UAE bids to host COP28 in 2023

Leaders say nation ready to host global climate conference in 2023…reports Asian Lite News

UAE leaders say the country is ready to host global climate change conference Cop28 in 2023, if selected.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, said the Emirates was geared up to help drive plans to protect the planet.

Sheikh Mohammed said the Emirates has won international backing for its bid to stage the event in 2023.

The UAE is currently playing a leading role in the current conference, Cop26, in Glasgow, Scotland.

Efforts to protect the planet and slow climate change remain at the forefront of the international agenda.

 “The UAE has submitted a request to host the Cop28 conference in 2023, the largest global conference of heads of state and government on climate and environmental issues,” Sheikh Mohammed posted on Twitter.

He said the UAE was primed to welcome the world in two years time to help shape green plans for the years to come.

“Many countries have supported our request, and we are looking forward to announcing the selection of the host country within the next two days,” said Sheikh Mohammed.

“The UAE will be ready for the global event if it wins the hosting.”

His sentiments were shared by Sheikh Mohamed, who underlined the UAE’s desire to combat climate change.

“The host country for Cop28 in 2023 will soon be chosen,” said Sheikh Mohamed on Twitter.

“As a nation committed to international co-operation and positive action, the UAE is ready and willing to host this crucial global gathering aimed at accelerating efforts to address our planet’s shared climate challenges.”Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Special Envoy for Climate Change, delivered an open invitation from the UAE to the world for partnership to find sustainable solutions that will tackle climate change and create sustainable economic growth with positive social impact.

Earlier, Dr. Al Jaber made the invitation when he delivered the UAE’s National Statement to the 26th session of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow.

He conveyed to delegates warm greetings from the leadership, government and people of the UAE, as the country focuses on building international cooperation, and developing valuable partnerships to advance global progress, in the same spirit in which the UAE has welcomed the world to Expo 2020 Dubai – ‘connecting minds, creating the future’.

Dr. Al Jaber also expressed sincere gratitude towards the Asia Pacific Group of nations for their endorsement of the UAE’s bid to host COP28 in 2023.

He told COP26 delegates, “We are proud to have been endorsed as the hosts of COP28 by the Asia Pacific Group of nations. I would also like to pay tributes to all partners and friends backing our nation’s bid. We look forward to upcoming sessions and discussions with the aim of securing international support for our offer to be confirmed as the host of COP28 by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The UAE is honoured to welcome all parties to work on developing an ambitious agenda for COP28 in 2023 that will accelerate the development of practical solutions and make crucial progress on climate action”.

Dr. Al Jaber highlighted the UAE’s expertise in climate action, its focus on sustainable growth, and its capabilities and potential for hosting the world’s largest and most important international climate change event. He said, “Our nation’s Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, set out the principles of sustainability in all sectors. These principles have been integral to our nation’s efforts in protecting the environment, diversifying energy sources, and developing policies to reduce the impact of climate change. The effects of climate change transcend borders, and are relevant to all nations, small or large, developed or developing, rich or poor.”

The visionary UAE leadership views climate action as an opportunity for sustainable economic and social growth, and this drives the country’s climate strategy.

Dr. Al Jaber said that global climate action must address the different needs of all stakeholders. He told delegates, “We should avoid a one-size-fits-all approach.”

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He said the UAE has entered a new era of transition in the energy sector. “We view this as an opportunity to focus on new paths towards the future. We believe that investing in low-carbon solutions in the energy sector will drive economic prosperity. Launched last October, the UAE ‘Net Zero by 2050’ Strategic Initiative reflects the vision of our leadership and the ambitions we have outlined for the ‘Next 50’ years of our nation. It is also an open call from the UAE to the world for partnership and cooperation to find sustainable solutions, while creating incentives for economic growth.”

The UAE has pledged to make climate security a priority when it joins the UN Security Council in 2023. Fulfilling the US$100 billion pledge by developed nations to support climate action in developing countries will play a vital role in mitigating and adapting to the impacts of climate change. In addition, there is a strong need to create an investment ecosystem to support sustainable growth.