COP28 President Dr. Sultan Bin Ahmed Al Jaber Calls For Action On UAE Consensus Ahead Of COP29

Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and COP28 President, urged nations to unite at COP29 in Baku. He emphasised building on the UAE Consensus, which he described as a roadmap for achieving the Paris Agreement's goals. Speaking at Pre-COP, Dr. Al Jaber highlighted the need for collective action amidst ongoing geopolitical conflicts.

Pre-COP is a preparatory meeting in Baku for ministers and negotiators before COP29 next month. Dr. Al Jaber stressed that finance remains a key priority, noting that it was central to the UAE Consensus. He introduced a "triple A" framework to make finance more available, accessible, and affordable.

The New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) on Climate Finance is set for adoption at COP29. Dr. Al Jaber stated it must support the UAE Consensus and match the scale of challenges faced. He emphasised prioritising funds for vulnerable communities to enhance climate resilience and recovery.

Dr. Al Jaber called for swift finalisation of negotiations on Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, which focuses on carbon markets development. He advocated for robust carbon markets to drive investments in mitigation and adaptation efforts.

Mitigation and adaptation are equally vital, according to Dr. Al Jaber. He urged parties to double adaptation finance and integrate fully-funded strategies into their National Adaptation Plans (NAPs). The UAE Framework on Global Climate Resilience offers a practical plan connecting sectors to protect nature, lives, and livelihoods.

On mitigation, Dr. Al Jaber encouraged parties to adhere to agreements made at COP28 without reinventing strategies. The UAE Consensus serves as a path back to Paris, with upcoming Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) needing alignment with these agreements by February.

Renewable Energy Goals

The world could achieve two-thirds of Paris-aligned targets by tripling renewable energy capacity and doubling energy efficiency improvements, according to International Energy Agency analysis cited by Dr. Al Jaber. By 2030, over 5,500GW of renewable energy capacity is expected globally.

The International Renewable Energy Agency estimates that tripling capacity this decade requires $1.5 trillion in annual investment. Dr. Al Jaber argued these investments are worthwhile as they align with both climate and economic objectives outlined in the UAE Consensus.

International Cooperation

The COP Presidencies Troika will continue advocating for the UAE Consensus across multilateral platforms like G7 and G20 meetings. At an event organised by the Troika, Dr. Al Jaber emphasised promoting international cooperation to drive ambition in NDCs.

"We need to collaborate to ensure that every NDC has the highest ambition possible," said Dr. Al Jaber, urging parties to share best practices, enable technology transfer, and promote investment across sectors globally.

The next round of NDCs is crucial not only for keeping 1.5°C within reach but also represents significant opportunities for socioeconomic development aligned with science and Paris goals.

Through enhanced international cooperation, equity can be embedded in climate progress ensuring no one is left behind," stated Dr. Al Jaber.

With inputs from WAM