The United Arab Emirates (UAE) officially transferred the presidency of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP) to Azerbaijan today, Monday.
Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, the UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and President of COP28, emphasized that the visionary leadership of the UAE has solidified its position within the international community and enhanced its role in leading climate and development efforts aimed at building a sustainable future for humanity and the planet.
This announcement was made during Al Jaber’s speech in Baku, marking the conclusion of the UAE's presidency of the conference, which was characterized by numerous practical and significant achievements across all climate action goals. He renewed the call for all parties to build on the historic accomplishments of COP28 in the areas of climate action and economic and social growth over the next two weeks in Azerbaijan's capital.
Al Jaber expressed his appreciation for the encouragement, support, and guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, who led the COP28 team to achieve the highest aspirations for the conference.
Success of COP28
He reiterated that the achievements of COP28 would not have been possible without the unwavering support of the UAE's leadership and government. He acknowledged the efforts of the Higher Committee overseeing COP28, chaired by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. He praised the combined contributions of all entities, institutions, work teams, individuals, and society in the UAE.
Historic UAE Agreement
Al Jaber stated that the historic "UAE Agreement" has emerged as a tangible achievement—one that many considered impossible—thanks to the skills and dedication of negotiators during COP28, who successfully navigated challenges through effective multilateral diplomatic work. They overcame doubts and fears, attaining numerous groundbreaking global achievements and making exceptional progress in climate action.
He pointed out the significant impact of COP28's achievements, especially amid the complexities and conflicts present in today's world. He emphasized the UAE's commitment to prioritizing partnership over division, dialogue over conflict, and peace over strife. Al Jaber expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to chair COP28 and thanked all who contributed to the historic UAE Agreement, which features comprehensive and integrated provisions. Since its approval at COP28, the UAE Agreement has become the reference framework for global climate ambition and sustainable development. It includes unprecedented measures aimed at facilitating a responsible, fair, and realistic transition in the energy sector, with goals to triple the global renewable energy production capacity, double energy efficiency, and reduce deforestation by 2030.
Al Jaber added that the initiatives associated with the UAE Agreement and the action plan from COP28 have continued to gain momentum and international support in the months following the conference. He noted that the "Oil and Gas Sector Emissions Reduction Charter" has become the most comprehensive emission reduction initiative for private sector organizations, currently involving 55 companies that represent 44% of global oil production.
He referred to an event held earlier this month in Abu Dhabi, where expert discussions in climate, energy, and artificial intelligence took place. This gathering aimed to foster integrated efforts for stimulating low-emission economic growth. He stressed the necessity for various sectors to collaborate in supporting economic growth while also reducing emissions, achieving climate goals, and translating commitments into concrete actions.
AI and Low-Carbon Growth
Al Jaber highlighted the importance of leveraging advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, to promote low-emission growth and human development. He also underscored the need to equip individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to foster a green economy.
He praised advancements in climate finance and noted the Philippines' selection as the host country for the Board of Directors of the "Loss and Damage Response Fund." Dr. Al Jaber called on all parties to contribute to financing the fund, which was activated during COP28 and has garnered total financing pledges and arrangements amounting to $853 million.
Al Jaber emphasized the significance of the Alterra Fund, launched during COP28, which aims to become the largest global fund for financing climate action. He explained that this fund is a model to build upon, having already invested $6.5 billion in partnership with major investment firms to support clean energy projects across five continents. He also noted the adoption of a new collective financing goal at COP29, which will enhance the implementation of the provisions of the UAE Agreement.
According to Al Jaber, COP28 has opened new horizons and achieved unprecedented milestones in climate action. One of the key achievements is the establishment of the "Troika of the Presidencies of the Conference of the Parties," a pioneering model for cooperation and coordination between the presidencies of COP28, COP29, and COP30, aimed at energizing global efforts.
He pointed out that the Troika will continue to mobilize the efforts of all multilateral platforms, including the United Nations system and the G20, to build on the legacy of the "UAE Agreement." He urged all parties to adhere to the roadmap developed by the Troika for the mission of limiting global warming to 1.5°C.
Al Jaber stated that history will evaluate the success of the “UAE Agreement” based on practical and tangible measures for its implementation, rather than merely on the promises contained in its texts. He underscored the importance of adopting a positive mindset and applying it throughout the entire system, calling for a focus on achieving real accomplishments and results, rather than being content with words and promises.
