The 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) commenced yesterday in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, attracting widespread international participation to launch a revitalized vision geared towards accelerating global climate action. By aligning global objectives with actionable capacities, the UAE aims to significantly enhance and expedite these efforts.
Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, president of COP28, delivered a pivotal handover speech, marking the conclusion of a transformative tenure. In his keynote address, he urged all 198 Parties to “let actions speak louder than words” and to “let positivity prevail.” He underscored the progress made during his presidency in advancing the commitments and declarations made in Dubai last year, stating: “Progress did not end when the gavel came down on the UAE Consensus.”
Calling for unity among all Parties to act with purpose and responsibility, Dr. Sultan emphasized the necessity of implementing the historic UAE Consensus by establishing a strong New Collective Quantified Goal for climate finance at COP29. “When sectors collaborate, we can elevate economies while reducing emissions. This approach allows us to foster both climate and socioeconomic advancement, transforming declarations into meaningful actions on the ground.”
At COP29, the UAE will further showcase dynamic programming starting Wednesday, November 13, at its Pavilion and Goals House. These engaging discussions will unite climate experts, government officials, private sector leaders, academics, and youth to share ideas and co-develop solutions for urgent climate challenges.
Read more: UAE President attends COP29, urges accelerated climate action
The programming kicks off on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, with UAE/Climate sessions at Goals House Baku, featuring a diverse group of esteemed thinkers, political figures, business leaders, and entrepreneurs:
08:00 Azerbaijan Time (AZT): Securing tomorrow: Accelerating action for water resiliency for all
The UAE is leading efforts to develop innovative and scalable strategies that ensure access to clean water, promote sustainable water management, and enhance sanitation and hygiene for communities facing water stress globally. In 2026, the UAE will co-host the UN Water Conference with Senegal. This session, hosted by UAE/Climate and featuring Shaima Gargash, director of Energy and Sustainability Affairs at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will be moderated by Kate Warren, executive editor at Devex, and will include special guests Gary White, CEO & co-founder of Water.Org, and George Richards, director of Community Jameel, to discuss the implementation of SDG 6 and the creation of global water resilience.
13:00 AZT: Championing climate finance to build global resilience
Enhancing the availability, accessibility, and affordability of climate finance is crucial for accelerating the global transition to a net-zero and climate-resilient future for all. Led by Majid Al Suwaidi, chief executive officer of ALTERRA, this discussion will explore opportunities for mobilizing partnerships and funding pathways to support equitable sustainable development and low-carbon economic growth. Moreover, notable guests will include Maria Kozloski, senior vice president of Innovative Finance & U.S. Economic Opportunity at the Rockefeller Foundation, and James Birch, climate policy and advocacy lead at the Gates Foundation.
Additional programming at the UAE Pavilion on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, will feature:
11:00 AZT: Waste to Zero Program
Additionally, hosted by Tadweer Group (the Centre of Waste Management, Abu Dhabi, tadweer.ae), this session will address local and regional opportunities in waste management.
14:15 AZT: Dialogue on the transition away from fossil fuels
Continuing the dialogue from COP28, this event will focus on a shared global vision for a just and inclusive transition from fossil fuels. Representatives from the UAE, Azerbaijan, and Brazil will also discuss the challenges and opportunities in achieving an equitable energy transition.
15:30 AZT: AIM for Scale: Global partnership to scale-up weather services for farmers
Furthermore, the Agriculture Innovation Mechanism for Scale (AIM for Scale), a collaborative initiative between the UAE and the Gates Foundation, will explore opportunities to enhance access to high-quality, farmer-centric weather forecasts to bolster resilience among small producers in low- and middle-income countries.
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