‘World can no longer delay commitment to climate action’

Al Suwaidi says COP28 a major responsibility UAE has undertaken

COP28 is the world’s chance to write the great economic growth story of the 21st century, the event’s Director-General said yesterday. “That’s the level of ambition that the UAE is bringing to its COP summit, said Majid Al Suwaidi.

Counting on support

“And we’ll be counting on the support from the government, the private sector, or civil society, to work with us every step of the way to make COP28 a milestone moment on the path to a better future for everyone everywhere.”

Al Suwaidi said that the COP28 summit is one of the greatest responsibilities UAE has ever undertaken and that the collective ambition and commitment of the country to its success could not be higher.

“We are acutely aware of just how much is at stake at this critical year of this critical decade,” he said, adding we need to take these events into account and acknowledge the opportunities for climate action. “Because the world grapples with a series of complex economic challenges, whether it’s a looming global recession or spiralling global debt, there will be some who are tempted now to delay their commitments to climate action,” he said.

UAE leading the way

“But it would be a grave error to take our foot off the accelerator and slow down climate action and precisely the moment when we need it most.”

Speaking on the sidelines of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2023, Al Suwaidi said that the UAE is calling on the whole world to remember that not only is the scientific case for climate action clear, but so too is the economic case.

“The UAE can testify to this from our own direct experience,” he said. “We have spent the last two decades diversifying our economy and turning our nation into a powerhouse of clean energy. … Climate action is not only the world’s greatest responsibility, but it’s also our greatest opportunity, our mission, at COP28 is to unlock that opportunity in every country on every continent.”

It would be a grave error to take our foot off the accelerator and slow down climate action and precisely the moment when we need it most, said Majid Al Suwaidi, COP 28 director general.