GCC chief welcomes UAE’s offer to host global climate summit Cop28 in 2023

Emirates can host the conference successfully, Dr Nayef Al Hajraf says

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Nayef Falah al-Hajraf gestures during a news conference at the Gulf Cooperation Council's (GCC) 41st Summit in Al-Ula, Saudi Arabia January 5, 2021. REUTERS/Ahmed Yosri
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GCC Secretary General Dr Nayef Al Hajraf on Monday welcomed the UAE’s offer to host a major global climate summit.

If the UAE’s bid is successful, the UN Climate Change Conference (Cop28) will be hosted in Abu Dhabi in November 2023.

Dr Al Hajraf said he was confident that the Emirates could host the conference successfully.

Supporting the UAE's offer, he promised to work for the success of the conference to achieve its desired goals.

Dr Al Hajraf said it was important for countries and global organisations to come together in efforts to address climate change.

The UAE announced its bid to host the conference on Sunday.

A successful bid would bring thousands of decision makers and delegates to the UAE's capital.

This year’s UN Climate Summit Cop26 in Glasgow, Scotland, is expected to host 30,000 people, even with the effects of the pandemic.

Future summits are likely to be even bigger.

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

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