At the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP28 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, December 13, 2023. Photo: Reuters file
Climate financing and supporting agreements that shield people from the harsh impacts of climate change are high on the UAE's list of priorities at COP29. This year's conference, which begins on November 11 in Baku, Azerbaijan, will see representatives from 200 countries in attendance. During a recent press briefing, the COP UAE team outlined their strategy for making a significant impact at the 29th annual climate change conference. Building on the $100 million in agreements secured during COP28 in Dubai last year, the UAE is keen to follow up on the negotiations and commitments made.
"The UAE signed 64 new pledges after COP28 concluded, demonstrating our continued commitment to addressing climate change," said Omar al Braiki, Deputy Chief Negotiator at the UAE Special Envoy for Climate Change Office. At the upcoming COP, the UAE pavilion will feature over 60 programs across 10 themes, including protecting lives and livelihoods, youth engagement, water resilience, energy transition, and biodiversity conservation. Through its primary focus on climate financing, the UAE aims to build on the commitments made last year to support countries affected by climate change.
COP28 participants and organizations pledged $85 billion for climate action. "In Baku, we will discuss how to mobilize this funding and ensure that financial commitments from various states are directed to those who stand to benefit most," explained Abdulla Balalaa, Assistant Minister for Energy and Sustainable Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. "We achieved many positive outcomes from the UAE-hosted COP, and we want to ensure that all pledges, agreements, and deals are being implemented as planned." Balalaa added, "Climate action is a pressing global issue, and we aim to play a significant role in it."
The UAE team will engage in discussions and support initiatives that help individuals and communities mitigate the harmful effects of climate change. Topics at the UAE pavilion will include mobilizing climate finance for the Global South and the Global Climate Finance Framework (GCFF), launched at COP28 to boost investments in climate action and enhance their contribution to economic growth and global resilience. Additionally, the pavilion will host a special Climate Changemaker Majlis, organized by WiSER, to explore innovative climate finance solutions and highlight the UAE's enduring values and approach to problem-solving.
"Our objective is to showcase the UAE as a major player in global climate action," Balalaa concluded.
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