Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and president of COP28, urged nations to unite, act, and deliver at COP29 in Baku, emphasizing the importance of building upon the historic UAE Consensus established last year, which he described as the pathway back to Paris.
Dr. Al Jaber stated during his opening remarks at the Pre-COP session that the UAE Consensus serves as a crucial roadmap for fulfilling the aspirations of the Paris Agreement. He noted that as they met amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, there was a need to rediscover a common purpose across every aspect of the climate agenda. He expressed that what was achieved in Dubai should be the foundation for efforts in Baku and emphasized the importance of coming together once more.
Taking place this week in Baku, Pre-COP is a preparatory gathering for ministers and negotiators ahead of COP29, which will be held next month in the Azerbaijani capital.
Financing as a priority
While acknowledging that numerous challenges remain, Dr. Al Jaber highlighted that financing is a top priority for delegates. He mentioned that finance was a cornerstone of the UAE Consensus and explained that they developed a “triple A” framework aimed at making finance more available, accessible, and affordable.
He explained that the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) on Climate Finance, which is set to be adopted at COP29, must provide the necessary means to implement the UAE Consensus and that the agreed amount should reflect the magnitude of the challenge.
Supporting vulnerable communities
Dr. Al Jaber emphasized the necessity of prioritizing funds for the most vulnerable communities first, enabling them to build resilience and recover from climate impacts. He also insisted that all previous commitments must be fulfilled and future promises must be honored.
Urgency of carbon market negotiations
Additionally, Dr. Al Jaber called for prompt finalization of negotiations on Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, which pertains to the establishment of carbon markets, stating that robust, high-integrity carbon markets are needed to stimulate investment in both mitigation and adaptation urgently.
Balancing mitigation and adaptation
The COP28 President further reinforced that mitigation and adaptation are equally vital, urging Parties to meet the agreed goal of doubling adaptation finance and to incorporate fully-funded strategies into their National Adaptation Plans (NAPs). He explained that the UAE Framework on Global Climate Resilience, adopted at COP28, integrates various sectors to safeguard nature, lives, and livelihoods and offers a practical plan that all Parties should adopt.
Commitment to existing agreements
Regarding mitigation, the UAE Minister advised against reinventing the wheel, calling on Parties to adhere to the commitments made at COP28. He reiterated that the UAE Consensus is the roadmap back to Paris.
Alignment of national contributions
Dr. Al Jaber stressed that the upcoming round of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), due by
February, must align with these agreements to keep the 1.5°C target achievable. He indicated that they should encompass the entire economy, cover all greenhouse gases, and leverage climate action as a catalyst for sustainable economic growth.
Renewable energy capacity goals
Dr. Al Jaber cited analysis from the International Energy Agency (IEA) indicating that the world could meet two-thirds of Paris-aligned targets simply by implementing the UAE Consensus goal of tripling renewable energy capacity and doubling energy efficiency improvements.
Investment needs for climate goals
According to a recent IEA report, the world is projected to add over 5,500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, which is nearly three times what was added from 2017 to 2023. However, he noted that the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has indicated that achieving the goal of tripling capacity within this decade will necessitate tripling investments to $1.5 trillion annually.
Economic and environmental benefits
Dr. Al Jaber also explained that these investments are worthwhile because the objectives of the UAE Consensus are both environmentally and economically beneficial, stating that the UAE Consensus represents common sense.
Commitment to international cooperation
The COP Presidencies Troika—comprising the leadership of COP28, COP29, and COP30—will continue to champion the UAE Consensus across multilateral platforms, including the G7 and G20, Dr. Al Jaber confirmed.
He also spoke at an event organized by the COP Presidencies Troika, where he reiterated the body’s commitment to fostering international cooperation and enhancing ambition in the upcoming NDCs.
Ensuring high ambition in NDCs
Additionally, the COP8 President emphasized the need to work together to ensure that every NDC reflects the highest possible ambition, balances all aspects of the climate agenda, and prioritizes implementation. He urged Parties to share best practices, facilitate technology transfer, and promote investment across sectors, particularly in the Global South.
Opportunity for socioeconomic development
Moreover, Al Jaber stated that the next round of NDCs is crucial not only for keeping the 1.5°C goal within reach but also represents a significant opportunity for socioeconomic development, in line with scientific recommendations and aligned with Paris.
Commitment to equity in climate progress
Dr. Al Jaber concluded by expressing that through strengthened international collaboration, equity could be embedded in climate progress, ensuring that no one is left behind.
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