Climate financing and support deals to help people deal with the severe impacts of climate change are top priorities for the UAE at COP29. Starting on November 11 in Baku, Azerbaijan, COP29 will welcome participants from 200 countries.
At a press conference on Monday, the UAE COP team shared plans for making a strong impact at this year’s climate change conference. Following agreements made at COP28 in Dubai last year, which totaled $100 million, the UAE aims to build on those negotiations and promises.
“The UAE signed 64 new pledges after COP28, showing our commitment to follow up on all agreements and continue our fight against climate change,” said Omar al Braiki, Deputy Chief Negotiator at the UAE Special Envoy for Climate Change Office.
During the upcoming conference, the UAE pavilion will host over 60 programs covering 10 key themes, including protecting lives and livelihoods, including youth, water resilience, energy transitions, and biodiversity preservation.
With a focus on climate financing, the UAE plans to make further commitments to support countries facing the effects of climate change. Participating states and organizations pledged $85 billion for climate action during COP28. “In Baku, we will discuss how to activate these funds and ensure that financial commitments reach those who need it most,” stated Abdulla Balalaa, Assistant Minister for Energy and Sustainable Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
“We achieved many positive results during the UAE-hosted COP, and we want to ensure that all pledges, agreements, and deals remain on track,” Balalaa added. “Climate action is an urgent global issue, and we aim to play an influential role in it.”
The UAE team will engage in discussions and support initiatives that help individuals and communities combat the harmful effects of climate change. Talks at the UAE pavilion will cover topics like Mobilising Climate Finance for the Global South and the Global Climate Finance Framework (GCFF), launched at COP28 to boost investments in climate action and enhance economic growth and global resilience.
Additionally, the pavilion will feature an exclusive Climate Changemaker Majlis. Hosted by WiSER, this open dialogue forum will explore innovative solutions for climate financing, reflecting Emirati values and approaches to problem-solving and actionable solutions.
“Our goal is to showcase the UAE as a key player in global climate action,” concluded Balalaa.
