COP28 President Urges Unity from All Stakeholders

Photo: AFP

Dr. Sultan Al Jaber Calls for Unified Action to Implement UAE Consensus at MoCA

At the eighth Ministerial on Climate Action (MoCA), held on Monday, COP28 President Dr. Sultan Al Jaber emphasized the critical role of solidarity in implementing the landmark UAE Consensus. Addressing ministers in Wuhan, China, Dr. Al Jaber underscored that the collaborative spirit which led to the consensus must now drive its execution to advance sustainable socio-economic development.

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The UAE Consensus, established at COP28 in Dubai last December, has become a pivotal reference for global climate goals and sustainable development. Dr. Al Jaber highlighted that this historic agreement was achieved through inclusivity and collaboration, principles that continue to yield tangible results on the ground.

In a significant move, PetroChina, responsible for 3.5% of global oil production, has joined the Oil and Gas Decarbonisation Charter (OGDC). Launched at COP28, the OGDC aims to accelerate the sector's decarbonization by calling for net-zero emissions by 2050, eliminating routine flaring and methane emissions by 2030, and investing in future energy systems. PetroChina's inclusion, alongside 52 other companies representing 40% of global oil production, signifies a notable boost in commitment, particularly with National Oil Companies making up over 60% of the signatories.

Dr. Al Jaber praised PetroChina's decision as a momentous step for Chinese leadership, urging other global companies to follow suit and align with the principles of the OGDC. This move sends a powerful message to companies yet to commit, emphasizing the importance of choosing the right side of history.

The COP28 President also called on nations to submit comprehensive Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) that address all aspects of climate action, from decarbonization to deforestation. He stressed the need for these plans to be actionable, balancing mitigation, adaptation, and implementation.

Dr. Al Jaber highlighted the crucial role of the COP Presidencies Troika—comprising COP28, Azerbaijan, and Brazil—in maintaining political momentum for climate action. He urged all sectors to adopt climate resilience as a guiding principle, recommending strategies that future-proof business models while prioritizing people and the planet.

He reiterated the importance of boosting investments in carbon-free energies, setting an ambitious goal of tripling renewable energy capacity this decade. Dr. Al Jaber pointed to a recent IRENA report noting the need for a 16.4% annual growth in renewable capacity through 2030, emphasizing that history shows humanity's ability to surpass expectations.

China’s significant contribution to global solar capacity and solar panel production was acknowledged, with Dr. Al Jaber commending China as a renewable energy powerhouse and encouraging others to emulate its success.

Regarding Artificial Intelligence (AI), Dr. Al Jaber noted its potential to influence energy and transport sectors but cautioned about the increased energy demand AI will generate. He called for smart approaches to meet this demand while leveraging AI's benefits.

The COP28 President also advocated for scaling up nuclear energy, expediting renewable energy project permits, modernizing grid infrastructure, and recognizing natural gas's transitional role in providing energy access. He reiterated the need for reform in the international financial framework to make climate finance more accessible and affordable, urging private-sector investment to play a crucial role.

Dr. Al Jaber highlighted ALTÉRRA, the world's largest private investment vehicle for climate change action, launched at COP28 with a $30 billion commitment from the UAE, as a key player in changing the climate finance dynamic.

In conclusion, Dr. Al Jaber encouraged parties to take inspiration from the UAE Consensus to set even higher goals through their NDCs, leading to concrete actions. This week at MoCA, the COP Presidencies Troika will host a Majlis—a traditional Emirati meeting—focused on forest conservation and the synergy between biodiversity and climate. This session is part of the Action and Ambition Majlis Series, launched earlier this year to elevate ambition for the next round of NDCs.