Dubai to Host Climate Forum on Business and Philanthropy During COP28

08 Sep, 2023

Dubai to Host Climate Forum on Business and Philanthropy During COP28

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is gearing up to host the Business and Philanthropy Climate Forum on December 1-2 in Dubai, where it will welcome more than 500 global policymakers, business leaders, and philanthropists. The primary objective of this forum, as reported by the Emirates News Agency, is to facilitate cross-sectoral collaboration to advance efforts towards achieving net-zero emissions and nature-positive objectives.

Key attendees at the forum will engage in discussions focused on critical priorities. These include ensuring a just and equitable transition to clean energy, expediting the transfer of green technology, reducing risks associated with environmentally friendly investments, and enabling effective conservation of nature and biodiversity.

Notably, this forum will run concurrently with the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, taking place from November 30 to December 12. Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al-Jaber, the President-designate for COP28, emphasized the need for collective action to disrupt conventional business practices and address climate finance challenges comprehensively. He highlighted the commitment to inclusivity and the desire to convene key stakeholders to craft tangible solutions. Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al-Jaber is hosting the Business and Philanthropy Climate Forum with the aim of producing concrete outcomes originating from the private and philanthropic sectors, which can then be presented at the highest levels of COP28.

Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al-Jaber also stressed the pivotal roles that businesses and philanthropists must play in meeting the objectives of achieving net-zero emissions and sustainable development. COP28 will provide them with a significant platform to contribute effectively to these global goals.

Badr Jafar, the COP28 special representative for business and philanthropy, will chair the forum. Jafar emphasized the private sector's immense potential to expedite the achievement of global climate and nature preservation goals. COP28 aims to foster a close partnership between the business and philanthropic sectors, recognizing them as essential allies in the quest for environmental sustainability.

The forthcoming forum is envisioned as a catalyst for action, bridging the gaps between various sectors and connecting stakeholders from all corners of the world. It will focus on generating transformative outcomes aligned with the COP28 action agenda. These outcomes are expected to offer scalable solutions capable of positively impacting the lives of billions of people worldwide.

COP28 UAE anticipates an impressive turnout, with approximately 70,000 participants, including heads of state, government officials, industry leaders, and academics. One of the central objectives of the conference is to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the progress made towards fulfilling the climate targets stipulated by the Paris Agreement. This multifaceted gathering underscores the UAE's commitment to addressing global climate challenges through collaboration, innovation, and actionable solutions.