Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, held a key Cop28 meeting as the UAE steps up planning to host the summit.
Sheikh Abdullah, Chairman of the Cop28 UAE Higher Committee, convened the meeting with just months to go before the talks take place at Expo City Dubai.
He said the UAE intends to deliver meaningful progress at the summit next November, state news agency Wam reported on Saturday.
He also praised Egypt on the progress made at Cop27, particularly the agreement for the establishment of a “loss and damage” fund to support the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries.
“After the success in gathering the world at Expo 2020 Dubai, the UAE will leverage its outstanding track record as a trusted global convenor to ensure that Cop28 will be inclusive, transparent and pragmatic,” said Sheikh Abdullah.
“Cop28 aims to transform and urgently accelerate climate action to meet the commitments the world has made.”
Sheikh Abdullah also noted the significance of two consecutive Cops being held in the Middle East and North Africa region and the vital role the region must play in the fight against climate change.
He stressed the UAE’s determination to guide the process forwards with inclusive dialogue and innovative solutions, as well as leveraging groundbreaking partnerships and building consensus among parties.
Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Special Envoy for Climate Change and Vice Chairman of the Cop28 UAE Higher Committee, said the UAE would work with all partners to accelerate climate action to meet the commitments the world has made.
The members of the UAE committee driving the green agenda
The Cop28 UAE Higher Committee includes ministers and government officials and representatives from various industries and sectors, at all levels, to prepare for the talks.
Members include Mohamed Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs; Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Co-operation; Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure; Mariam Al Mheiri, Minister of Climate Change and Environment; Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade; Shamma Al Mazrui, Minister of State for Youth Affairs; Muhammad Al Junaibi, Chairman of the Federal Authority for Protocols and Strategic Narratives; Lt-Gen Abdullah Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police.
Members also include Lt-Gen Talal Al Falasi, Director-General of the State Security Department at Dubai Police; Staff Maj Gen Faris Al Mazrouei, Commander-in-Chief of the Abu Dhabi Police; Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority; Rashi Al Ameri, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Presidential Court for Government Coordination Sector; Maj Gen Khalifa Al Khaili, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Interior; Helal Al Marri, Director-General of Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism; Saif Saeed Ghobash, Secretary-General of Abu Dhabi Executive Council; and Dr Jamal Al Hosani, representing the Supreme Council for National Security.
The opening day of Cop27 in Sharm El Sheikh — in pictures
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British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak arriving in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, to attend the Cop27 summit. Getty Images -
A dancer performs the 'Tanoura' during a street performance in Sharm El Sheikh. EPA -
Cop27 President Sameh Shoukry speaks at the climate change conference in Sharm El Sheikh on Sunday. EPA -
Participants and delegates meet in the Pacific Island pavilion at the Sharm El Sheikh International Convention Centre, on the first day of Cop27. AFP -
Participants meet at the Sharm El Sheikh International Convention Centre on the first day of Cop27. AFP -
Simon Stiell, the executive secretary of the UN's Framework Convention on Climate Change speaks at the climate summit in Sharm El Sheikh. EPA -
Chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Hoesung Lee attends the Cop27 opening ceremony. AFP -
From left to right, the UN's climate change communications officer, Alexander Saier; Simon Stiell, the executive secretary of the UN's Framework Convention on Climate Change; and Cop27 President Sameh Shoukry listen to questions following the opening ceremony. AFP -
Alok Sharma, president of the Cop26 climate summit, speaks at Cop27 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. AP -
Delegates arrive at Cop27 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. Mahmoud Nasr / The National -
Delegates arrive at Cop27 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. Mahmoud Nasr / The National -
Delegates arrive at Cop27 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. Mahmoud Nasr / The National -
Activists demonstrate at the entrance of the Sharm El Sheikh International Convention Centre. Reuters -
Delegates arrive at the Sharm El Sheikh International Convention Centre for Cop27. AFP -
More than 120 world leaders plan to attend the crucial event in Sharm El Sheikh. Reuters -
The summit comes at a critical moment with the world regularly experiencing extreme weather events that many – including the UN – have linked to climate change. Reuters -
Two key areas on the agenda are trying to keep the Paris goal of 1.5ºC warming on pre-industrial levels alive and the issue of finance. AP -
The summit begins in earnest on Monday when world leaders arrive at the summit for two days of intense talks. They will also deliver addresses to the event. Reuters -
A delegate from the Cook Islands. AP -
The main entrance of the Sharm El Sheikh International Convention Centre in Egypt where the Cop27 climate summit is opening today. Reuters -
Participants visit the Sharm El Sheikh International Convention Centre. AFP -
Participants at the Sharm El Sheikh International Convention Centre. Reuters -
The climate summit will run from Sunday to Friday, November 18 at the Red Sea resort of Sharm El Sheikh. AFP -
Participants at the Sharm El Sheikh International Convention Centre before Cop27 opens. AFP -
Finance and compensation are expected to dominate two weeks of tough talks in Sharm El Sheikh. Reuters -
It is also expected Cop27 will hear calls for the historically controversial issue of 'loss and damage' funds to be placed on the agenda for the first time. AFP -
Pledges on forests and methane made at last year’s Cop26 that are signed by more countries would be welcome. Reuters -
An illumination of Khafre Pyramid, one of the three ancient pyramids of Giza. AFP
