WAM)

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78 UAE projects supercharge COP28 ambitions

The Cabinet approved national strategies to reduce carbon and regulate the use of solar energy products, sustainable tourism and other initiatives….reports Asian Lite News

The UAE cabinet, chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, approved 78 environmental projects and initiatives implemented by the UAE in preparation for hosting COP28 climate conference.

The initiatives include national strategies to reduce carbon and regulate the use of solar energy products, sustainable tourism and other initiatives that support sustainable and environment-friendly development.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said, “Today, I chaired the Cabinet meeting at Qasr Al Watan, Abu Dhabi, where we adopted the reformation of the board of directors of the Emirates Investment Authority, chaired by my brother Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan.”

His Highness noted, “During the meeting today, we approved 78 environmental projects and initiatives implemented by the UAE in preparation for hosting COP28… We also reviewed the results and the achievements of the Emirates Council for Food Security, which included the ‘Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate’ initiative led by the UAE and the US.”

He further expressed, “We approved the UAE Service Export Development Agenda, which will focus on education, medical tourism, financial and Islamic services… The Ministry of Economy will work on strengthening international partnerships and developing programs to support the UAE exports in the international markets.”

He added, “We reviewed during the meeting the UAE Foreign Trade Report 2022 where our non-oil foreign trade crossed the AED 2 trillion mark for the first time in history.”

“Today, we also approved the launching of DARAK, the new housing platform that provides citizens with solutions, and exclusive offers and banking facilities at all stages of construction.”

During the meeting, the Cabinet adopted the reformation of the board of directors of the Emirates Investment Authority (EIA), chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Court.

Service Export Development Agenda

During the meeting, the Cabinet approved the UAE Service Export Development Agenda, which aims at raising production as well as increasing the competitiveness of Emirati exports in the international markets. The Agenda is set to contribute to strengthening the UAE’s position as a global service provider and enhancing its ranking among the best countries in Gross National Income (GNI) per capita.
The Agenda will focus on 5 main sectors, including Education; Medical Tourism; Islamic Financial Services; Creative Economy; and Financial Services, through focusing on the best markets in the world.

The Cabinet reviewed the policies of developing the Emirati exports, through opening up to new global markets. The non-oil foreign trade reached unprecedented records as it crossed the AED 2 trillion mark for the first time in history and totaled AED 2.233 trillion in 2022, with a 17% growth from that of 2021.

DARAK Housing Platform

The Cabinet has approved the launching of the new housing platform “DARAK”, an integrated e-platform that provides a comprehensive system covering each stage of a house’s construction. DARAK is set to provide citizens with various services, exclusive offers and banking facilities at all stages of construction. The new platform will contribute to reducing the cost of construction and completing the construction process through a single point of contact.

Food Security Achievements

The Cabinet meeting reviewed the results and the achievements of the Emirates Council for Food Security (ECSF) for the year 2022. ECSF achievements included the “Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate” initiative. Led by the UAE and the US, the initiative aims at enhancing and accelerating investments in this field, and finding agricultural, climate and food safety solutions.

New educational model

The Cabinet approved the new educational model for the Higher Colleges of Technology, which will come into effect at the beginning of the academic year 2023/2024. The New model aims at enhancing the contribution of Higher Colleges of Technology to leading an effective role within the workforce development system in the country.

Consumer Protection

The Cabinet has adopted the Executive Regulation of Federal Law on Consumer Protection, aiming to protect all consumer rights, especially those pertaining to the quality of goods and services.
The Cabinet has approved the Executive Regulation of the Federal Decree-Law regulating the Advocacy and Legal Consultancy Professions, translation and notary public. The meeting approved a new federal law regulating the Transfer and Transplant of Human Organs, in addition, to a number of decisions to expand the scope of companies and private sector organizations subject to Emiratization targets within NAFIS initiatives and programmes.

The meeting reviewed a series of reports and achievements for the year 2022, in addition to approving a number of international agreements with friendly countries, including the Kyrgyz Republic and the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica.

