UAE President highlights sustainable development and climate link

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has stressed sustainable economic development and climate action are closely linked and essential to ensuring a better quality of life for all.

His Highness was speaking during a virtual meeting of the Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate Change, hosted by US President Joe Biden, which brought together leaders and heads of government from major global economies.

He also emphasised the UAE's placed climate action at the core of its strategy, with a responsibility towards the environment and future generations.

In his remarks during the forum, the President said “The UAE was the first Gulf country to ratify the Paris Agreement, and the first in the region to commit to reducing emissions in all economic sectors by the year 2030. It has also announced its strategic initiative to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. We have invested over US$150 billion in climate action and have ambitious plans for further investments in this field in the future.”

He re-affirmed that the COP28 UAE Presidency will be committed to achieving transformative climate action, moving from deliberation to action, and delivering a comprehensive action plan for the benefit of all people and the planet.

“Energy and climate change are closely intertwined,” His Highness said, “And thus it is essential that the world accelerates its logical, realistic, and balanced transition in the energy sector by increasing renewable energy production capacity by at least three times and doubling hydrogen production. It is crucial to enhance international cooperation in technology transfer and provide the necessary financing to support the energy transition and address the losses and damages, especially in the Global South and communities most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.”

Stressing the importance of developed countries fulfilling their pledge to provide US$100 billion to developing countries, His Highness highlighted the need to reform international financial institutions and secure the necessary financing to stimulate investments that support climate action. The UAE President stated that although the risk of climate change has intensified, there is still a chance to prevent its dire consequences, given that there is a genuine determination for immediate and collective global action. He emphasised that the UAE is committed to making COP28 a significant milestone towards achieving this goal.

Concluding his remarks, His Highness extended an open invitation to the world to join the UAE's efforts and initiatives aimed at achieving a significant advancement in climate action. He expressed his confidence and optimism that the world will respond positively to this invitation.

UAE President emphasises link between sustainable economic development and climate action for enhanced quality of life#WamNews https://t.co/qbP9WqDhuk pic.twitter.com/5FI2x9oWn3

— WAM English (@WAMNEWS_ENG) April 20, 2023