In an extraordinary ministerial meeting attended virtually, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations reiterated their unwavering support for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as it prepares to host the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP28) this year. The meeting, convened at the UAE’s request, emphasized the significance of the upcoming climate conference in addressing the urgent challenges posed by climate change.
Chaired by Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals and Chairman of the National Committee for Climate Change in the Sultanate of Oman, the meeting witnessed the participation of high-level representatives from GCC nations, including Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and COP28 President-Designate. Other attendees included prominent figures such as Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, Shamma Al Mazrui, Minister of Community Development and the first-ever COP28 Youth Climate Champion, and representatives from Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and the GCC Secretary General.
During the meeting, the GCC nations commended the appointment of the leadership team for COP28, which comprises Dr. Al Jaber as the COP28 President-Designate, Shamma Al Mazrui as the COP28 Youth Climate Champion, and Razan Al Mubarak as the UN Climate Change High-Level Champion. This leadership team was praised for their expertise in sustainable development and climate action, with their appointment signaling the UAE’s commitment to driving transformative change and shifting global climate action from negotiations to practical solutions.
Expressing their gratitude to the UAE for initiating the ministerial meeting, the GCC countries extended their full support to the COP28 UAE Presidency team. They recognized the importance of coordination, cooperation, and joint action to ensure the success of COP28, urging all countries and relevant international organizations to actively engage in the conference.
Furthermore, the GCC nations acknowledged the achievements of COP27 and congratulated the Arab Republic of Egypt for hosting the successful event. As developing countries with unique regional circumstances, the member states stressed the significance of adhering to the provisions and underlying principles of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement, particularly the principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities. They emphasized that the implementation of these agreements should consider the adverse social and economic impacts of response measures to climate change, especially on vulnerable developing countries.
The GCC nations underlined the necessity for COP28 to deliver ambitious and balanced negotiated outcomes, focusing on the implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). They also expressed eagerness for the first Global Stocktake to take place during COP28.
In showcasing their efforts to combat climate change, the GCC countries highlighted various measures, plans, and programs aimed at achieving environmental, economic, and social sustainability in the region. The circular carbon economy approach, based on the principles of reduce, reuse, recycle, and remove, was emphasized as a key strategy for achieving these goals.
Looking ahead, the GCC countries agreed to hold the next committee meeting on October 8, 2023, to follow up on developments and preparations for COP28. This meeting will take place on the sidelines of the MENA Climate Week, scheduled to be held in Riyadh from October 9 to 12. The meeting will provide an opportunity to assess progress and ensure the smooth organization of COP28.
Moreover, the GCC countries emphasized the need for tangible progress on the Global Goal on Adaptation within the framework of the Paris Agreement’s temperature target. They called for a comprehensive Mitigation Work Programme that encompasses all greenhouse gas emissions sources and sectors, promoting the use of renewable energy sources, clean hydrocarbons, and other technologies. The operationalization of the Loss and Damage fund and its funding arrangements, as well as the fulfillment of the $100 billion annual pledge by developed countries to support developing nations, starting from 2020, were also emphasized. Additionally, the GCC nations expressed their commitment to establishing a new collective quantified goal on climate finance.
