The 28th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC (COP28) is fast approaching, and the COP28 committee is diligently preparing for the upcoming climate summit. Led by the COP28 Director General, the committee recently convened to discuss the vision, strategic priorities, and crucial milestones for the summit. In this article, we explore the committee’s inclusive approach, key insights from global engagements, and the importance of COP28 in addressing climate change.
Fostering Global Consensus
H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Higher Committee responsible for COP28, emphasized the UAE’s role as the host country and its commitment to fostering global consensus. The UAE aims to guide an urgent and coordinated response to climate change in this crucial decade. COP28 will bring together heads of state, business leaders, civil society, the scientific community, youth, and various segments of society. The summit will assess global progress on climate action and identify the necessary steps to move from promises to tangible results by 2030, aligned with the Paris Agreement.
Insights from Global Engagements
Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, COP28 President-Designate, shared key insights from the committee’s global listening and engagement tour. The committee gained valuable perspectives on climate challenges and solutions by visiting countries such as India, China, Japan, Germany, France, the UK, and the US. Dr. Sultan stressed the need for an approach integrating economic prosperity, energy access, and emissions reduction. COP28 aims to accelerate a business-oriented strategy that balances climate action with sustainable economic and social development, leaving no one behind.
Call for Greater Climate Cooperation
During the engagement tour, the COP28 Presidency called for enhanced climate cooperation to accelerate progress across the core pillars of climate action. The committee also emphasized the importance of a just and pragmatic energy transition. Reforms of International Financial Institutions and Multilateral Development banks were highlighted to enable affordable, accessible, and available climate finance, particularly for the Global South. COP28 is committed to an inclusive agenda, ensuring everyone has a voice and an opportunity to contribute.
Youth Engagement and Climate Awareness
Shamma Al Mazrui, the Youth Climate Champion for COP28, shared the success of the International Youth Climate Delegate Program launched by COP28. This program, announced during the ‘Road to COP28’ event, has received an overwhelmingly positive response. The event, held in Expo City Dubai, brought together over 3,000 participants from various segments of society, raising climate awareness and inspiring action. The COP28 UAE Higher Committee comprises ministers, government officials, and representatives from different sectors, ensuring nationwide coordination for the summit.
Logistics and Protocol
Logistics and protocol were discussed during the committee meeting to ensure a smooth and efficient summit. Muhammad Al Junaibi, Chairman of the Federal Authority for Protocols and Strategic Narratives, provided an overview of the protocol arrangements. Talal Belhoul, the Director-General of the State Security Department at Dubai Police, discussed various security and operational aspects. Meanwhile, Mattar Al Tayer, the Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), presented the transportation plan for the COP28 venue. These comprehensive preparations are aimed at guaranteeing a prosperous and efficiently managed event.
Conclusion: COP28 Committee
The COP28 committee, led by the COP28 Director General, fully prepares for the global climate summit. With an inclusive approach and insights from international engagements, COP28 aims to foster worldwide consensus and guide urgent climate action. The committee emphasizes the need for a business-oriented approach that balances climate action with economic and social development. Youth engagement, climate awareness, logistics, and protocol arrangements are essential to the committee’s preparations. As the world looks toward COP28, it is crucial for all stakeholders to collaborate and contribute to the collective efforts in addressing climate change.
