As the world gears up for the much-anticipated climate conference, all eyes are on Dubai. The city is set to host the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) from November 30 to December 12, 2023. This event in Dubai will unite the world towards agreement on bold, practical, and ambitious solutions to the most pressing global challenge of our time.
With a growing focus on sustainability and eco-friendly initiatives, Dubai’s role in hosting COP28 holds significant importance, both regionally and globally. Here is how this futuristic city in the Middle East is getting ready for the most awaited event of the year.
What is COP28?
The Conference of the Parties (COP) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is an international climate summit held annually gathering world leaders to find solutions to tackling the climate crisis. The COP includes 198 parties, that is, 197 countries and the European Union.
COP28 is the 28th edition of this international climate summit. In 2021, the UAE won the bid to host this prestigious climate conference. Celebrating this achievement, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said,
“COP28 will be the most important event hosted by the nation in 2023”.
Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and COP28 President Designate, said the determination of the UAE, its strong diplomatic relations with global nations and pragmatic position on climate action, underpinned by proven experience in the energy and sustainability sectors led to the nation securing the international consensus in 2021 to host COP28 in 2023.
Set to take place in Expo City Dubai, COP28 represents a pivotal moment for the global community to reassert its dedication to mitigating the effects of climate change.
Getting Ready for COP28
From strategic planning and stakeholder engagement to inclusive decision-making and infrastructure readiness, Dubai is going the extra mile to host COP28.
Galvanizing Stakeholders for Collaborative Efforts
Engaging stakeholders and the wider community has been a central focus of Dubai's preparations. Recognizing the collective responsibility in tackling climate change, the city has been actively galvanizing support and fostering collaboration among various entities to ensure the success of COP28. The UAE government departments of technology and space have joined forces to address climate-related challenges. The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, UAE Space Agency, and COP28, represented by the Office of the UAE Special Envoy for Climate Change, have signed an agreement to get support from local and global technology and space sectors for COP28. This partnership aims to bring together stakeholders from different sectors, including small and medium-sized businesses and startups, to demonstrate their climate technologies and innovations at COP28's Technology and Innovation Hub.
Strategic planning across various sectors
With its unwavering commitment and visionary leadership, UAE is paving the way for sustainable development. Be it infrastructure or tourism, the UAE is a leading example in promoting sustainable development through various sectors. Initiatives like the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan demonstrate the country's commitment to enhancing people's well-being and quality of life. In the next two decades, Dubai plans to strengthen its status as a top global spot for citizens, residents, and visitors. The goal is to create living spaces that are eco-friendly and designed with the best standards in mind. This plan involves combining natural areas, business hubs, and leisure spots to improve the overall quality of life for everyone.
Garnering International Support
Dubai has garnered international support for COP28 through a series of strategic initiatives. The World Green Economy Summit (WGES) played a crucial role in bolstering the city's preparations for hosting COP28. These include proactive diplomatic engagement with key global stakeholders involved in climate change initiatives. Dubai has emphasized the importance of COP28 as a pivotal platform for fostering global cooperation on climate action and sustainable development. The city has effectively showcased its advancements in sustainable practices like the Al Safat initiative and Mohammed Bin Rashid Solar Park. Dubai has also actively encouraged the participation of diverse countries and organizations by highlighting the potential advantages of COP28 for the international community.
Empowering the Youth and Raising Awareness
Recognizing the significance of youth engagement, Dubai has been actively working to empower the younger generation and raise awareness about the pressing issues of climate change. Various initiatives have been undertaken to educate and inspire the youth to emphasize their role in driving positive environmental change and sustainability efforts. Events like ‘Youth at COP28’ have been organized to create awareness and increase youth engagement at the event. This session organized by the Ministry of Culture and Youth, in collaboration with various organizations, aimed to educate young people about COP28 and their role in climate action.
Environmental Projects and Initiatives
Dubai has launched many sustainable initiatives ahead of COP28. During the Cabinet Meeting held in May 2023, the UAE approved a comprehensive set of 78 environmental projects with the objective of fostering a sustainable and eco-friendly outlook ahead of the upcoming COP28 event in Dubai. These initiatives involve a diverse array of national policies that seek to reduce carbon footprints, manage the use of solar energy resources, boost eco-friendly tourism, and back several other environment-focused initiatives. Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism has launches 'Dubai Sustaible Tourism Stamp', a new sustainability initiative that seeks to recognise hotels with the highest adherence to DET’s 19 ‘Sustainability Requirements’. Many hotels in the region have also adopted sustainable practices to welcome guests for COP28. Rove Hotels in Dubai has committed to planting a minimum of 28,000 trees by the end of 2023. The hotel will ensure the plantation of one tree for every room reserved during the conference.
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