COP28: UNFCCC pledges transparency, collaboration in climate agenda

The COP28 Presidency and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) have officially signed the host country agreement during a meeting in Abu Dhabi, marking an important step toward increasing inclusivity and openness.

The agreement was signed by COP28 President-designate, Sultan Al Jaber and UNFCCC executive secretary, Simon Stiell, during a meeting in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, the COP28 president-designate, emphasised the value of inclusivity and said, “The COP28 plan of action is centered on four key pillars: fast-tracking the energy transition; fixing climate finance; focusing on people, lives, and livelihoods; and underpinning everything with full inclusivity.”

Al Jaber highlighted that working together and embracing inclusivity would enable the rise of shared ambition to meet the critical 1.5C target.

Simon Stiell, executive secretary of the UNFCCC, stressed the organization’s commitment to maintaining UN values at COPs and providing leadership roles for people most affected by climate change.

“We are firmly committed to ensuring that UN values are upheld at COPs,” he said, reiterating the aim to make COP28 the most inclusive UN Climate Change Conference to date.

Stiell advocated for increased and meaningful participation and engagement of youth, women, local communities, and indigenous people in decision-making.

In adherence to UNFCCC guidelines and international human rights norms, the COP28 event will provide space for climate activists to assemble peacefully and voice their concerns.

COP28’s focus on fast-tracking the energy transition, fixing climate finance, prioritizing lives and livelihoods, and ensuring full inclusivity aims to foster solidarity and drive ambitious climate action.