Sheikh Mohamed vows Cop28 will lead effort to protect future generations

UAE President says climate talks must serve all of humanity

President Sheikh Mohamed speaks during a meeting with the team overseeing Cop28 at the Sea Palace. All photos: UAE Presidential Court

President Sheikh Mohamed speaks with the team during the meeting

Maj Gen Faris Al Mazrouei, Abu Dhabi Executive Council Member and Commander-in-Chief of Abu Dhabi Police, left, Mohamed Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, third left, Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and President-designate of Cop28, fourth left, attend the meeting

Members of the team overseeing Cop28 preparations attend the meeting

Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and President-designate of Cop28, third right, and Mohamed Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, fourth right, attend the meeting

Members of the Cop28 team discuss the event at the Sea Palace

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed, Sheikha Fatima bint Mohamed and Sheikha Salama bint Mohamed attend the meeting

President Sheikh Mohamed stands for a photograph with the team overseeing Cop28 preparations

President Sheikh Mohamed has stressed the need for action on climate change at the upcoming Cop28 summit, with a strong focus on the need to protect the planet and future generations.

The head of state met with the team tasked with the delivery of the climate summit on Tuesday.

He spoke of the need to enhance international solidarity and co-operation to find practical solutions to climate challenges.

The meeting was attended by members of the National Higher Committee overseeing preparations to host Cop28 in the UAE, beginning on November 30.

The Cop28 team briefed Sheikh Mohamed about the conference preparations and the four pillars of the summit's agenda.

"These are fast-tracking a just and orderly energy transition, fixing climate finance and putting nature, lives, and livelihoods at the centre of climate action, as well as enhancing inclusivity in national climate action," state news agency Wam said.

By hosting Cop28, the UAE is building on its enduring legacy of environmental stewardship first championed by the late Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, while empowering youth, women and civil society to contribute to international efforts to battle climate change, Sheikh Mohamed said.

The UAE is extending an invitation to the world to foster co-operation and joint action in collective efforts to achieve outcomes that benefit the global community, he said.

He also underscored that the Cop28 team’s endeavours to accelerate effective climate action serve all of humanity in light of the climate crisis.

Sheikh Mohamed affirmed that under the UAE Presidency, Cop28 will lead the global effort to protect the planet and the wellbeing of future generations.

The UAE will use its diverse international partnerships to pursue inclusive dialogue and co-operation that focuses on practical climate solutions, and fosters sustainable social and economic development, he said.

Preparing to host the summit is important, Sheikh Mohamed said, emphasising that the UAE has essential capabilities including modern infrastructure, a commendable track record in sustainability and environmental conservation, and recognition as a successful convener of global events, as well as deep-rooted relations with other countries.

He commended the efforts of the Cop28 team in overseeing the conference and striving to achieve its objectives.

The Higher Committee is led by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and chairman of the Higher Committee, and Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, UAE Special Envoy for Climate Change, and vice chairman of the Cop28 UAE Higher Committee.