São Paulo – The United Arab Emirates offered to host the 28th session of the United Nations Convention on Climate Change (COP 28) in 2023, state news agency WAN reported on Sunday (24). The discussions will focus on economy and climate.
WAM points out that the UAE has been the permanent host country for the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and was the first country in the Gulf to sign and ratify the Paris Agreement, an international commitment between more than 190 countries aimed to minimize the consequences of global warming.
The UAE was also the first country in the region to commit to an economy-wide reduction in emissions as part of its 2015 Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), an instrument through which the countries voluntarily commit to the climate issue within the Paris Agreement.
WAM says that the UAE has demonstrated a proven track record in progressive climate action and multilateral cooperation that makes it an ideal convener for COP 28.
The UAE’s minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan (pictured above), said the climate challenge is daunting but it is also matched by an enormous opportunity to drive economic growth and job creation. “COP 28 will represent a pivotal moment to capitalize on this opportunity, and our vision is to work with all countries to realize their net economic benefits from accelerated action,” he said.
The UAE has established itself as a host for high-level large format international events focused on climate action and sustainable development. The country hosted both preparatory meetings for the UN’ climate summits in 2014 and 2019. Among other events, the upcoming Expo Dubai 2020, to start in October in the country, is focused on the Sustainable Development Goals.
Translated by Guilherme Miranda
