The UAE and France will work in partnership to maximise the social and economic benefits of climate action to help drive a green economy and deliver the "new industries, skills and jobs of the future".
The Office of the UAE Special Envoy for Climate Change and the French Government signed an agreement to bolster their co-operation on pressing environmental challenges, as part of President Sheikh Mohamed's state visit to Paris.
The agreement seeks to "raise ambition" for the implementation of the Paris Agreement and support the UAE's hosting of Cop28 next year, state news agency Wam reported.
The UAE in 2016 became the first Middle East nation to sign the Paris Agreement, which calls for global warming to be limited to well below 2°C, preferably 1.5°C, compared to pre-industrial levels.
The UAE-France agreement was signed in the French capital by Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and UAE Special Envoy for Climate Change, and Agnes Pannier-Runacher, French Minister of Energy Transition.
It was observed by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, and Catherine Colonna, French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs.
Delivering on promises
"As the host country of Cop28 in 2023, the UAE is keen to work closely with France to convert promises into pragmatic outcomes that will benefit all countries and communities," said Dr Al Jaber.
The climate change envoy said the two allies recognised that "climate action can be a key driver to building a new, low-emissions economic growth model underpinned by sustainability, creating new industries, skills and jobs needed for the future".
"This partnership will advance progressive climate action and raise ambition for the swift implementation of the Paris Agreement," Dr Al Jaber said.
"More than 15 years ago, the UAE placed climate action at the centre of its economic growth and diversification strategy, while contributing innovative and practical solutions to one of the world’s greatest challenges.
"We have demonstrated this commitment to climate action as the first country in the region to sign and ratify the Paris Agreement and the first to commit to an economywide emissions reduction."
The UAE has pledged to achieve net-zero carbon emission by 2050 in line with the targets of the Paris Agreement.
Under the agreement, the countries will co-operate on preparations for Cop28, as well as the promotion of energy efficiency and the rapid deployment of renewable energy power generation.
They will collaborate on sustainable agriculture, the agrifood industry and food and water security, as well as for the decarbonisation of heavy industry and on scientific research.
Realistic goals key to success
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The third phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in Dubai. Photo: Masdar -
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, inaugurates Dubai Electricity and Water Authority’s Innovation Centre and the 800MW third phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the largest single-site solar park in the world. Wam -
Sheikh Mohammed at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park. Wam -
Mariam Al Mheiri, Minister for Food Security, speaks at the World Food Programme Stop the Waste campaign at Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai. Leslie Pableo for The National -
Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed has launched a landmark clean energy partnership between Adnoc and EWEC that will see EWEC supply Adnoc’s grid power from nuclear and solar energy sources from January 2022. Photo: Abu Dhabi Government Media Office -
The UAE pavilion at the Cop26 summit in Scotland. Ashraf Helmi / The National -
Masdar City in Abu Dhabi. Andrew Henderson / The National -
The Barakah Unit 2 grid connection delivers clean electricity. Photo: Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation -
An aerial view of the Qurum Walkway in Jubail Mangrove Park. The UAE is doing everything it can to tackle climate change, from limiting greenhouse gas emissions to planting more mangroves. Wam -
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment is working to increase the amount of local produce grown by 5 to 10 per cent a year. Silvia Razgova / The National -
The eco-green technologies research site at Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment has installed 300 artificial caves made of eco-friendly materials across 30 sites to enhance fish stocks in UAE waters. -
The future of cycling in Al Hudayriat Island, Abu Dhabi, is commemorated by a community ride around the track. Victor Besa / The National
The UAE's environment minister told The National that climate change goals must be sustainable if governments are to stick to them.
Mariam Al Mheiri, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said there must be a realism about the transition to clean energy.
“We need to be responsible," she said. "We need to decarbonise as much as possible, which is what the UAE is doing.
“And we need to use that energy to build the future energy systems for tomorrow.”
At Cop26 in Glasgow last autumn, the UAE committed to its net-zero plan, and to investing in other nations to aid them in their transition.
“We will be investing another $50 billion in the next decade, knowing that we have already invested about $14bn in the country on clean and renewables and about $17bn in over 70 countries.”
