Dubai chosen to host inaugural climate change conference

MENA Climate Week 2020 will coincide with Dubai Expo 2020

The Dubai skyline - nine out of 10 residents in the Gulf are “optimistic” about their futures, BCG says. Courtesy: Tara Atkinson

Dubai has been selected to host an inaugural climate conference known as MENA Climate Week 2020.

The emirate was chosen by officials from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and will coincide with Expo 2020.

The announcement was made during a UN conference on climate change currently being held in Madrid, Spain, until December 13.

Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, together with Saeed Al Tayer, chairman of the World Green Economy Organisation (WGEO) – which works to support a low carbon development – welcomed the move.

"This important event aims to foster and speed up the shift towards a new model of sustainable growth and highlight the importance of simultaneously addressing climate change and meeting global development challenges,” Mr Al Tayer said.

“WGEO is always keen to support such initiatives and we will be providing the highest level of support for MENA Climate Week 2020.

“This event is an important platform for various nations in the region to participate, as countries, next year would be reviewing their efforts and achievements in their national climate action plans to support the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN 2030.”