UAE's Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Recognises Global Leaders For Their Contributions To COP28 In New York Ceremony

On behalf of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, awarded nine distinguished global figures with the First Class Order of Zayed II. This recognition was for their significant contributions to the success of COP28. The ceremony took place at the UAE's permanent mission to the United Nations in New York during the UN General Assembly meetings.

Sheikh Abdullah expressed gratitude to the recipients for their dedication, which led to the historic "UAE Consensus," a crucial framework for global climate action. He also mentioned that His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed had previously honoured 21 international officials in Abu Dhabi last May. These honours were for supporting COP28's presidency action plan aimed at increasing global climate ambition and achieving sustainable development.

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The officials honoured included Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados, recognised for her efforts in promoting climate finance and supporting inclusive climate action under the COP29 Presidency. Espen Barth Eide, Norway's Minister of Foreign Affairs, was acknowledged for his role in final negotiations leading to the UAE Consensus. Grace Fu, Singapore's Minister for Sustainability and Environment, was honoured for addressing outcomes from the first global stocktake of the Paris Agreement.

Michael Bloomberg, UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Climate Ambition and Solutions, was recognised for mobilising over 1,000 local leaders worldwide to attend the "COP28 Local Climate Action Summit." Other honourees included Damilola Ogunbiyi, CEO and Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All. She was acknowledged for her contribution to COP29 International Advisory Committee and support in achieving the "UAE Consensus."

Francesco La Camera, Director-General of IRENA, received recognition for his role in assessing progress towards renewable energy targets set by COP28 Advisory Committee. Arvind Krishna, Chairman and CEO of IBM, was honoured for his contributions to COP28 Climate Innovation Forum's success. Brian Moynihan, Chairman and CEO of Bank of America, was recognised for rallying business leaders at COP28 Business and Philanthropy Climate Forum.

Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of UNFCCC, was acknowledged for his relentless efforts supporting COP28 Presidency and all parties involved in achieving ambitious climate negotiation outcomes since the Paris Agreement.

Significant Achievements at COP28

COP28 marked substantial progress in global climate action by focusing on implementation rather than pledges. The event concluded with an agreement among 198 parties to transition towards an energy system free from traditional fuels. It aimed to triple renewable energy capacity and double annual improvements in energy efficiency by 2030.

The conference successfully raised over US$85 billion for climate initiatives and launched 11 internationally supported pledges and declarations. This achievement highlighted UAE leadership's commitment to advancing global climate goals.

The event saw attendance from notable figures such as Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Razan Al Mubarak, Noura Al Suwaidi, and Al Reem Abdullah Al Falasi.

With inputs from WAM