Also, the meeting approved an agreement with the Islamic Development Bank regarding the establishment of the bank’s regional headquarter in the UAE, and the establishment of the UAE embassy in the Republic of Guinea in the city of Bissau, as well as the UAE’s candidacy for membership in the Executive Board of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme.

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Solih: COP28 to accelerate progress on Paris climate deal

The President of the Maldives discussed with Almheiri ways to enhance cooperation between his country and the UAE in the field of climate action…reports Asian Lite News

Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih expressed optimism that the upcoming COP28 conference will foster significant strides in implementing the Paris Climate Agreement’s objectives.

This sentiment was shared during his reception of Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and the Environment, during an official visit she made as the head of a delegation from the Ministry, which included Dr Mohammed Al Hammadi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Biological Diversity and Aquatic Sector, alongside other officials.

During the meeting, the President of the Maldives discussed with Almheiri ways to enhance cooperation between his country and the UAE in the field of climate action and enhancing joint food security, in addition to discussing collaboration to ensure the success of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) hosted by the UAE this year. On her part, Almheiri stressed the importance of the distinctive initiatives that the Maldives takes to combat climate change.

Mariam Almheiri’s official visit to the Maldives witnessed the expansion of cooperation betwe;n the two countries in the field of enhancing food security through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), where food security plays a pivotal role in the strategic orientations of the two countries and is one of the most critical pillars of achieving stability and economic and social development in the future.

Mariam Almheiri signed the MoU on behalf of the UAE, and HE Dr Hussain Rasheed Hassan, Minister of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture, signed it on behalf of the Republic of Maldives.

The MoU aims to enhance cooperation between the two countries in fisheries, marine resources, and agriculture. The MoU seeks to improve food security to achieve many shared objectives in this field.

Commenting on the MoU, Mariam Almheiri said: “The UAE is keen to expand its partnerships with various friendly countries and relevant international parties to enhance national and global food security, where food security is one of the most important strategic directions of the UAE to build a sustainable future. We are pleased to cooperate with our friends in the Republic of the Maldives to find solutions to various shared food security challenges. We believe in the importance of cooperation and look forward to more with the Republic of the Maldives in the upcoming period”.

Almheiri added: “The Memorandum of Understanding and the expansion of cooperation with the Maldives in the field of food security come at a perfect time, under the year of sustainability in the UAE and within the country’s preparations to host the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28). Achieving food security is closely linked to national and global climate action. In addition to the negative impact of climate change on agricultural systems and the development of fisheries and animal wealth, innovation in these systems can also contribute to mitigating the effects of these changes. Through investment and cooperation in this field, we can play a major role in preserving planet Earth and enhancing food security for future generations.”

The cooperation between the two countries aims to exchange expertise in the fields of studying and developing food management systems and agricultural production to enhance food security, develop and stimulate innovation in the same field, exchange experiences in the areas of production and marketing of plant, animal, and fish food products, and develop food safety regulations and legislation, in addition to exchanging expertise in the field of aquaculture.

The two parties agreed to establish a technical committee to implement the MoU, with the committee meeting regularly and alternately between the UAE and the Maldives and providing regular joint reports on related activities. The committee will keep both parties informed of the progress made in terms of cooperation in the field of food security, in accordance with the terms of the agreement, in addition to making recommendations.

Mariam Almheiri’s visit to the Maldives also included a bilateral meeting with Aminath Shauna, Minister of Environment, Climate Change, and Technology in the Maldives, where the two sides discussed ways to enhance cooperation in the fields of food security, climate change, and environmental preservation between the two countries. Almheiri also highlighted the UAE’s readiness to host COP28 as a global platform to unify international efforts to reduce global warming and climate change.

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COP28: Push for greater inclusion of indigenous peoples

Al Mubarak emphasised the importance of leveraging the knowledge and values of indigenous peoples for achieving sustainable development …reports Asian Lite News

UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28, Razan Al Mubarak, and COP28 Director-General and Special Representative, Ambassador Majid Al Suwaidi, traveled to the United Nations Headquarters in New York this week to engage with stakeholders on the margins of the 22nd Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII).

