UAE Minister Of Climate Change Reaffirms Commitment To Global Climate Goals At COP29

Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, the UAE's Minister of Climate Change and Environment, presented the nation's statement at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. She reiterated the UAE's dedication to fostering collective global efforts and inclusivity to achieve climate objectives. The minister highlighted the UAE's pivotal role in hosting COP28 in Dubai last year and its significant achievements.

Dr. Al Dahak expressed optimism about COP29's potential for success, envisioning a sustainable future for both the planet and upcoming generations. She underscored that COP28 was notably inclusive and marked the first 'Global Stocktake' of efforts to meet Paris Agreement goals. The conference achieved remarkable success with the 'UAE Consensus', uniting 198 parties to endorse a roadmap for a fair energy transition.

The minister detailed how COP28 activated crucial initiatives like the Loss and Damage Fund, paving the way for enhanced global climate action. Dr. Al Dahak stated, "The UAE continues to build on COP28 successes by launching ambitious initiatives using innovation and technology." One such initiative is the 'Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative', aimed at addressing global water scarcity through innovative solutions.

Looking ahead, Dr. Al Dahak mentioned that the UAE anticipates hosting the UN 2026 Water Conference alongside Senegal to expedite progress on Sustainable Development Goal 6. The minister added that as part of the COP Presidencies Troika, which includes COP28, COP29, and COP30, the UAE is committed to collaborating with Azerbaijan and Brazil to enhance unified efforts in energy transformation and climate financing.

Dr. Al Dahak highlighted the UAE's strides toward achieving Net Zero by 2050 through impactful measures like tripling renewable energy capacity and doubling energy efficiency by 2030. The country has invested $55 billion (AED 200 billion) to meet growing energy demands. Earlier this year, in partnership with the United Nations and Panama, it established an International Day of Renewable Energy.

The minister emphasized technology's role in accelerating climate action, noting a milestone achieved in October 2024 when green hydrogen was used in iron and steel production. This was facilitated by a sustainable industrial facility developed by Masdar and Emirates Steel under Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company as part of the National Hydrogen Strategy 2050.

Climate Finance Goals at COP29

During negotiations at COP29, Dr. Al Dahak stated: "The UAE will prioritise establishing an ambitious climate finance goal - the New Collective Quantitative Goal (NCQG) - essential for affordable climate financing for the Global South." The UAE also aims to finalise activating Article 6 of the Paris Agreement for effective climate action.

The minister affirmed: "We reaffirm our commitment to advancing balanced outcomes across all key areas of the COP29 Conference." These include mitigation, adaptation, loss and damage, just transition, water, technology, and enhancing women's and youth engagement.

Dr. Al Dahak concluded by emphasizing urgency: "There is no room for hesitation. As emphasised by the UAE's wise leadership, we must view climate action as an opportunity rather than a burden."

With inputs from WAM