COP28 committed to inclusivity where 'voices are heard'

The UAE and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) have emphasised their commitment to ensuring inclusivity and transparency at COP28.

In a joint statement, the two sides underscored the importance of making COP28 an inclusive and safe space for all participants.

It said that there will be space available for climate activists to assemble peacefully and make their voices heard.

The statement was issued following the signing of the Host Country Agreement in Abu Dhabi by Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry & Advanced Technology and COP28 President-Designate, and UNFCCC Executive Secretary Simon Stiell.

The agreement puts in place the necessary legal basis for this year’s UN climate summit.

"We will work together to make COP28 the most inclusive UN Climate Change Conference to date. To this effect, we have written to all Parties urging increased participation and meaningful engagement of youth, women, local communities, and Indigenous Peoples as members of Party and observer delegations to COP, and in climate decision-making, policy, and action in the lead up to and during COP28 by providing appropriate quality and modalities of participation," the statement read.

“As the work to prepare for a successful #COP28 gathers momentum, we want to express our commitment to making COP28 an inclusive & safe space for all participants." - #DrSultanAlJaber & @SimonStiell in a joint statement, following the signing of the agreement today in Abu Dhabi. pic.twitter.com/067pm8tFHN

— COP28 UAE (@COP28_UAE) August 1, 2023

"The COP28 Presidency believes inclusivity is a critical enabler to achieving transformative progress across the climate agenda. Only by rising above our differences and working together can we raise our shared ambition and deliver progress to keep 1.5°C within reach," said Dr. Al Jaber.

"We are making every effort on our part to ensure that this will be a COP process where the voices of youth, women, local communities, Indigenous Peoples, and those most impacted by climate change will be heard and reflected within the process," added Stiell.

Full inclusivity of the COP process is one of the four areas that COP28 will focus on, the other three being fast-tracking the energy transition, fixing climate finance, and focusing on lives and livelihoods.