The Forum on Indigenous Issues is the central UN body dedicated to the concerns and rights of the world’s indigenous peoples. In their respective engagements, both members of the COP28 leadership team reiterated the UAE’s commitment to closer collaboration with indigenous communities in driving solutions to the climate crisis.

In her keynote speech at the Forum, Al Mubarak emphasised the importance of leveraging the knowledge and values of indigenous peoples for achieving sustainable development and protecting biodiversity and encouraged their full engagement in the development of policies related to climate change.

“As a UN Climate Change Champion, I am committed to partnering with you to support your efforts and to promote solutions from indigenous peoples to solve the climate crisis,” stated Al Mubarak.

On the sidelines of the Forum, Ambassador Al Suwaidi briefed representatives of the Group of 77 + China on potential areas of cooperation and the UAE’s commitment to work closely with developing countries of the Global South to deliver an inclusive COP28.

Additionally, Al Mubarak and Ambassador Al Suwaidi co-convened indigenous youth activists and young people at the forefront of efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Al Mubarak highlighted the important role of indigenous youth as leaders in building climate resilience and protecting against the impacts of climate change. In his remarks, Al Suwaidi stressed the importance of creating a dedicated space specifically for indigenous youth to support COP28 outcomes and developing indigenous-led durable climate solutions.

On the final day of her visit, Al Mubarak co-hosted an event with environmental and indigenous rights activist Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim as well as the International Indigenous People’s Forum on Climate Change (IIPFCC) and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The event focused on the promotion of indigenous values and knowledge systems to shape the global dialogue on planetary health and climate action.

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UAE President prioritises sustainability for progress

Sheikh Mohamed was speaking at a virtual meeting of the Major Economies Forum (MEF) on Energy and Climate Change hosted by US President Joe Biden…reports Asian Lite News

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has stressed that sustainable economic development and climate action are closely linked and essential to ensuring a better quality of life for all.

The President also emphasised that the UAE has placed climate action at the core of its strategy, with a focus on achieving sustainable economic and social growth while fulfilling its responsibility towards the environment and future generations.

Sheikh Mohamed made these remarks during a virtual meeting of the Major Economies Forum (MEF) on Energy and Climate Change, which was hosted by US President Joe Biden and brought together leaders and heads of government from major global economies.

The UAE was invited to participate in light of its upcoming role as host of COP28, the twenty-eighth Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

In his remarks during the forum, His Highness the President said, “The UAE was the first Gulf country to ratify the Paris Agreement, and the first in the region to commit to reducing emissions in all economic sectors by the year 2030. It has also announced its strategic initiative to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. We have invested over US$150 billion in climate action and have ambitious plans for further investments in this field in the future.”

His Highness affirmed that the COP28 UAE Presidency will be committed to achieving transformative climate action, moving from deliberation to action, and delivering a comprehensive action plan for the benefit of all people and the planet.

“Energy and climate change are closely intertwined,” His Highness said, “And thus it is essential that the world accelerates its logical, realistic, and balanced transition in the energy sector by increasing renewable energy production capacity by at least three times and doubling hydrogen production. It is crucial to enhance international cooperation in technology transfer and provide the necessary financing to support the energy transition and address the losses and damages, especially in the Global South and communities most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.”

Stressing the importance of developed countries fulfilling their pledge to provide US$100 billion to developing countries, His Highness highlighted the need to reform international financial institutions and secure the necessary financing to stimulate investments that support climate action. The UAE President stated that although the risk of climate change has intensified, there is still a chance to prevent its dire consequences, given that there is a genuine determination for immediate and collective global action. He emphasised that the UAE is committed to making COP28 a significant milestone towards achieving this goal.

Concluding his remarks, His Highness extended an open invitation to the world to join the UAE’s efforts and initiatives aimed at achieving a significant advancement in climate action. He expressed his confidence and optimism that the world will respond positively to this invitation.

