The UAE Pavilion at the Conference of the Parties (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, with the title "Accelerating Action Together," will highlight the historic UAE Agreement and the legacy of COP28, which the UAE hosted last year.

Abdulla Balalaa, Assistant Minister for Energy and Sustainable Affairs, revealed the details of the UAE's participation in the COP29, which includes a national pavilion, plans to organize more than 60 dialogue sessions, and an announcement to host a group of thought leaders during this two-week climate event.

Balalaa said: "The COP29 is a pivotal moment in our collective climate journey—a year after we reached the historic UAE agreement, which set new standards for climate action and its implementation methods and laid out a roadmap to maintain the 1.5-degree Celsius goal, and three months before the deadline for countries to submit their nationally determined contributions to outline their transitional plans in climate action."

He added: "The UAE continues its steadfast commitment to hard work and necessary cooperation to accelerate the global energy transition and maintain the 1.5-degree Celsius goal."

"We look forward to supporting Azerbaijan as it brings the world together next week at the COP29 conference, and we commend Baku's leadership in enhancing cooperation and collective action in our pursuit of building a more optimistic and resilient climate future," Balalaa said. 

Over 60 Side Events

The Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability added: "As part of our participation in COP29, the United Arab Emirates pavilion will be held in the Blue Zone, which will bring together climate experts, government officials, private sector leaders, academics, and youth in over 60 side events on vital topics over two weeks to exchange ideas and engage in finding solutions to the most pressing climate challenges."

The UAE Pavilion at COP29 will hold interactive discussions through its diverse program, which includes topics such as mobilizing climate finance for the Global South, showcasing the progress made by the UAE in renewable energy, and advancing efforts to reduce carbon emissions in hard-to-abate sectors. 

The agenda also includes the use of artificial intelligence to transform food systems and address the challenge of water scarcity, progress in global partnerships such as the AIM for Climate initiative and the Mangrove Initiative, cooperation between the UAE and the CIS, efforts to empower youth in shaping inclusive climate policies, and planning for the 2026 United Nations Water Conference, which the UAE will host in partnership with Senegal.

Accelerating Action Together

The UAE Pavilion will also highlight the state's historic agreement, the legacy of COP28, and the impact of the country's achievements and progress in biodiversity and climate finance. It will also highlight the country's commitment to climate neutrality, building food and water resilience, and protecting individuals and livelihoods.

From November 12 to November 21, 2024, the state pavilion, located in the Blue Zone at COP29, will showcase its programs.