His Excellency Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, the Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and President of COP28, affirmed that the United Arab Emirates, with the support of its wise leadership, succeeded in bringing the world together, unifying efforts, and achieving international consensus that has set the world on the right path for climate action. The historic “UAE Agreement” was reached, gaining consensus from 198 parties worldwide, setting new standards for global climate action. It provided an ambitious response to the global stocktake of progress in the Paris Agreement, contributing to maintaining the possibility of achieving the 1.5-degree Celsius goal.
In a dialogue with the Emirates News Agency (WAM) after a month since the conclusion of COP28, His Excellency Dr. Sultan Al Jaber highlighted the most significant results of the conference, which achieved a historic agreement that included everyone, establishing practical and logical concepts for climate action. It updated the “Paris Agreement.” COP28 was described as a groundbreaking session in the history of COP meetings, providing diverse opportunities for the international community.
His Excellency emphasized that COP28 was the most inclusive session for everyone in the Parties’ conferences, representing all categories and opinions in the decision-making process. The COP28 presidency took bold and decisive steps to achieve achievements beyond the negotiation text, contributing to a qualitative leap on the global economic and social levels. This included the development of climate financing mechanisms, human and nature protection, and improving life and livelihoods.
He stated that COP28 achieved historical accomplishments thanks to the directives and support of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President of the UAE, the Prime Minister, and the Ruler of Dubai. His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, also played a crucial role in achieving unprecedented historical accomplishments in the international climate action journey for the benefit of all humanity.
COP28 applied the approach of the late founder Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in engaging with the international community, building good relationships, and forming high-quality partnerships that serve the interests of the nation and the world as a whole. Sheikh Zayed dedicated his life to finding permanent solutions to the challenges of his time, and his approach is encapsulated in his saying: “Cooperation between people, despite differences in religions and beliefs, is the foundation of happiness. Collaboration unites the near and far.”
His Excellency praised the efforts of the working team, expressing pride in the collective effort and the unity of all segments of society in the UAE to make the hosting a success. He thanked and appreciated everyone involved, expressing pride in the negotiating team of the UAE, which includes young and distinguished national talents.
He explained that the work began when the UAE was chosen to host the conference at the conclusion of COP26 in Glasgow, UK, in 2021. He emphasized the continuation of coordination and cooperation with Azerbaijan and Brazil, which will host COP29 and COP30 respectively, to ensure the implementation of the historic “UAE Agreement.”
His Excellency Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber stated, “The success of the conference was a result of the world’s confidence in the UAE, its credibility, and its ability to manage international negotiations with wisdom, fairness, responsibility, and balance.” He added, “The significant responsibility represented by hosting COP28 amid the current global conditions and divisions was an exceptional challenge. However, the guidance and vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE, taught us to face challenges with confidence, determination, and optimism.”
His Excellency continued, “The negotiations during the conference faced difficult stages, hosting 198 countries and organizations, each with different positions, opinions, and interests. Since decisions and negotiated outcomes at the conference must be unanimous, efforts were intensified, and communication with all relevant parties was intense.” He praised the negotiating team for demonstrating great diplomatic skills to overcome difficulties, bridge gaps, align perspectives, and reconcile opinions on conference decisions and outcomes.
He emphasized that the UAE succeeded in securing historical international consensus among the parties, advancing international climate action efforts through the historic “UAE Agreement.” The agreement provides a plan to achieve climate action targets for 2030, calling for a responsible and organized transition to a system with a fuel-free traditional energy, aiming for climate neutrality and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
His Excellency highlighted that the international consensus on the “UAE Agreement” confirms the world’s confidence in the UAE’s optimistic outlook and its commitment to exploring new opportunities for supporting sustainable economic and social development. The UAE, led by a wise leadership with vision, determination, and commitment, has diplomatic relationships based on mutual respect and goodwill with all countries worldwide. The UAE leveraged its extensive practical experience in climate action to make a significant shift in COP conferences, focusing on practical measures to mitigate the impacts of climate change while achieving sustainable development for all, especially in developing countries.
He also acknowledged the role of the UAE’s diplomatic expertise under the supervision of His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the head of the National Supreme Committee overseeing the preparation for COP28. Their experience and diplomacy played a significant role in the conference’s success, as they provided continuous guidance and support. The UAE’s diplomatic entities and missions around the world contributed intensely to achieving these successes, demonstrating that diligent work is the only way to raise the bar of climate ambitions and reach desired goals.
