COP28 Presidency strikes Host Country Agreement with UNFCCC

COP28 Presidency-UNFCCC Partnership
Officials during the signing ceremony | Courtesy: WAM
By Shilpa Annie Joseph, Official Reporter
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The COP28 Presidency and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) have officially signed the Host Country Agreement, strengthening their joint commitment to inclusivity and transparency at COP28 that fosters solidarity and transformative progress across the climate agenda.

The Host Country Agreement puts in place the necessary legal basis for this year’s UN climate summit. “In line with UNFCCC guidelines and adherence to international human rights norms and principles, there will be space available for climate activists to assemble peacefully and make their voices heard,” as per the statement.

Following the signing of the agreement, a joint statement was issued underscoring the importance of inclusivity, transparency, and respect, as part of the COP process that enables unity and more ambitious action.

Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, said that “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.”

The UAE Minister noted that the COP28 Presidency believes inclusivity is a critical enabler to achieving transformative progress across the climate agenda. Only by rising above our differences and working together can we raise our shared ambition and deliver progress to keep 1.5°C within reach.”

Mr. Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of UNFCCC, reaffirmed the UNFCCC’s dedication to upholding UN values at COPs and ensuring the voices of those most impacted by climate change are heard and represented in leadership roles.

“As custodians of the process, the secretariat is dedicated to supporting the Parties implement their climate commitments, including under the Paris Agreement. To drive climate action and ambition forward, we are firmly committed to ensuring that UN values are upheld at COPs. We are also making every effort on our part to ensure that this will be a COP process where the voices of youth, women, local communities, Indigenous Peoples, and those most impacted by climate change will be heard and reflected within the process,” Mr. Stiell added.

Related: Saudi Arabia to host MENA Climate Week 2023 from October 8 to 12

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