UAE to host ‘how’ COP with ‘new’ focus: UAE minister during climate summit

Last Updated: Thursday, May 11, 2023 at 6:47pm

Inclusive dialogue, shared responsibility, access to technology and funding, private sector contributions and nurturing talent will be some of the ways to drive the UN Climate Change Conference (COP28 UAE) to bring about real change and secure a future for future generations, top ministers said in Abu Dhabi Zabi said.

“Having part of society and activists in the discussion without involving industry is not going to bring us effective solutions. When we talk about effective solutions, we need to address the biggest problems in existence: access to technology, Access to financing and an effective mechanism to become truly carbon neutral across the world,” Sarah Al Amiri, UAE Minister of State for Public Education and Advanced Technology, said on the sidelines of the UAE Climate Technology Conference at the Energy Center in Abu Dhabi.

She emphasized the need for “action on the ground” to implement policies from a local and global perspective. In addition, she urged developed countries to provide vulnerable groups with the necessary resources to combat climate change – something the UAE has long done.

Over the past 15 years, the UAE has invested US$40 billion in renewable energy and plans to spend US$160 billion over the next 30 years. The UAE has invested $16.8 billion in renewable energy businesses in 70 other countries around the world.

“We’re going to continue to invest in it and make sure that many of our partnerships have those essential elements.”

Al Amiri stressed the need for shared responsibility and accountability.

“Let it be the COP of the ‘how.’ I think the world is facing a challenge when it comes to climate issues that we don’t want our society to experience. If we don’t pass actionable plans and actionable We will not be able to meet the challenge of climate change by addressing actual commitments as a result.”

The ‘new’ focus on the private sector

Meanwhile, Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy, said COP28 will present a new dimension, namely the role of the private sector in the fight against climate change and global warming.

“In the last 27 COP sessions, there was a lot of ‘how’ but nothing ‘new’ that the private sector could bring.”

Al Marri pointed to the development of the UAE’s circular economy policy, which aims, inter alia, to encourage the private sector to switch to cleaner industrial production methods and technologies, including the use of artificial intelligence.

Last year, the UAE Circular Economy Council approved 22 policies to speed up the transition to a circular economy, and Al Marri said more policies are on the way in the coming years.

The economy minister called for action, noting that attention also needs to be paid to talent development and education.

“I think a lot of people focus on financing and technology, but not enough on people who are actually going to do it. I think talent is an important aspect.”

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