- Unique Experience: His Excellency Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber commended the role of the National Supreme Committee for COP28 and their efforts in achieving integration among all state institutions for the success of the conference.
He also praised the Executive Committee for hosting and managing the events, led by Her Highness Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chair of the Council for Education and Human Resources, President of Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation. She supervised the preparations and arrangements for hosting the conference, providing a unique experience for visitors. The committee, under her leadership, took all supportive measures to achieve the high standard expected of the UAE, implementing innovative plans for construction and logistics design, enabling all participants to unify their efforts and accomplish the goals.
His Excellency also acknowledged the role of the Media Committee of the conference, chaired by His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Head of the National Media Office. The committee highlighted the UAE’s experience in future planning, economic development, and building a qualitative model for sustainable development.
He praised the distinctive role and commendable efforts of the Ceremonies Committee, chaired by His Excellency Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, Head of the Federal Authority for Ceremonies and Strategic Narratives, and the Security and Operations Committee, led by His Excellency Lieutenant General Talal Hamid Belhoul Al Falasi, Director General of the State Security Department in Dubai.
- National Responsibility: His Excellency Dr. Sultan Al Jaber highlighted the efforts of the conference team, the UAE National Negotiation Team, and all involved and volunteers. He stated, “Everyone assumed this national responsibility, and an exceptional conference was presented that succeeded in enhancing UAE diplomacy, protecting the state’s interests, and achieving its goals through comprehensive national efforts. This involved contributions from both the government and private sectors, as well as individuals and institutions, and all segments of society.”
He explained that COP28 provided a unique experience for participants and visitors during the conference period, situated at the ideal location of Expo 2020 Dubai. This contributed to enhancing integration and facilitating communication between the political side in the Blue Zone, the private sector, and businesses in the Green Zone. Additionally, innovative content and sustainable logistical services were included in the events, confirming that the UAE presented an innovative working system for COP conferences, supporting climate action based on the outcomes of previous conferences and paving the way for the success of future conferences.
- Exceeding Expectations: He affirmed that the conference achieved exceptional accomplishments beyond the provisions of the historic negotiating text approved by the parties. Progress was made in many areas supporting climate action, including collecting and incentivizing financial commitments exceeding $85 billion. A historic agreement on addressing losses and damages resulting from climate change impacts was reached, and efforts were intensified to achieve the global “adaptation” goal. Leading initiatives were launched regarding achieving an organized, responsible, fair, and logical transition in the energy sector.
He stated, “Despite skepticism about an oil-producing country hosting a climate conference, our response was to focus on work and accomplishment to achieve the desired results and make a positive radical change. This is what we have indeed achieved, as the UAE succeeded in presenting a unique model to the world in proactive action to protect humanity and the planet.”
- Exceptional Achievements: President of COP28 emphasized that the announcement by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE, during his historic speech at the Global Climate Summit with the presence of world leaders, about launching an incentive fund worth AED 110 billion (USD 30 billion) named “Alterra,” had the most significant impact. It stimulated all parties to contribute solutions to the climate finance gap, especially for developing countries. His Highness’s speech also enhanced the negotiation process and propelled international efforts to continue joint work towards achieving the historic “UAE Agreement.”
He added that COP28 witnessed exceptional achievements, including reaching on the first day a long-awaited strategic agreement to activate a global fund focusing on addressing climate change impacts. This was followed by a series of announcements and commitments covering climate action priorities, including financing, health, food, nature, and energy. The new commitments and announcements made at COP28 received unprecedented global support.
His Excellency Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber noted that COP28 also launched the “UAE Action Program – Belema,” a two-year initiative with indicators measuring progress towards achieving the goals of the “Adaptation” framework. Additionally, the “Mitigation” Action Program was launched, focusing on available opportunities and obstacles facing the fulfillment of emission reduction targets. It works on raising ambition levels and addressing gaps by holding global dialogues and events dedicated to investing in emission reduction in 2024.
He stated that COP28 witnessed additional political momentum and significant media interest as the world awaited the results of their work. The number of journalists covering the events exceeded 5,000 from various parts of the world. The Green Zone received more than 545,000 visits, while the Blue Zone welcomed over 400,000 visits over the two weeks of COP28.
