As the 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) unfolds in Baku, Azerbaijan, global leaders are paving the way for a new era of climate action through collaboration and shared vision. Following the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) historic hosting of COP28 and its ambitious commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, the UAE continues to play a pivotal role in supporting COP29 discussions and driving tangible progress on global climate initiatives.
His Excellency Abdulla Balalaa, the UAE’s Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability, emphasized the significance of global collaboration in an interview. “Last year at COP28 in Dubai, 198 Parties came together to deliver the historic UAE Consensus and usher in a new era of climate action,” he remarked. “COP29 is a climate action opportunity to enhance our collective global ambitions further, elevate more voices, and enable action.”
Building on the Success of COP28
The UAE’s leadership during COP28 resulted in the “UAE Consensus,” a milestone that reflected a year of inclusive diplomatic engagements and two weeks of intense negotiations. The COP28 presidency’s “Action Agenda” addressed the four pillars of the Paris Agreement: fast-tracking a just and orderly energy transition; fixing climate finance to make it more available, affordable, and accessible; focusing on people, nature, lives, and livelihoods; and fostering full inclusivity in climate action.
At COP29, the UAE aims to amplify these efforts, reinforcing the importance of dialogue and international collaboration in accelerating climate resilience. The nation is committed to enhancing global ambitions and enabling action through strategic partnerships and investments.
UAE-China Collaboration: A Shared Vision for Sustainability
The longstanding partnership between the UAE and China showcases a strong commitment to global climate resilience. Both countries have demonstrated leadership in advancing renewable energy transitions, with landmark projects like the UAE’s Al Dhafrah Solar Power Project and China’s global investments in solar and wind energy.
“The Al Dhafra Solar Project, where Chinese enterprises have played a key role in bringing this ‘energy oasis’ to life, is one example,” highlighted H.E. Abdulla Balalaa. “Generating electricity for hundreds of thousands of Dubai residents helps to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 2.4 million tons annually.”
The collaboration extends to other significant initiatives such as the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, which commenced commercial cooperation in February 2024 and is expected to reduce 1.6 million tons of carbon emissions every year. Both nations are also focused on accelerating green and low-carbon development globally, especially in emerging economies and the Global South.
China’s climate financing through initiatives like the China South-South Climate Cooperation Fund supports hundreds of climate adaptation and resilience projects. Meanwhile, UAE initiatives such as the Global Climate Financial Center and the $30 billion private investment vehicle Alterra aim to finance global climate solutions at scale.
“These initiatives are emblematic of a strong, shared vision between the UAE and China to establish actionable, global partnerships that drive the energy transition,” said H.E. Abdulla Balalaa. “They demonstrate how both countries can elevate ambitions for climate action through partnership and build a more resilient future.”
Operationalizing the Loss and Damage Fund
A major milestone at COP28 was the establishment of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD), supporting those on the frontlines of climate change. With more than $850 million pledged in the first 48 hours of its launch, the FRLD moves into the operational phase at COP29, accepting contributions for anticipated project financings in 2025.
The UAE’s experience in climate financing contributes significantly to ensuring the effective implementation of the FRLD. By prioritizing mechanisms that make climate finance more available, affordable, and accessible, the UAE is aiding vulnerable nations in building resilience against climate change impacts.
As COP29 progresses, the UAE’s leadership and collaborative efforts with global partners like China are crucial in driving forward the global climate agenda. Through shared vision and tangible actions, these collaborations are paving the way for a sustainable and resilient future for all.
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Global collaboration paves the way for a new era of climate action
cgtn.com
