What to expect at COP28

On our last edition we explored some of the key milestones achieved at COP over the years and took a deep dive into what took place at the last two conferences. Now, as we stand at the precipice of COP28 let's look at what we can expect this year from the conference.

COP28 UAE will stand as one of the most prominent and significant global assemblies of 2023, garnering extensive coverage from international media. Serving as the paramount platform for global decision-making regarding climate matters, this event is poised to welcome more than 70,000 participants, including Heads of State and prominent figures from around the world. Its primary objective is to foster agreement and advance climate action discussions among 198 nations, the European Union, and a multitude of non-governmental organizations, corporations, youth organizations, and diverse stakeholders.

During COP21 in 2015, the global community committed to limiting the rise in global temperatures to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels by 2050. To stay on track, scientific evidence suggests that emissions must be cut in half by 2030. With only seven years remaining to achieve this critical goal, COP28 UAE presents a significant opportunity to reevaluate, reinvigorate, and refocus our efforts on addressing the climate crisis.

COP28 UAE will serve as a milestone moment for a comprehensive review of progress on the Paris Agreement through the inaugural Global Stocktake (GST).

The GST aims to harmonize endeavors in climate action, which includes implementing strategies to address the existing gaps in progress.

Working with the UNFCCC Executive Secretary alongside the UN Climate Change High-Level Champion and the UAE Youth Climate Champion, I will strive to build consensus amongst parties to drive climate action. Together, we will prioritize efforts to accelerate emissions reductions through a pragmatic energy transition, reform land use, and transform food systems. We will work to mobilize solutions for vulnerable countries, operationalize loss and damage, and deliver the most inclusive Conference possible. -H.E. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, President-Designate for COP28 UAE

How To Get Involved

COP28 UAE to serve as an inclusive platform for dialogue, by offering a dedicated space to the civil society (Green Zone) and a designated site for accredited parties and observer delegates (Blue Zone).

Green Zone

The Green Zone, managed and organized by the COP28 UAE Presidency, serves as a platform for non-accredited attendees, including youth groups, civil society representatives, NGOs, the private sector, and indigenous people, to engage in meaningful dialogue and raise awareness about climate action.

Additionally, the Green Zone will host technical conferences, panel discussions, and activations focused on both existing and future climate change mitigation solutions.

The Green Zone encompasses three key hubs:

1. Technology and Innovation Hub: This hub represents the intersection of cutting-edge technologies and forward-thinking ideas, aiming to deliver innovative solutions to combat climate change. It serves as a catalyst for fostering collaboration among governments, businesses, and civil society, harnessing technologies to address pressing sustainability challenges.
2. Decarbonization Hub: The Decarbonization Hub offers an exclusive space for COP28 UAE's top-tier sponsors, recognized leaders in sustainable transformation, to connect, collaborate, and share insights, strategies, and solutions for combating climate change. It provides a platform for leaders and innovators to present their sustainable development blueprints and form strategic partnerships that accelerate progress toward achieving net-zero emissions.
3. Knowledge Hub: This hub offers thematic experiences focused on addressing urgent climate challenges and exploring potential solutions.

Blue Zone

The Blue Zone, managed by UNFCCC, is reserved exclusively for accredited participants, including Parties, intergovernmental organizations (IGOs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), observers, media, and UN officials.

It serves as the venue for formal negotiations, panel discussions, speaking engagements, and cultural events throughout the two-week conference.

Thematic Program

The COP28 Presidency has unveiled its two-week thematic program, focused on practical solutions that address the gaps leading up to 2030 and respond to the Global Stocktake. In a pioneering and inclusive move, the Presidency conducted an open consultation on thematic areas and sequencing, shaping the program based on stakeholder input. The program highlights sectors and subjects identified during consultations, including recurring COP agenda themes and crucial new areas like health, trade, relief, recovery, and peace. Within the thematic day programming, four overarching themes—Technology & Innovation, Inclusion, Frontline Communities, and Finance—form the foundation for effective, interconnected implementation.

• November 30: COP28 UAE begins at Expo City, Dubai.
• December 1 and 2: World Climate Action Summit – These two days bring together world leaders, civil society, business, youth, Indigenous Peoples, and others to address pressing climate issues and set the tone for COP28. It includes the first-ever Global Stocktake response, emphasizing the urgency of the climate crisis.
• December 3: Health/Relief, Recovery, and Peace – This unique day explores the impact of climate change on human health, displacement, and peace-building, seeking ways to provide relief, enhance resilience, and promote stability.
• December 4: Finance/Trade/Gender Equality/Accountability – Focusing on the need for a fair and effective global financial system and equitable international trade, this day calls for leaders to accelerate reforms and accountability in these areas.
• December 5: Energy and Industry / Just Transition / Indigenous Peoples – Emphasizing the need for a rapid, sustainable energy transition, this day discusses how to create inclusive economic development while protecting the environment. It covers various solutions, including renewable energy, hydrogen, carbon capture, and support for Indigenous Peoples' leadership.
• December 6: Multilevel Action, Urbanisation, and Built Environment/Transport – A day for leaders at all governance levels to collaborate on climate action solutions, including greener urban mobility, low-carbon infrastructure, and sustainable production and consumption.
• December 7: Rest Day
• December 8: Youth, Children, Education, and Skills – Empowering young generations to shape COP28 outcomes and providing them with accessible opportunities to be part of the solutions.
• December 9: Nature, Land Use, and Oceans – Focusing on the interconnectedness of climate and biodiversity, this day addresses climate and nature co-benefits, including protecting biodiversity hotspots and carbon sinks.
• December 10: Food, Agriculture, and Water – Addressing the impact of climate change on food, agriculture, and water systems, this day discusses solutions such as regenerative agriculture, habitat restoration, and fair governance.
• December 11 and 12: Final Negotiations – These last two days are dedicated to negotiation text finalization, without thematic programming, to avoid distractions during critical negotiations.

You can find the complete COP28 thematic program at https://www.cop28.com/en/thematic-program

In our next edition, we'll be looking into one of the most crucial aspects of the conference: The Global Stocktake.

References: https://www.cop28.com/

https://gulfnews.com/

https://www.zawya.com/