As we approach the end of 2023, Dubai prepares to host the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Under the motto “Unite.Act.Deliver”, this conference marks a crucial point in this decade’s climate agenda, presenting the first global assessment of progress towards the goals set by the Paris Agreement during COP21 , in 2015.
The vision of the COP28 Presidency, under the leadership of the United Arab Emirates, is structured around four main lines of action:
- Accelerating the energy transition and reducing emissions by 2030:
COP28 aims to implement bold strategies to triple renewable capacity by 2030, double energy efficiency, increase electrification and significantly reduce CO2eq emissions and fossil fuel consumption. This commitment reflects the urgency of shaping a more sustainable energy matrix globally.
- Climate finance and multilateral financial system reform:
The conference will focus on fulfilling climate finance promises and laying the groundwork for a new global agreement in this area. Highlighted is the commitment to ensuring the achievement of the target of doubling financing for adaptation by 2025, as well as progress in preparing the New Collective Quantified Climate Finance Target, scheduled for approval in 2024.
- Put nature and people at the center of climate action:
COP28 will launch the Loss and Damage Fund, a standout achievement of COP27, while advancing the definition of a robust framework for the Global Adaptation Goal. For the first time, a ministerial meeting on the climate-health nexus will be held, underlining the interconnection between climate change and global health.
- Mobilization for a more inclusive COP:
The conference seeks to mobilize significant participation from diverse groups, including young people, equitable delegations and representatives of indigenous communities. The commitment is to make COP28 the most inclusive in history, ensuring that diverse perspectives are fully considered in the search for climate solutions.
First Global Stocktake – an inflection point: the highlight of the program is the “First Global Stocktake”, the first global stocktaking of progress on climate action. This global diagnosis, seven years after the Paris Agreement, will mark an inflection point, indicating the distance we still need to travel to achieve the established goals. However, this critical moment also offers a unique opportunity to redirect the course towards renewed ambition and the review of national climate commitments.
Global leaders, scientists, activists and government representatives from around the world will converge at COP28 in Dubai, demonstrating determination and collaboration in collectively approaching the global climate challenge. This event will be closely followed by the Cape Verde Climate Portal, which will provide detailed updates on the discussions and results that will shape the sustainable future of our planet.