Countdown to COP28: What can you expect?

With the approach of COP28, Dr Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, the designated COP 28 President and the Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, comments on the significance of the event. He emphasizes that nearly a decade after the Paris Agreement, it's crucial to refuel our optimism through collective efforts and tangible actions. He sees COP28 as a monumental platform for global leaders and citizens alike, highlighting its core objectives: accelerating the energy shift, streamlining climate financing, focusing on human welfare, and ensuring comprehensive inclusiveness.

COP28, scheduled from November 30 to December 12 in Expo City Dubai, is set to introduce the inaugural Global Stocktake, assessing the progress made since the Paris Agreement. The event's pillars encompass hastening a fair energy transition, rectifying climate financing, centering on human well-being, and guaranteeing complete inclusiveness. This summit is expected to gather an impressive roster of over 70,000 attendees, indicating its potential impact on global climate strategies.

The UAE aims to use COP28 as a blueprint for actionable climate solutions. Beyond just leadership discussions, the goal is to effect change on multiple fronts. Emphasizing the theme 'Year of Sustainability,' the UAE's leader Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan motivates the nation to work towards a sustainable future. This involves conscious consumption, conservation, and unified climate action. Especially as the summit approaches, there's an emphasis on youth's potential role in driving climate solutions.

To bolster youth involvement, the first batch of the UAE Youth Climate Delegates Programme has been initiated. This program is designed to position young UAE citizens at the forefront of global climate decisions. It seeks to build their capabilities, engage them in international dialogues, and incorporate them in COP28 discussions.

Shamma bint Suhail Faris Al Mazrui, associated with the COP28 Youth Climate initiative, voiced her commitment to including young voices in shaping climate action. She believes that global youth can disrupt traditional approaches and lead transformative climate action.

Highlighting the emphasis on collaborative efforts, Razan Al Mubarak, the UN's top climate advocate for COP28, speaks about the necessity of collective, inclusive action across sectors and regions.

Dr. Al Jaber envisions this occasion as a pivotal period for showcasing the UAE's legacy of sustainability. The two-week COP28 schedule is crafted to allow every stakeholder a voice, focusing on inclusive policy, finance, and technological solutions.

Notably, health and trade will be significant areas of focus during COP28. The summit will also emphasize Indigenous Peoples' contributions to biodiversity and will see an expected record number of mayoral representatives.

While official delegations will primarily populate the Blue Zone, the Green Zone will be open to various stakeholders, showcasing the inclusivity of the event.

In this significant year focused on sustainability, the overarching message is clear: everyone has a part in building a sustainable future. The UAE is encouraging its people to actively participate in the lead-up to COP28, fostering a global spirit of positive change.

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