Dubai’s Expo City is abuzz with activity as the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) unfolds, promising to shape the trajectory of global climate action. This monumental event, the largest of its kind hosted by the UAE, commenced on [Start Date] and is scheduled to run until December 12.
Anticipation is high, with an unprecedented number of attendance requests pouring in for both the Blue Zone and Green Zone, indicating the participation of up to 500,000 individuals. Over 97,000 delegates are registered for the Blue Zone, while 400,000 are expected in the Green Zone. Diverse stakeholders, including government officials, representatives from non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the private sector, indigenous communities, and youth, are converging to collaboratively reshape the global climate action landscape.
The conference boasts a remarkable gathering of over 180 heads of state and government from around the world, emphasizing the global significance of COP28. Against the backdrop of an increasingly urgent need for comprehensive climate action, this event provides a pivotal opportunity for countries, sectors, and societal segments to unite in their efforts to achieve ambitious climate goals.
COP28 marks the first comprehensive global assessment of progress toward the objectives outlined in the Paris Agreement, established during COP21. The presidency of COP28 is committed to translating commitments into tangible progress through an agenda focused on four pillars: expediting a just energy transition, addressing climate finance, prioritizing people, nature, lives, and livelihoods, and fostering inclusivity.
The UAE is spearheading initiatives to foster consensus among all participants, emphasizing a clear roadmap to accelerate progress across diverse climate action themes. The COP28 presidency’s action plan aims to engage everyone in the conference’s working system, emphasizing the crucial role of inclusivity.
The COP28 team is actively working towards global consensus to preserve the possibility of limiting Earth’s temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Concurrently, the presidency is dedicated to amplifying the role of youth in addressing the climate crisis, integrating young leaders into negotiations and other forums throughout the year.
COP28 introduces an innovative, specialized two-week program, crafted through open consultations with stakeholders. This program encourages positive contributions, aligning with the conference’s primary objectives of activating climate action, aiding policy implementation, and providing financial and technological solutions.
Breaking new ground, COP28 dedicates a day to health-related activities, including a ministerial conference on health and climate. The conference also underscores the roles of trade, finance, and religion in climate discussions, featuring pavilions dedicated to these aspects.
Recognizing the vital contributions of indigenous peoples, COP28 allocates a day and a dedicated pavilion to showcase their role in protecting global biodiversity. In a historic move, the conference welcomes the largest number of mayors in COP history, emphasizing the importance of contributions from all segments of society.
The Blue Zone serves as the epicenter for formal negotiations, accessible only to UNFCCC-accredited participants, world leaders, media representatives, and observers. This exclusive space is where leaders, policymakers, scientists, and advisors convene with a shared goal of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
On the other hand, the Green Zone unfolds as an open-air haven for the general public, offering a diverse array of climate innovations, technologies, exhibits, art installations, film screenings, and discussions. Spread across Expo City Dubai, the Green Zone provides a platform for visitors to immerse themselves in climate solutions and contribute to a more sustainable future.
