COP28 dignitaries honoured at Abu Dhabi ceremony
ABU DHABI: President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Wednesday bestowed the First Class Order of Zayed II on several global dignitaries in recognition of their contribution to the success of the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) hosted by the UAE late last year.
Also honoured were:
Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank Group, was a firm advocate for the UAE in the lead-up to the climate conference, especially on advancing climate finance outcomes and reform of the international financial system.
Larry Fink, Co-founder, Chairman and CEO of Blackrock, was a valued COP28 Presidency Advisory Commitee member who provided counsel to COP28 in the run-up to the conference and beyond, as well as engagement with private sector leaders.
Dr. Vera Songwe, Chair and Founder of the Liquidity and Sustainability Facility, as a leading figure in macroeconomics and debt issues, was instrumental in helping COP28 deliver the Global Climate Finance Framework and climate finance outcomes.
Hindou Ibrahim, President of the Association for Indigenous Women and Peoples of Chad, was a commited member of the COP28 Presidency Advisory Commitee who consistently represented and conveyed the views and priorities of indigenous peoples and local communities in the climate process.
Prof. Carlos Lopes, Chair of the African Climate Foundation Board, was a valued member of the COP28 Presidency Advisory Commitee who lent his esteemed support and guidance to COP28.
Dr. Agnes Kalibata, President of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa, provided her valuable expertise on food systems transformation and supported the delivery of the COP28 UAE Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems and Climate Action.
Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency, was a supportive partner to COP28 and mobilised global cooperation and co-convened four high-level energy dialogues in the lead-up to COP28.
Prof. Saleemul Huq, a passionate advocate for addressing climate challenges affecting the world’s most vulnerable, was posthumously honoured. He passed away at 71 in October 2023, with his wife, Kashana, and son and daughter accepting the award from His Highness the President. As founding director of the International Centre for Climate Change and Development in Bangladesh, Prof. Huq became a leading voice from the developing world on the climate crisis. His advocacy contributed to the operationalisation of the Loss and Damage Fund at COP28. Prof. Huq played a crucial role in UN climate talks and advised governments on adaptation and climate finance for the LDC Group.
Olafur Ragnar Grimsson, former President of Iceland, provided political guidance and counsel as a COP28 Presidency Advisory Commitee Member.
John Kerry, former US Presidential Climate Envoy, was an active and loyal partner to the UAE in the lead-up to and during COP28 by enhancing global cooperation and advocating for COP28.