President Sheikh Mohamed visits Paris - in pictures
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The President, Sheikh Mohamed, leaves France after his official state visit. Photo: Presidential Court -
Sheikh Mohamed stands for the national anthem. Catherine Colonna, French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, is also pictured. Photo: Presidential Court -
Sheikh Mohamed stands for the national anthems. Photo: Presidential Court -
Sheikh Mohamed bids farewell to Ms Colonna. Photo: Presidential Court -
Members of the French honour guard play the national anthem before Sheikh Mohamed's departure. Photo: Presidential Court -
President Sheikh Mohamed speaks to Emirati students and doctors studying in France. Seen with Shamma bint Suhail Al Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of State for Youth, second right, and Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed, vice chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, fourth right. Photo: Presidential Court -
President Sheikh Mohamed with Emirati students and doctors, along with Shamma bint Suhail Al Al Mazrouei, Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court, fourth from left. Photo: Presidential Court -
President Sheikh Mohamed meets students and doctors. Photo: Presidential Court -
President Sheikh Mohamed greets Emirati students and doctors who are studying in France. Photo: Presidential Court -
Sheikh Mohamed, with Sheikh Zayed bin Mohamed, speaks to Catherine Colonna. Photo: Presidential Court -
Sheikh Mohamed arrives at Matignon Hotel in Paris to meet Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Sheikh Mohamed arrives at the Matignon to meet Ms Borne. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed leaves Matignon hotel. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
President Sheikh Mohamed signs a guest book during a military ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Photo: Presidential Court -
Sheikh Mohamed stands at attention as the national anthems of the UAE and France are played at the Arc de Triomphe. Photo: Presidential Court -
The UAE President greets a members of the Unknown Soldier’s Torch Committee. Photo: Presidential Court -
Sheikh Mohamed lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Photo: Presidential Court -
The UAE President meets Yael Braun-Pivet, sixth from right, President of the French National Assembly, in Paris. The senior UAE officials include Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court; Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation; Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed, Vice Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council; and Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed, managing director of Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and Abu Dhabi Executive Council Member. Photo: Presidential Court -
Sheikh Mohamed with Ms Braun-Pivet at the National Assembly Presidency Palace. Photo: Presidential Court -
Sheikh Mohamed is received by Ms Braun-Pivet during his state visit to France. Photo: Presidential Court -
The UAE President gives a speech during a dinner hosted in his honour by French President Emmanuel Macron at the Versailles Grand Trianon in Paris. Photo: Presidential Court -
Sheikh Mohamed is in France on his first overseas trip as UAE President. Photo: Presidential Court -
Sheikh Mohamed discussed the important role that France has undertaken in the Middle East and expressed his interest in continuing to work together to promote peace, stability and security across the region. Photo: Presidential Court -
Sheikh Mohamed, Mr Macron and France's first lady Brigitte Macron at the Versailles Grand Trianon. Photo: Presidential Court -
Sheikh Mohamed with French Senate President Gerard Larcher in Paris. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
The UAE President met Mr Larcher at Luxembourg Palace. Photo: Presidential Court -
Members of the UAE delegation attend the meeting at Luxembourg Palace. Photo: Presidential Court -
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court; Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed, managing director of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and Abu Dhabi Executive Council Member; and Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed, vice chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, during the meeting at Luxembourg Palace. Photo: Presidential Court -
Sheikh Mohamed's decision to visit France on his first trip overseas as UAE head of state is considered highly significant and a recognition of the strength of ties between the two countries. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Sheikh Mohamed and a delegation of ministers and senior officials began the day with a visit to the historic Les Invalides complex, home to the military museum. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
The UAE President then travelled a short distance to Luxembourg Palace. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Mr Larcher said he was pleased to have the opportunity to discuss the Cop28 climate change conference, which will be hosted at Expo City Dubai in November 2023, and 'a lot about the energy issue, which is very important'. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Sheikh Mohamed arrives at Luxembourg Palace in Paris. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Sheikh Mohamed and Mr Macron watch as Dr Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, and managing director and group chief executive of Adnoc, and France's Energy Transition Minister Agnes Pannier-Runacher sign a comprehensive strategic energy partnership between the two countries. Photo: Presidential Court -
Sheikh Mohamed, Mr Macron, Dr Al Jaber, Ms Pannier-Runacher and France's Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire after the signing ceremony in Paris. Photo: Presidential Court -
Sheikh Mohamed holds talks with Mr Macron at Elysee Palace in Paris. Photo: Presidential Court -
Sheikh Mohamed is welcomed to Elysee Palace by Mr Macron. Photo: Presidential Court -
Sheikh Mohamed with Mr Macron and France's first lady Brigitte Macron after the UAE President's arrival at Elysee Palace in the French capital. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
The UAE leader warmly embraced Mr Macron on his arrival in Paris, describing him as a friend and his country as one of the Emirates' closest allies. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
During a private lunch, the two leaders reviewed new agreements that expand decades of partnership and collaboration between the UAE and France. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Sheikh Mohamed spoke about the common interest that the UAE and France share in confronting climate change. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
A French guard of honour awaits the arrival of Sheikh Mohamed to Elysee Palace. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
The UAE President attends an official reception hosted by Sebastien Lecornu, France's Minister of Armed Forces, at the military museum in Paris. Photo: Presidential Court -
Sheikh Mohamed is accompanied by Mr Le Cornu as he inspects a guard of honour and meets officials at the military museum. Photo: Presidential Court -
The UAE President visited the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte within the Dome des Invalides at the military museum. Photo: Presidential Court -
Sheikh Mohamed was set to meet top French officials during his two-day visit, including Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne and President of the National Assembly Yael Braun-Pivet. Photo: Presidential Court -
Sheikh Mohamed with Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed, vice chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, and Mr Le Cornu at the military museum. Photo: Presidential Court -
Sheikh Mohamed and Mr Le Cornu stand at attention as the two countries' anthems are played. Photo: Presidential Court -
The UAE President's motorcade arrives at the military museum. Photo: Presidential Court -
Emirati flags adorned the streets around Elysee and Luxembourg palaces. Photo: Presidential Court