Participants at the MEF included: Joseph R. Biden, Jr., President of the United States of America, Alberto Fernandez, President of the Argentine Republic, Anthony Albanese MP, Prime Minister of Australia, Justin Trudeau, P.C., M.P., Prime Minister of Canada, Gabriel Boric, President of the Republic of Chile, Abdel Fattah El Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, Charles Michel, President of the European Council, Olaf Scholz, Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia, Kishida Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan, Han Duk-soo, Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea, Andres Manuel López Obrador President of the United Mexican States, Muhammadu Buhari, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Jonas Gahr Støre, Prime Minister of Norway, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President of the Republic of Türkiye, Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, Xie Zhenhua, Special Envoy of President Xi Jinping, People’s Republic of China, Agnès Pannier-Runacher, Minister for Energy Transition of the French Republic, Roberto Cingolani, Minister of Ecological Transition of the Italian Republic, Adel Al-Jubeir, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Member of the Cabinet and Envoy for Climate, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Alok Sharma MP, President for COP26, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Tran Hung Ha, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

The UAE has a proven track record of proactive climate action, diplomacy and multilateral cooperation. The country has emerged as a regional leader in investing in clean and renewable energy projects, both domestically and globally. The UAE operates three of the largest and most cost-effective solar plants in the world, as well as being a regional leader in the use of nuclear power.

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Sheikh Mohamed invites Yemen’s PLC chief to COP28

عدن في 10 أبريل / وام /  بعث صاحب السمو الشيخ محمد بن زايد آل نهيان رئيس الدولة "حفظه الله"، رسالة خطية، إلى فخامة الدكتور رشاد العليمي رئيس مجلس القيادة الرئاسي في الجمهورية اليمنية، تتصل بالعلاقات الثنائية، ودعوة للمشاركة في مؤتمر الأطراف في اتفاقية الأمم المتحدة الإطارية بشأن تغير المناخ COP28 الذي تستضيفه دولة الإمارات في نوفمبر المقبل.                  سلم الرسالة إلى فخامته، سعادة محمد حمد الزعابي، سفير دولة الإمارات لدى الجمهورية اليمنية الشقيقة.

The invitation letter was received by Al-Alimi from Mohamed Hamad Al Zaabi, UAE Ambassador to Yemen…reports Asian Lite News

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan sent a written letter to Dr. Rashad Al-Alimi, Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council of the Republic of Yemen, which discussed bilateral relations and also included an invitation to attend COP28, which will be held in the UAE this November.

The letter was received by Al-Alimi from Mohamed Hamad Al Zaabi, UAE Ambassador to Yemen.

Al Zaabi conveyed the greetings of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, along with their wishes for further progress and prosperity for the Republic of Yemen and its people.

The Chairman of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council conveyed his greetings to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid as well as his wishes for further prosperity and growth for the UAE government and people.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to develop cooperation between the UAE and Yemen, and opportunities for strengthening relations between the two countries.

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MBZ sends personal COP28 invite to Sisi

أبوظبي في 6 أبريل/ وام / بعث صاحب السمو الشيخ محمد بن زايد آل نهيان رئيس الدولة "حفظه الله"، رسالة خطية إلى فخامة عبدالفتاح السيسي رئيس جمهورية مصر العربية، تتضمن دعوة فخامته للمشاركة في مؤتمر الأطراف في اتفاقية الأمم المتحدة الإطارية بشأن تغير المناخ COP28، المقرر عقده بمدينة إكسبو دبي في شهر نوفمبر المقبل. وسلم الرسالة إلى فخامته سعادة مريم الكعبي سفيرة الإمارات العربية المتحدة لدى جمهورية مصر العربية، والمندوب الدائم للدولة لدى جامعة الدول العربية، وذلك بحضور معالي سامح شكري وزير الخارجية المصري. ونقلت سعادتها تحيات صاحب السمو الشيخ محمد بن زايد آل نهيان رئيس الدولة "حفظه الله"، إلى فخامته وتمنياتهما لبلاده وشعبه بالمزيد من التقدم والازدهار. من جانبه حمل فخامة عبدالفتاح السيسي سعادة السفيرة تحياته إلى صاحب السمو الشيخ محمد بن زايد آل نهيان رئيس الدولة "حفظه الله"، وتمنياته لدولة الإمارات حكومة وشعبا بالمزيد من التطور والنماء. وأكد فخامته ثقة جمهورية مصر العربية في قيادة دولة الإمارات لقمة المناخ المقبلة في ضوء قدراتها المشهود لها بالتميز، وكذلك الحرص المتبادل على تعزيز التعاون ونقل الخبرات المصرية في هذا الصدد، لاسيما في ظل خصوصية العلاقات الوطيدة التي تجمع البلدين الشقيقين، وذلك لضمان خروج القمة بنتائج إيجابية لدعم العمل المناخي الدولي، ومراعاة الشواغل ذات الصلة للدول النامية والأفريقية. من جانبها أكدت سعادتها حرص دولة الإمارات على تعزيز التعاون المشترك بين البلدين وتبادل الخبرات تحديدا بعد تجربة جمهورية مصر العربية في هذا الإطار، خاصةً في ظل استضافتها للقمة السابقة COP27  والتي عقدت في شرم الشيخ.

