UAE President Opens World Leaders Summit at COP29, Urges Climate Action

Photo : United Arab Emirates National Media Office

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan attended the opening session of the World Leaders Summit for Climate Action today. The summit, part of the ongoing COP29 hosted by Azerbaijan, was inaugurated by President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan. The summit is being held under the theme “Solidarity for a Green World” from November 11 to 22, 2024.

Stay informed with the latest news. Follow DXB News Network on WhatsApp Channel 

In his address, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed emphasized the UAE's strong commitment to accelerating climate action and fostering the development of a climate-resilient economy. He highlighted the UAE’s longstanding dedication to environmental protection and sustainable development, which led the country to host COP28 the previous year. During COP28, the UAE played a pivotal role in facilitating international collaboration, providing an effective response to the global assessment of progress in meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed underscored that continuing international cooperation in climate action would pave the way for sustainable economic and social development. He emphasized that climate action should be seen as an opportunity for global progress rather than a burden. His Highness also referenced the significant “UAE agreement” that emerged from COP28, which outlined a roadmap for a fair, responsible, and equitable energy transition. This agreement demonstrated the collective global will to meet the ambitions of the Paris Agreement, restore confidence in multilateral systems, and ensure that financial pledges made by the international community were honored, while climate finance would be directed to the countries and communities most in need.

The President also urged the leaders present to focus on overcoming differences and finding common ground. His Highness stated that the task now was to work together for the benefit of all humanity, emphasizing the need for unity in addressing the climate challenges that affect everyone globally.

Upon his arrival at the summit, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed was received by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The President of the UAE then participated in a group photo with other heads of delegations attending the summit. During the opening session, His Highness and several other leaders exchanged warm discussions about strengthening bilateral relations and underscored the significance of COP29 in fostering global cooperation on climate change.

The opening session of the World Leaders Summit for Climate Action was attended by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s official delegation, which includes senior UAE officials. The summit represents an important opportunity for world leaders to come together to discuss and implement strategies for effective climate action, with the aim of creating a sustainable future for all nations.