The UAE’s President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan has played a pivotal role in leading and inspiring global climate action at the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28), which concluded in Dubai on December 12, 2023. Sheikh Mohamed, who was awarded the Order of Zayed by his father, the UAE’s President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for his successful organization of COP28, has demonstrated his vision and commitment to addressing the climate crisis and achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Sheikh Mohamed has spearheaded the historic UAE Agreement, which signals the “beginning of the end” of the fossil fuel era by laying the ground for a swift, just and equitable transition, underpinned by deep emissions cuts and scaled-up finance. He has also announced the establishment of a $30 billion fund for global climate solutions, designed to bridge the climate financing gap and facilitate affordable access, and to stimulate the raising and investment of $250 billion by 2030. Moreover, he has forged strategic partnerships with other nations and stakeholders to accelerate and enhance climate action in various sectors and regions.
The UAE Agreement: A Game-Changer for Climate Action
The UAE Agreement, which was adopted by nearly 200 Parties at COP28, is considered the central outcome of the conference, as it contains every element that was under negotiation and can now be used by countries to develop stronger climate action plans due by 2025. The agreement recognizes the science that indicates global greenhouse gas emissions need to be cut 43% by 2030, compared to 2019 levels, to limit global warming to 1.5°C. But it notes Parties are off track when it comes to meeting their Paris Agreement goals.
The agreement calls on Parties to take actions towards achieving, at a global scale, a tripling of renewable energy capacity and doubling energy efficiency improvements by 2030. The list also includes accelerating efforts towards the phase-down of unabated coal power, phasing out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies, and other measures that drive the transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems, in a just, orderly and equitable manner, with developed countries continuing to take the lead.
The agreement also addresses the issues of adaptation, loss and damage, finance, transparency, and implementation, and provides guidance and support for developing countries to enhance their resilience and access to resources. The agreement also establishes a mechanism to monitor and review the progress and effectiveness of the actions taken by Parties, and to ensure accountability and compliance.
The UAE Agreement has been hailed by UN officials, world leaders, and experts as a game-changer for climate action, and a testament to the UAE’s leadership and diplomacy in bringing the world together to find common ground and practical solutions.
The $30 Billion Fund: A Catalyst for Climate Solutions
Sheikh Mohamed has also announced the establishment of a $30 billion fund for global climate solutions, which aims to bridge the climate financing gap and facilitate affordable access to clean energy and technologies for developing countries. The fund, which was launched at the World Climate Action Summit, a high-level event hosted by the UAE on the sidelines of COP28, also aims to stimulate the raising and investment of $250 billion by 2030, by leveraging public and private capital and creating innovative financing mechanisms.
The fund will focus on four key areas: renewable energy, energy efficiency, carbon capture and storage, and nature-based solutions. The fund will also support the development and deployment of low-carbon solutions in sectors such as industry, transport, and agriculture, and will promote regional and cross-border cooperation and integration.
The fund has received strong support and endorsement from various countries and organisations, including the US, the UK, France, Germany, China, India, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Morocco, Jordan, the World Bank, the International Renewable Energy Agency, and the Global Green Growth Institute. Several countries and entities have also pledged to contribute to the fund, totaling more than $10 billion so far.
The fund has been praised by UN officials, world leaders, and experts as a catalyst for climate solutions, and a demonstration of the UAE’s generosity and solidarity with the developing world.
The Strategic Partnerships: A Force for Climate Action
Sheikh Mohamed has also forged strategic partnerships with other nations and stakeholders to accelerate and enhance climate action in various sectors and regions. He has signed several agreements and memorandums of understanding on trade, investment, infrastructure, and technology with countries such as China, India, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Pakistan, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Peru, Kenya, Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa.
He has also supported and participated in several initiatives and coalitions that aim to advance and scale up climate action, such as the Partnership for Accelerating Clean Energy with the US, the Global Methane Pledge with the EU, the Clean Energy Ministerial with Saudi Arabia, the Global Alliance for Circular Economy and Resource Efficiency with Finland, the Global Commission on Adaptation with the Netherlands, the Carbon Neutrality Coalition with New Zealand, and the High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People with Costa Rica.
He has also engaged and consulted with various stakeholders, including civil society, private sector, youth, women, indigenous peoples, and local communities, and has listened to their views and concerns, and has incorporated them into the UAE’s vision and approach for COP28.
The strategic partnerships have been welcomed by UN officials, world leaders, and experts as a force for climate action, and a reflection of the UAE’s global outreach and influence.
The UAE’s President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan has led and inspired global climate action at COP28, by spearheading the historic UAE Agreement, announcing the $30 billion fund for global climate solutions, and forging strategic partnerships with other nations and stakeholders. Sheikh Mohamed has demonstrated his vision and commitment to addressing the climate crisis and achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement, and has positioned the UAE as a responsible and reliable partner for the world. He has also invited everyone to continue collaboration and communication within the international community, and to join the UAE in its efforts to make the world a better place for present and future generations.
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