The invitation was delivered to the Egyptian President by Mariam Al Kaabi, UAE Ambassador to the Arab Republic of Egypt…reports Asian Lite News

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has sent a written message to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, inviting him to attend the COP28 Climate Change Conference, to be held at Expo City Dubai in November.

The message was delivered to the Egyptian President by Mariam Al Kaabi, UAE Ambassador to the Arab Republic of Egypt and Permanent Representative of the UAE to the Arab League, in the presence of Sameh Shoukry, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Egypt.

Al Kaabi conveyed to the Egyptian president the greetings of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, wishing him and the people of Egypt further progress and prosperity.

President El Sisi reciprocated the greetings of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, expressing his sincere wishes for the continued progress and development of the UAE.

The Egyptian President affirmed his confidence in the UAE’s leadership for hosting COP 28 and expressed his country’s readiness to enhance cooperation and share Egyptian expertise in this regard, taking into account the relevant concerns of developing and African nations.

Ambassador Al Kaabi highlighted the UAE’s interest in boosting cooperation between the two countries and exchanging experiences, especially in light of Egypt’s hosting of the COP27 conference in Sharm El-Sheikh in 2022.

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UAE youth unite to make COP28 the most inclusive

The programme brings together ten participants from six different nationalities, who are all passionate and active in climate change advocacy…reports Asian Lite News

The United Arab Emirates’ Youth Climate Delegates have concluded their first official meeting at Dubai Youth Hub. This meeting marked a significant milestone for youth involvement in COP28, as key stakeholders in the UAE’s youth and climate space came together to collaborate with the delegates and engage them in activities leading up to COP28.

The delegates engaged in extensive discussions on practical solutions to engage and involve youth in the climate conversation, and planned their activities for the road ahead, in collaboration with various stakeholders, including COP28, Youth Climate Champion team, the Arab Youth Centre, and the Federal Youth Authority.

Each entity complemented the other, covering a spectrum of activities designed to maximise youth involvement and leadership in climate change on the local, regional, and international levels, leading up to 18th UN Climate Change Conference of Youth (COY18) and the 18th UNFCCC Conference of Parties (COP28).

The Ministry of Culture and Youth, in collaboration with the Office of the UAE’s Special Envoy for Climate Change, launched the first cohort of the UAE Youth Climate Delegates Programme in mid-March 2023. This programme, targeting youth in the UAE, aims to ensure the inclusion of youth voices in climate change processes, build the capabilities of youth through awareness and capacity building, empower them to take actionable steps towards climate action, and showcase the UAE’s youth empowerment model at COP28.

The programme brings together ten participants from six different nationalities, who are all passionate and active in climate change advocacy. The delegates, namely Hoor Ahli, Lindani Zungu, Karishma Asarpota, Malak Abdullah, Mohamed Eissa, Lateefa Almansoori, Manal Nadeem, Kenza El Gamra, Gheed Abdul Jabbar, and Amal Al Gergawi, were selected based on their expertise in the field and demonstrated commitment to climate action.

