The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has laid forth an offer to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to host a session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 28).
The event is set to happen in Abu Dhabi in 2023 and will have a focus on the economic aspects of climate action.
Commenting on the UAE’s offer, Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah Al Nahyan said, “The climate change is a challenge of daunting nature and is also matched by a huge opportunity to drive job creation and economic growth. As a country that is at the heart of the hydrocarbon industry, we have made hefty investments in energy diversification locally and around the globe, we say that there is now an unprecedented business case to set a high level of climate ambition that advances gender equality and benefits youth.”
He said COP 28 will bring forth a pivotal moment to play upon this opportunity, and their vision is to work with all stakeholders to realize the economic benefits from accelerated action.
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Experts think that the UAE has demonstrated a stable track record in multilateral cooperation and progressive climate action that makes it a fit convener for COP 28.
It has established itself as a perfect host for high-level international events that centre upon sustainable development and climate action. Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week is the largest annual sustainability event that hosts over 45,000 delegates from 170 countries. Moreover, the UAE has hosted preparatory meetings for United Nations’ climate summits in the year 2014 and 2019.
The upcoming Dubai Expo is to be focused on the Sustainable Development Goals and has over 192 national pavilions. The event will welcome tens of millions of visitors and is set to start in October.
The UAE’s domestic investments in renewable energy have resulted in the world’s lowest solar costs.