UAE to bid for major global climate summit Cop28 in 2023

UN Climate Change Conference would be hosted in Abu Dhabi in November 2023, if successful

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation. Ministry of Presidential Affairs

The UAE has launched a bid to bring a major global climate summit to Abu Dhabi.

The UN Climate Change Conference (Cop28) would be hosted in the Emirati capital in November 2023, if successful.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, announced the bid on Sunday.

“The climate challenge is daunting, but it is also matched by enormous opportunity to drive economic growth and job creation,” he said.

The climate challenge is daunting, but it is also matched by enormous opportunity to drive economic growth and job creation

“As a country that sits at the heart of the hydrocarbon industry and has made significant investments in energy diversification domestically and around the globe, we have seen first-hand that there is now an unprecedented business case for the highest level of climate ambition – especially when it advances gender equality and empowers youth.”

“Cop28 will represent a pivotal moment to capitalise on this opportunity, and our vision is to work with all countries to realise their net economic benefits from accelerated action.”

Most recently, the UAE and US launched a joint plan to tackle food insecurity, weeks after hosting US climate envoy John Kerry in Abu Dhabi for the Regional Dialogue for Climate Action.

Aim for Climate seeks innovation in agriculture at a time when climate change threatens the stability of food production around the world.

If the bid is successful, it would bring thousands of decision-makers and delegates to the Emirati capital.

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UAE sustainability drive - in pictures

The UAE is known for protecting the environment. Here Environment Agency Abu Dhabi staff release a tagged flamingo as part of Abu Dhabi Birdathon initiative. Courtesy Environment Agency Abu Dhabi

Umbrella Thorn Acacia trees are among the UAE's rich flora. Silvia Razgova / The National

Abu Dhabi has the second-largest dugong population in the world. Environment Agency Abu Dhabi

Love of nature is part of life here. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, with a sea turtles he helped release into the wild. Instagram/ @faz3

Abu Dhabi's environment agency is working to protect Hawksbill and Green turtles which live in the emirate's waters. Courtesy TDIC

A cheetah at Al Ain Zoo, Al Ain. The zoo was founded by the Late President, Sheikh Zayed. Chris Whiteoak / The National

An Arabian sand gazelle at the Mleiha Archaeological Centre in Sharjah. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The UAE is also embracing clean energy. This computer-generated image shows what phase four of Dubai's Mohammed Bin Rashid Solar Park, currently under construction in Dubai. Image courtesy of Acwa Power

Nuclear energy is also important. The first reactor at Barakah nuclear plant reached 100 per cent power in December 2020.

Abu Dhabi's new Midfield Terminal has won a coveted three-pearl rating under Abu Dhabi's Estidama, Arabic for sustainability, system. Courtesy KPF

A breeding programme run by Environment Agency Abu Dhabi helped bring Arabian Oryx back from the brink of extinction. Courtesy: EAD

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This year’s UN Climate Summit Cop26 in Glasgow, Scotland, is estimated to host 30,000 attendees, even with the impact of the pandemic, with future summits potentially larger.

State news agency Wam said that, as the permanent host country for the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena) and the first in the region to sign and ratify the Paris Agreement, the UAE has demonstrated a proven track record in climate action and co-operation that makes it an ideal convener for Cop28.

The UAE has established itself as a natural host for high-level large format international events.

Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week is the world’s largest annual sustainability event, with more than 45,000 delegates from 170 countries, and the UAE has hosted preparatory meetings for UN climate summits in 2014 and 2019.

Also, the coming Dubai Expo – focused on the Sustainable Development Goals and including 192 national pavilions – will welcome tens of millions of visitors starting in October.

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National Editorial: UAE's 'AIM for Climate' champions agriculture for the future

The UAE’s investments in domestic renewable energy – including many of the world’s largest solar projects – over the past 15 years have yielded the world’s lowest solar costs. Its investments internationally have also contributed to renewable energy’s dramatic cost reductions over the last decade, reshaping global energy markets.

The Emirates has invested about $17 billion in commercial renewable energy projects on six continents and provided more than $1bn of grants and soft loans for renewable energy power plants, including through the UAE-Pacific Partnership Fund and UAE-Caribbean Renewable Energy Fund.

The country is currently putting considerable resources into carbon capture and storage to decarbonise heavy industry, led initiatives in climate-smart agriculture and prioritised biodiversity conservation.

“As Cop 28 host, the UAE would leverage its experience as a regional and global convener to mobilise all actors in achieving the Paris Agreement and reinforcing the compelling investment case for raising ambitions,” Sheikh Abdullah said.

“Climate impacts are already being acutely felt, but our experience gives us optimism that we can meet global climate goals while creating social and economic opportunities – with contributions coming from all corners of the globe.”

Regional Dialogue for Climate Action – in pictures

US climate envoy John Kerry attends the Regional Climate Dialogue in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. This is Mr Kerry's first visit to the Middle East, and Asia, since being appointed to the role. Courtesy: Office of the UAE Special Envoy for Climate Change

US climate envoy John Kerry attends the Regional Climate Dialogue in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. This is Mr Kerry's first visit to the Middle East, and Asia, since being appointed to the role. Courtesy: Office of the UAE Special Envoy for Climate Change

Alok Sharma, President of Cop26, attends the Regional Climate Dialogue in Abu Dhabi.

The pledge issued at the end of the Regional Climate Dialogue vowed to help the most vulnerable.

Delegates at the talks in Abu Dhabi.

Abdullah Al Nuaimi, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment and John Kerry, US climate envoy at the dialogue.

Abdullah Al Nuaimi, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, at the Regional Climate Dialogue.

The dialogue comes during a critical year in the global fight to halt rising temperatures. Courtesy: Office of the UAE Special Envoy for Climate Change

The UAE's Special Envoy for Climate Change, Dr Sultan Al Jaber, at the Regional Climate Dialogue. Courtesy: Office of the UAE Special Envoy for Climate Change

US climate envoy John Kerry is given a helicopter tour of Noor solar park, outside Abu Dhabi on Saturday. Courtesy: Office of the UAE Special Envoy for Climate Change

John Kerry speaks with Dr Sultan Al Jaber at Abu Dhabi's Shams 1 solar park on Saturday. The National

This is John Kerry's first visit to the Middle East since being appointed US climate envoy. The National

Mr Kerry has vowed to make up for the 'lost years' of the Donald Trump presidency and put the US at the forefront of efforts to protect the environment. The National

John Kerry meets Francesco La Camera, director general of International Renewable Energy Agency, which has its global headquarters in Abu Dhabi. The National

US climate envoy John Kerry visits Jubail Mangrove Park. Courtesy Office of the UAE Special Envoy for Climate Change

An aerial image of Abu Dhabi's Noor solar park. Its 3.2 million panels make it the largest single-site solar park in the world. Courtesy: Noor Abu Dhabi

Arrayed panels at Abu Dhabi's Noor solar park. Pawan Singh / The National