At COP28, the UAE delegates will be joined by 100 international delegates as part of the International Youth Climate Delegate Programme, a programme which was recently launched by the incoming COP28 Presidency. This programme is designed to empower UAE youth to become leaders in the field of climate change, and this meeting marks an important step forward in achieving this goal.

The programme runs from March to December 2023, during which the youth delegates will participate in and provide input into the negotiation process to set priorities for the climate agenda in the 18th UN Climate Change Conference of Youth (COY18) and COP28. They will undergo capacity building and training to build clear policy targets for COP and gather perspectives, while bringing learning back to their wider communities in their countries. Overall, the programme aims to provide a platform for youth to engage in climate action and empowering them to become leaders in the fight against climate change.

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UAE leaders review COP28 preparations

President Sheikh Mohamed noted that COP28 should involve nationwide participation from all sectors of society….reports Asian Lite News

President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, were briefed on the latest preparations for hosting COP28, in the presence of members of the Higher Committee overseeing the planning.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed said: “Since its inception, the UAE has embarked on a journey of transformative change. Sustainable development and climate action are integral parts of our strategy to achieve continued economic and social growth for both present and future generations.”

The President added that the UAE is committed to its role as a global convenor, and in keeping with the approach set by the UAE’s Founding Father, the Late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, will continue to promote the environmental and economic prosperity of societies around the world, both today and in the future.

Sheikh Mohamed noted that COP28 should involve nationwide participation from all sectors of society, and called on the Higher Committee to encourage stakeholders, from government and the private sector to academia and civil society, to play an active role in the lead-up to COP28.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid reaffirmed the UAE’s approach to climate action through unlocking innovative and viable opportunities for shared prosperity and sustainable development.

The Vice President stressed the critical need to unite the world at COP28 UAE, welcoming participants from around the world to continue the implementation of the UAE’s message of ’Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’.

Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, who is also the Chairman of the COP28 Higher Committee, reiterated that the UAE, as a nation at the crossroads of the world, is ideally positioned to build bridges between the Global North and the Global South.

He also noted that the UAE can play a constructive role in delivering tangible progress for a climate-secure world with opportunities for sustained socio-economic development. The foreign minister added that COP28 UAE must drive the shift from pledges to concrete actions, and work collaboratively with all stakeholders who want to contribute to action across key climate pillars to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement.

UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and COP28 President-Designate Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber also provided a summary of the ‘Road to COP28’, the first COP28 Presidency-hosted event.

Held at Expo City Dubai on 15 March, the event enhanced youth engagement and unified the wider community to raise climate change awareness and mobilise all sectors of society in the run-up to COP28. The event welcomed more than 3,000 participants including government officials, foreign diplomats, students, young climate advocates, people of determination, senior citizens and representatives of sustainable businesses.

Earlier, at the conclusion of the Copenhagen Climate Ministerial, Dr. Sultan Al Jaber urged global climate ministers to unite behind “transformational progress” for a COP of Action and a COP for All.

During the two-day event, Dr. Al Jaber worked with Egyptian Foreign Minister and COP27 President Sameh Shoukry and Dan Jørgensen, Danish Minister of Development Cooperation and Global Climate Policy, to lead efforts to deliver on the meeting’s aim of securing the implementation of the results of COP27 while also setting the course ahead towards COP28 in the UAE later this year.

In his remarks, Dr. Al Jaber reminded ministers and climate leaders of the approaching Global Stocktake at COP28 and urged them to take action across a range of key areas to bring 1.5C within reach.

He said, “Yesterday’s IPCC report highlighted the significant challenges ahead and the urgent need to course correct if we are to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement. But more importantly, the report identifies the opportunities and solutions that are available to reduce emissions and enhance resilience.”

Dr. Al Jaber emphasised the need to accelerate pathways to net zero by rapidly adopting renewable and zero carbon energies, decarbonizing the current energy system and investing in proven and new mitigation technologies.

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