UAE COP28 a success for all GCC countries: HM King

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

The hosting of the COP28 international climate conference in 2023 by the United Arab Emirates will “ensure the success of the important conference,” said His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, calling the achievement a “success of all GCC countries.”

“This would support international efforts to preserve the environment, climate, protect Earth and ensure the sustainability of natural resources,” HM King told Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the United Arab Emirates, in a message.

Marking the occasion, HM the King and HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, sent congratulatory cables to all UAE leaders. Bahraini leaders congratulated Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, the Prime Minister and Dubai Ruler and Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown and UAE Armed Forces Deputy Supreme Commander on the achievement.

“The advanced capabilities of the UAE would help achieve the goals set by the international community to protect the climate,” said HM the King, in a message to Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, stressing that “climate change represents a big challenge to humankind.”

The achievement reflects the “international recognition of the UAE’s success in hosting and organising the international forums” and builds on “UAE’s landmark strides across all fields”.

“The hosting of the conference would contribute to supporting the goals and aspirations of the international community to mitigate the repercussions of climate change and provide a suitable environment and safe life,” King Hamad told Shaikh Mohammed.

HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa said the initiatives of UAE further regional and international efforts towards achieving sustainable solutions for climate change.

HRH Prince Salman wished UAE all success in achieving global climate goals and the country further progress and prosperity. The ruler of Dubai announced the selection of UAE to host the COP28 international climate conference in 2023 in a tweet on Thursday.

“We will put all our capabilities to make the conference a success. The UAE will remain committed to global climate action to protect the planet,” said Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, who also serves as prime minister of the UAE.

It will be the second time in as many years that the annual talks will be held in the Middle East, with Egypt set to host them in 2022, and the third time the talks are hosted by a member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries.

Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, UAE’s minister of climate change and environment, said on Twitter the UAE is ready to deliver a meeting that mobilises countries to boost their efforts to fight climate change.

“Hosting this global gathering will provide us with a prime opportunity to involve our most dynamic segment of society - our youth - in the meetings and negotiations that will ultimately ensure a sustainable future for generations to come,” she said.

At the COP26 talks in Glasgow, Scotland, a surprise announcement between China and the United States, the world’s two largest greenhouse gas emitters, raised hopes the nearly 200 countries in the talks could toughen their commitments and reach a deal.