UAE and US Discuss Opportunities to Accelerate Climate Action Before COP28

The 2023 UN Climate Change Conference, more commonly referred to as COP28, will convene from November 30 to December 12 at Expo City Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. The annual event shall bring the world together at a critical moment for transformative climate action.

In the run-up to the Summit, Dr Sultan Al Jaber congratulated the US and China on November 15 on their significant announcement on tripling renewable capacity, cutting power sector emissions and prioritising urgent action on methane emissions.

The COP28 President-Designate, who is also the UAE’s Minister for Industry and Advanced Technology and Special Envoy for Climate; Chairman of Masdar; and Group CEO of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, highlighted the need to “restore trust in multilateralism”.

Commitment To Maintain Regular Dialogue

In early March, Al Jaber met US climate envoy John Kerry at the White House, discussing opportunities for raising climate ambition and accelerating climate action ahead of the Summit. The talks focused on unlocking additional climate finance to protect the environment.

Both sides recognised the US-UAE Partnership for Accelerating Clean Energy, while agreeing to maintain regular dialogue to contribute to a successful COP28 and a well-managed energy transition that delivers enhanced climate action alongside energy security and affordability.

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Advancing Innovative Climate Finance

In July, Al Jaber participated in key discussions on climate finance with US President Joe Biden and HM King Charles III, alongside leading philanthropists and investors, in a visit to the UK to advance innovative climate finance to deliver climate action and a just energy transition.

During his visit, the COP28 President-Designate attended a forum on Climate Finance Mobilisation. He encouraged all parties to set their ambitions high ahead of the key Summit and continue to motivate businesses and philanthropists based in the US and UK to do the same.

Elevating Women’s Voices At COP28 Summit

Al Jaber calls the climate crisis a global problem that requires a global solution. Ahead of the key annual conference in Dubai later this month, the Arab League and the US have agreed to include “a diverse range” of women’s voices at the event.

“We resolve to work to ensure that women are economically empowered and engaged in decision-making processes,” a joint-statement noted. The commitment came as Al Jaber announced at the time that inclusivity would be a key pillar in his country’s plans for the Summit.

Speaking last month at the start of crucial pre-COP talks in Abu Dhabi, Al Jaber called for global action to tackle the climate crisis. About 70 ministers and more than 100 delegations participated in the event which COP28 organisers said was more than double the normal.