He added that the officially registered number of attendees at COP28 was approximately 85,000 people, exceeding twice the attendance of COP21 in Paris. It became the largest historical participation among COP conferences, including 178 of the most important international leaders—156 heads of state and government and 22 leaders of international organizations. This was in addition to over 780 ministers, 500 mayors, and over 50,000 students, along with various key stakeholders, parliamentarians, youth, representatives of business companies, charitable organizations, civil society organizations, and indigenous peoples. COP28 became the most inclusive and encompassing of all COP conferences.
- Private Sector Dr. Sultan Al Jaber emphasized that the COP28 presidency focused on enhancing the role of the private sector in addressing climate change through the “Climate Forum for Business and Charity.” This forum witnessed the launch of more than 20 initiatives and committed to providing $7 billion to support climate action and biodiversity conservation. The forum saw the participation of more than 1,300 CEOs of companies, business entrepreneurs, and charity leaders worldwide, along with several world leaders and heads of governments. Its two-day program included 34 plenary sessions and 19 panel discussions.
Dr. Sultan Al Jaber stated that the COP28 presidency ensured that the conference agenda focused on aspects affecting human daily life, such as health, food, nature protection, and sustainable economies. In this context, the presidency focused on empowering the key roles of civil society, women, youth, local leaders, religious communities, indigenous peoples, individuals, and communities most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
- Children and Youth He added that children and youth presented the “Climate Justice Declaration,” prepared by more than 750,000 young people. Her Excellency Shamma bint Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of Community Development and Climate Youth Leader at COP28, received it. The parties also agreed that all future COP presidencies would appoint climate youth leaders to support elevating the voices and opinions of youth and children in climate action and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) work system. Priority to Nature Dr. Sultan Al Jaber mentioned that the efforts of Her Excellency Razan Al Mubarak, the UN Climate Change Champion for COP28 and the President of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), led to a significant increase in the political will of participants to prioritize nature in climate action. Presidents and governments of forest-rich countries in Asia, Africa, South America, and water-rich countries in the Pacific
- Energy Sector Regarding his vision for the global oil and gas sector’s emission reduction, Dr. Sultan Al Jaber emphasized the importance of realism and balance. COP28’s presidency recognizes the significance of this sector in the global economy. Therefore, it calls for a regulated, responsible, fair, and logical transition in the energy sector to ensure sustainable economic and social growth while reducing emissions. This necessitates significant investments in research and development to enhance energy efficiency and reduce emissions throughout the oil and gas production and utilization phases.
He added that it is also important to promote the development of carbon capture and storage technologies, significantly reducing the sector’s carbon footprint. This should be done while balancing economic development and environmental conservation to ensure a sustainable future for upcoming generations. Dr. Sultan Al Jaber emphasized, “I reiterate that our goal is emission reduction, not slowing down growth rates and progress. Therefore, we need solutions that bring about a significant qualitative leap, and technology is a fundamental enabler for these solutions.”
- Preparatory Global Tour Concerning the role of the preparatory global tour in the success of the conference, Dr. Sultan Al Jaber mentioned that this proactive tour covered all continents, including over 50 countries. It involved meetings with more than 200 global leaders, partners, and climate experts. The COP28 presidency listened to all stakeholders during this tour, understanding their priorities and demands, engaging in open and transparent discussions. This contributed to the successful launch of the conference.
- Climate Finance and Developing Nations Regarding his vision for improving the performance of international climate finance institutions, the President of COP28 stated that climate change has become the “challenge of the era.” He added that facing this challenge by taking the right actions and implementing correct investments would achieve the most significant economic leap since the first industrial era. Achieving this requires annual financing ranging between 4 to 5 trillion dollars. Therefore, the development of international climate finance mechanisms was a key pillar in COP28’s action plan. He highlighted the vital role of international finance institutions in achieving effective results in global climate action.
He stressed the importance of supporting developing nations to ensure the development and implementation of their climate strategies. This support should align with the principles of transparency, supervision, and monitoring to guide investments towards projects that have the most significant possible impact in reducing the consequences of climate change. It aims to enhance the ability of communities and nations to adapt to these changes.
These initiatives and strategies, along with the commitments made during COP28, set the stage for continued international collaboration to address climate change and build a more sustainable and resilient future.