The 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) commenced its first full day of events in Dubai, with a high-profile roster of global leaders set to address the summit.
Amongst the esteemed speakers is Prime Minister Narendra Modi alongside Britain's King Charles III, a long-time advocate for environmental conservation, who is expected to bring his passion for climate action to the forefront of discussions.
The conference, which runs from November 30 to December 12, 2023, has already seen an early triumph with the adoption of a deal to establish a new UN fund aimed at assisting poorer nations batterred by climate disasters.
This sets a positive tone for the summit, which seeks to galvanise international efforts against the escalating climate crisis.
Friday's agenda features a lineup of influential figures, including Kenyan President William Ruto, Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, and Saudi Arabia's Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud.
Their speeches are anticipated to shed light on their respective countries' commitments and perspectives on climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Saturday promises another day of impactful dialogue, with more leaders taking the stage to share their insights and strategies. Alongside the formal proceedings, COP28 is buzzing with sideline activities where new pledges are expected to emerge. Governments, corporations, and non-profit organisations are poised to announce fresh funding initiatives aimed at various climate-related endeavours, ranging from enhancing resilience to accelerating the energy transition.
Moreover, significant announcements are anticipated regarding the reform of multi-development banks and other public financial institutions, which could play a pivotal role in channelling resources towards sustainable development.
In his opening remarks, COP28 President Sultan Ahmed al-Jaber emphasised the need for collaborative efforts to reach a consensus on the role of fossil fuels in the transition to a greener economy. His call to action underscores the summit's focus on industrial decarbonisation, fostering a just green energy transition, and spurring innovation for climate action.
As the world's eyes turn to Dubai, COP28 stands as a critical platform for shaping the future of global climate policy, with the hope that this year's summit will mark a turning point in the collective fight against climate change.
