January 17, 2023
3 mins read

Al Jaber calls for COP of solidarity and action

Recognising the progress the world has made, Dr. Al Jaber “We’re playing catch-up in our efforts to keep 1.5 alive. …reports Asian Lite News

COP28 President-Designate, Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, has underscored the need for transformational, game-changing partnerships and solidarity to drive climate action for all, at the opening ceremony of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2023.

Dr. Al Jaber recognised the UAE’s history of leadership in tackling challenges. “The UAE has always risen to challenges by getting ahead of the future. And the transformational progress we have managed to achieve in only 50 years has been anchored by the principle and practice of genuine partnership. We’ve been blessed with a leadership that invested the wealth of the nation in the health of the nation, balanced economic growth with environmental responsibility, and put climate action at the heart of our development strategy,” he said.

With a focus on looking to the future and investing in innovation, Dr. Al Jaber noted, “Before anyone in this region saw a future in renewables, the UAE saw them as the future. When people questioned our ability to deliver on the promise of Masdar, we focused and stayed the course. Before others decarbonised, we embedded sustainability into our hydrocarbon operations. And we will continue to invest in the clean energies of tomorrow as we drive down the carbon footprint of the energy the world needs today. For us, sustainable development is about never settling for the now. It’s always about the next. Because next never stops.”

Reconising the progress the world has made, Dr. Al Jaber “We’re playing catch-up in our efforts to keep 1.5 alive. We need to reverse emissions while moving economies forward, enable an inclusive and just transition that leaves no-one behind. That’s why we are determined to make COP28 a COP for all, a COP of action. A COP where the Global North and Global South really listen to each other.

“A COP where we move from goals to getting it done across mitigation, adaptation and loss and damage. And a COP where we deliver a new deal on climate finance.”

He emphasised “The road to net zero represents the biggest market transformation with the greatest economic promise since the First Industrial Revolution. A low carbon pathway to a high growth destination with inclusive progress for all.”

Dr. Al Jaber pointed to the winners of this year’s Zayed Sustainability Prize as a source of inspiration, noting that driving inclusive progress is at the theart of the prize. “The Prize has been empowering positive change-makers for 15 years. Their initiatives are changing lives from Asia to Africa, from the Caribbean to the Pacific. So let us take inspiration and hope from them,” he said.

In closing his remarks, Dr. Al Jaber said, “As we prepare to host COP 28 in November, I ask myself: can the world come together to meet the urgency of this moment? Can the world cut emissions in half in the next seven years? My answer is Yes.

“I believe in the power of human progress. I believe in the power of our leadership’s vision for progress through partnership. I believe that together, we can turn the greatest challenge we face into the opportunity of our lifetimes.

Dr. Al Jaber concluded “Let me extend an open invitation. Cooperate, collaborate, share your ideas and let’s put the principle of partnership into practice. Let’s make practical real progress, because next never stops.

“Now is the time to unite. Now is the time to act. This is the time to turn rhetoric into tangible results.”

ADSW is a global initiative established in 2008 by the UAE to convene heads of state, policymakers, industry leaders, and other key stakeholders, around climate action and innovation. The ADSW opening ceremony was attended by thousands of global delegates, alongside the Zayed Sustainability Prize Awards Ceremony, which recognises sustainability achievements.

ALSO READ: ADSW key step towards COP28: MBZ

Previous Story

New Indian envoy to Saudi Arabia assumes charge

Next Story

UAE, S Korea stress on collective commitment to climate action

Latest from -Top News

Palestinians Seek Help to End Israeli Siege 

The Palestinian Ministry of National Economy: “We remind the entire world that Israel is refusing to allow the entry of basic health and humanitarian needs, especially water, electricity, and food, to the

GOP Targets Chinese Student Visas in New Bill

For weeks, US Rep. Riley Moore has sounded the alarm over alleged CCP exploitation of the US student visa program….reports Asian Lite News House Republicans are pushing legislation to ban Chinese nationals

Pak, Iran Crack Down on Afghan Refugees

Most of those affected are in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, where authorities have intensified pressure on Afghan nationals to leave….reports Asian Lite News As forced deportation and illegal detention of Afghan refugees continues,

Congo and M23 rebel group to hold peace talks 

Rwanda-backed rebels take more towns as they expand control after seizing east Congo’s largest city The government of Congo will hold peace talks next week in Angola with the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel
Go toTop

Don't Miss

UAE leaders highlight pivotal role of women

Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of State, highlighted the

UAE Continues Campaign to Provide Relief to Palestinians

The campaign is organizing events on Saturday, 21 October in