Around 60 ministers from various countries are set to convene in the UAE for important pre-Cop28 talks over the next two days. Scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi on Monday and Tuesday, these discussions aim to generate momentum ahead of the crucial UN summit that is only four weeks away. The Pre-Cop stage is seen as critical for addressing differences in climate issues such as emissions, the 1.5ºC temperature threshold, scaling up finance, and loss and damage. Additionally, the “global stocktake,” which assesses nations’ progress in meeting the goals of the 2015 Paris Agreement, will also be a key focus during the two-day event.
According to the presidency, these preparatory talks represent the last formal ministerial engagement prior to Cop28 and aim to ensure a strong start to the negotiations on November 30. Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Cop28 President-designate, Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, emphasized the importance of Pre-Cop as a platform for narrowing gaps on crucial issues. He urged ministers to approach the talks with flexibility and unity, emphasizing the world’s expectations for a high-ambition outcome at Cop28.
Dr. Al Jaber also stressed the need to commence work on the Cop28 agenda immediately, given the urgency and heavy workload in Dubai. He called for a smooth adoption of the agenda on the first day of the summit. Cop28 is scheduled to take place at Expo City Dubai from November 30 to December 12, where world leaders will address the climate emergency.
During the talks, countries and negotiating blocs are expected to present their positions, with particular focus on the contentious issue of loss and damage. Efforts to resolve differences over the associated funding have encountered obstacles, with a fresh attempt to find common ground scheduled for the following week.
Bob Ward, policy director at the Grantham Institute for Climate Change, highlighted the significance of Pre-Cop in fostering collective ambition, especially when divisive issues arise. Ward pointed out that current emissions reduction pledges by countries do not align with the Paris Agreement, and there has been little substantial progress in this regard. He emphasized the need for resolving these issues and promoting collective determination to make progress during Cop28.
At a meeting of G77 ministers and heads of delegation prior to the talks, Dr. Al Jaber urged all parties to come together and find a balance between climate action and development, ensuring that the developing world does not have to choose between the two.
As Cop28 approaches, these Pre-Cop talks play a crucial role in shaping the climate agenda and building consensus among nations. The world eagerly anticipates the outcomes of these discussions and the subsequent UN summit in Dubai.
Updated: October 29, 2023, 1:08 PM
Important preliminary discussions before Cop28 to commence in the UAE
I have over 10 years of experience in the field of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. I have attended numerous conferences and events around the world, and my work has been featured in major publications such as CoinDesk, Bitcoin Magazine, and Yahoo Finance.
