COP28 President Dr. Sultan Bin Ahmed Al Jaber Calls For Ambitious NDCs To Ensure Climate Goals Are Met

Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, the UAE's Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and COP28 President, emphasised that Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) should be viewed as opportunities for socioeconomic growth. He urged Parties to develop a third round of NDCs that address the urgency of current climate challenges and align with the UAE Consensus. These contributions should be seen as platforms for green jobs and a sustainable future.

During a high-level event at the UN General Assembly in New York, Dr. Al Jaber highlighted the UAE Consensus as a transformative blueprint. He stressed the need for action based on this framework. The COP Presidencies Troika, which includes the UAE, Azerbaijan, and Brazil, aims to inspire ambitious NDCs in the upcoming round. Dr. Al Jaber encouraged early submissions to build momentum before COP29 in Azerbaijan from 11th-22nd November 2025.

The UAE plans to submit its third NDC ahead of COP29, covering all greenhouse gases and economic sectors like energy and transportation. This comprehensive approach will utilise advanced technologies such as AI to enhance decarbonisation efforts and improve adaptive resilience in areas like food and health systems. A strong legal framework will ensure accountability across sectors with specific goals.

Dr. Al Jaber called on all Parties to leverage global trends like energy transition, AI advancements, and emerging markets in their NDCs. He noted the UAE's leadership in diversifying its energy mix by more than doubling renewable capacity since 2019, with plans to triple it by 2030.

The Oil & Gas Decarbonisation Charter (OGDC), initiated at COP28, now includes 54 members representing 43% of global oil production. Dr. Al Jaber highlighted this as an example of how inclusive engagement can yield significant results for nations incentivising industry sectors through their NDCs.

He also stressed the importance of reaching consensus on a New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) for finance at COP29 to direct funds where they are most needed. Adequate financing is crucial for achieving ambitious NDCs aligned with the 1.5°C target and ensuring climate finance supports adaptation and mitigation efforts.

Global Collaboration Efforts

The Africa Green Investment Initiative is investing $4.5 billion in renewable projects across Africa, while ALTÉRRA has deployed $6.5 billion with investors since its launch at COP28. These models demonstrate scalable approaches to green industrialisation and clean growth.

The Troika's mission includes raising ambition for future NDC rounds through initiatives like the Action and Ambition Majlis series, which brings countries together at events such as Germany's Petersberg Climate Dialogue and China's Ministerial on Climate Action.

The latest Letter to Parties from the COP Presidencies Troika urges greater ambition in upcoming NDCs as vehicles for implementing universally adopted climate commitments. Achieving the goal of maintaining global temperatures within 1.5°C depends on stakeholders' determination to act decisively at this critical juncture.

With inputs from WAM