The World Health Organisation's director general has held key talks with Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Cop28 President-designate, over the “grave challenges” posed to public health by climate change.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the crunch Cop28 summit – which will take centre stage in Dubai in 100 days – would be “a historic moment” in the vital mission to protect the planet and its people.
Dr Ghebreyesus hailed the UAE's decision to dedicate a day of the upcoming global gathering to the climate and health crisis.
He said the move would further efforts to address a “threat of global importance”.
“[I] Held a very constructive discussion with Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Cop28 President-designate, on the grave challenges to public health that climate change is presenting here and now,” Dr Ghebreyesus wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Tuesday.
“I commended Dr Al Jaber for his leadership and collaboration on using Cop28 as a historic moment to take the urgent action needed to address the health impacts of climate change.
“The landmark and historic decision by UAE to dedicate a day of Cop28 to the climate and health crisis will provide the attention required to address this threat of global importance.”
The discussions between the two men came days after Dr Ghebreyesus praised the Emirates for putting the impact on health at the top of the climate agenda.
The global summit opens on November 30 at Dubai’s Expo City, with December 1 and 2 allocated for world leaders to outline their plans for climate action.
The fourth day, December 3, will, consider health issues in depth. It is the first Cop summit to feature discussions on the relationship between climate change and health. A second theme of the day will be relief, recovery and peace.
“The climate crisis is a health crisis. I very much appreciate the leadership of the UAE in dedicating one day of Cop28to health,” he said last week, while at a G20 Joint Health-Finance Ministers Meeting in Gandhinagar, India.
Last month, Dr Al Jaber said the summit will be based around four pillars – fast-tracking the energy transition, fixing the climate finance, focusing on people and making inclusivity a hallmark of the summit in Dubai.
It will see the world complete a first-ever “global stocktake” of progress in limiting climate change.
Who has lived at The Bishops Avenue?
- George Sainsbury of the supermarket dynasty, sugar magnate William Park Lyle and actress Dame Gracie Fields were residents in the 1930s when the street was only known as ‘Millionaires’ Row’.
- Then came the international super rich, including the last king of Greece, Constantine II, the Sultan of Brunei and Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal who was at one point ranked the third richest person in the world.
- Turkish tycoon Halis Torprak sold his mansion for £50m in 2008 after spending just two days there. The House of Saud sold 10 properties on the road in 2013 for almost £80m.
- Other residents have included Iraqi businessman Nemir Kirdar, singer Ariana Grande, holiday camp impresario Sir Billy Butlin, businessman Asil Nadir, Paul McCartney’s former wife Heather Mills.
Hunting park to luxury living
- Land was originally the Bishop of London's hunting park, hence the name
- The road was laid out in the mid 19th Century, meandering through woodland and farmland
- Its earliest houses at the turn of the 20th Century were substantial detached properties with extensive grounds
About Proto21
Date started: May 2018
Founder: Pir Arkam
Based: Dubai
Sector: Additive manufacturing (aka, 3D printing)
Staff: 18
Funding: Invested, supported and partnered by Joseph Group
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
Mobile phone packages comparison
