President Surangel Whipps of Palau praises UAE's 'leading role' in climate action

Pacific archipelago state will send a delegation to Cop28 summit in Dubai this November

Palau's President Surangel Whipps Jr says the questions that Cop28 seeks to answer will require constructive co-operation. AP

Surangel Whipps Jr, the President of Palau, praised the UAE’s efforts to promote sustainability and renewable energy, saying it plays a “leading role” in climate action.

Mr Whipps confirmed his country’s participation in Cop28, which will take place in Dubai at Expo City this November.

Mr Whipps is visiting Japan.

“As a responsible and reliable partner of the international community, the UAE plays a leading role in climate action and in supporting efforts towards a clean energy transition,” state news agency Wam quoted him as saying.

“It is home to the largest solar energy projects in the world, invests in solar energy projects in many countries, and has made significant investments in peaceful nuclear energy in Abu Dhabi.”

He said Palau, an archipelago of more than 500 islands located 890 kilometres east of the Philippines in the Micronesian region of the Pacific Ocean, supports the appointment of Dr Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Special Envoy for Climate Change, as Cop28 President-Designate.

“Climate and energy issues are linked. Facing the challenges of climate change and global warming and supporting environmental conservation efforts globally, will require constructive co-operation between oil producers and consumers,” Mr Whipps said.

Palau – in pictures

Emmaimellei Fritz, Republic of Palau pavilion guide and liaison officer at Expo 2020 Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Located 890 kilometres east of the Philippines in the Micronesian region of the Pacific Ocean, Palau is an archipelago of more than 500 islands with a fascinating history. Photo: Alamy Stock Photo

Palau is blessed with rich natural resources. Photo: Pixabay

Palau has more species of marine life than any other area of similar size in the world and also the highest concentration of marine lakes – unique biospheres that have been separated from the ocean by land barriers and continue to yield discoveries of new species. Photo: Charly W Karl / Flickr

Tourism is the main industry in Palau but thanks to its isolation, the country has only had three cases of Covid-19. More than 90 per cent of its inhabitants are vaccinated. Photo: Unsplash

Palau has become the first country to ban reef-toxic sunscreen.

The Palau Pledge is stamped in the passport of every visitor to the Micronesian nation. Visitors must sign the pledge and promise to tread lightly on the land. Photo: The Palau Legacy Project

A downed Second World War aircraft in the waters around Palau, which attracts adventurous scuba divers. Photo: Unsplash