COP28: Unveiling a new era of collaboration
THE United Arab Emirates hosted 28th Conference of Parties (COP28) served as a testament to the unparalleled global collaboration that has been achieved in the fight against climate change.
In the first week of the conference, the Presidency’s call for unity was heard loud and clear, emphasising the crucial role of inclusivity and solidarity.
This was highlighted by the pivotal contributions made by civil society, women, youth, local leaders, faith-based communities, indigenous peoples, companies and those on the frontline of climate change.
Children and youth took centre stage at COP28, with the World Climate Action Summit amplifying their voices through YOUNGO’s Global Youth Statement and the Dubai Youth Climate Dialogue (YOUTH + NGO = YOUNGO).
The graduation of the first cohort of the 100 COP28 International Youth Climate Delegates marked a milestone and plans for a second iteration in 2024 were announced by the UAE Federal Youth Authority.
A significant stride in education transformation was made with the launch of the Global Education Solutions Accelerator, aiming to benefit 2.1 billion people.
Additionally, a $70 million investment to construct climate-resilient schools in vulnerable countries was announced by the Green Climate Fund, the Global Partnership for Education and Save the Children. The United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Greening Education Partnership, Declaration on the common agenda for education and climate change, signed by 38 countries, committed to incorporating climate education into their Nationally Determined Commitments and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs).
The COP28 Gender-Responsive Just Transitions & Climate Action Partnership, endorsed by 78 countries, accentuated the critical importance of advancing gender equality in the transition to a low-carbon economy.
The conference also witnessed the issuance of a Global Call to Action urging world leaders, policy-makers and key actors to utilise gender-environment data to drive progress on gender-responsive climate and environment commitments.
Recognising the vital role of indigenous peoples, COP28 had dedicated a day to better recognition and increased finance flows to support their stewardship of nature, biodiversity and planetary health.
Events such as the COP28 Indigenous Peoples Dialogue on Just Transitions and the International Indigenous Youth Forum helped bring together indigenous peoples and youth across sociocultural regions to discuss their instrumental role in environmental conservation, biodiversity maintenance, green job creation, resilience enhancement and climate change mitigation.
Subnational leaders also made historic strides at COP28 while participating in the Local Climate Action Summit.
The Coalition of High Ambition Multilevel Partnerships (CHAMP) Pledge, endorsed by 71 countries, signifies a commitment to partner with subnational governments on the next round of NDCs and other climate plans and strategies, mobilising nearly $500 million toward urban climate action.
The Business and Philanthropy Climate Forum witnessed the participation of over 1300 businesses and philanthropies, underscoring the critical role of the private sector in accelerating climate and nature action.
The COP28 UAE Presidency launched the Net Zero Mobilisation Charter, encouraging the private sector to set and update net-zero emissions targets.
The inaugural CEO-level forum, held alongside the COP28 Action Agenda, emphasised the importance of private sector collaboration with governments to unlock solutions at the scale required for netzero and nature-positive targets.
The COP28 Accountability Day focused on accelerating private sector transition planning, including NDC contributions.
Small and medium enterprises were also spotlighted through the MENA SME Climate Hub, backed by COP28, enabling them to make globally recognised climate commitments and be part of the United Nations-backed Race to Zero campaign through access to capacity-building tools.
The UAECOP28 not only set ambitious targets but also laid the groundwork for diverse stakeholders to contribute meaningfully to a sustainable and resilient future.