BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 19. UAE is committed to continue combating climate change and advancing global climate action, said Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak AlShamsi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment of the UAE as she delivered her national statement at the COP29 summit, Trend reports.
Addressing delegates, AlShamsi celebrated the UAE's leadership role in past COPs and highlighted its ongoing efforts to build a sustainable future.
"We were very proud to hand over the presidency of COP to Azerbaijan, where we have been warmly welcomed and hosted in order to speed up climate action," AlShamsi said, acknowledging the fruitful and impactful discussions at the summit. Reflecting on the UAE’s past accomplishments, she emphasized the significant steps taken by the nation to further climate goals, particularly in hosting the previous COP28 and the first Global Stocktake (GST) to assess the progress of the Paris Agreement.
AlShamsi highlighted the UAE’s ambitious goals under the leadership of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, who has declared 2024 as another "sustainable year" following the success of last year’s sustainable initiatives. She also noted the UAE’s significant financial contributions to global climate action, including a pledge of over $850 million to the Fund for Loss and Damage and additional funding commitments. "18 pledges and $85 million were also pledged to finance climate action," she stated.
The minister also shared details about the UAE’s ongoing strategic initiatives aimed at accelerating climate solutions. Building on the successes of COP28, the country introduced the Mohammed bin Zayed Water Initiative, with a pledge of $150 million to address water scarcity. "We look forward to co-hosting the UN Water Conference in 2026 in cooperation with Senegal to accelerate the implementation of SDG Goal 6," she said, calling on all nations to actively engage in preparations for the upcoming conference.
AlShamsi also emphasized the UAE’s collaborative efforts within the 'Troika' of COP presidents (COP28, 29, and 30), in cooperation with Azerbaijan and Brazil, to accelerate global climate transition and reinforce climate action across nations.
She also highlighted the UAE’s leadership in renewable energy, stating that the country succeeded in announcing the World Renewable Energy Day in partnership with Panama and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to drive carbon neutrality by 2050. “We have pledged to triple our efforts towards renewable energy by 2030 and to invest $55 million towards this strategy by 2030,” AlShamsi confirmed.
In closing, AlShamsi reiterated the UAE’s commitment to global climate action and the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving climate neutrality. "We continue to build on the successes of COP28, and we are excited to co-host future events that will accelerate climate action and ensure a sustainable future for all," she concluded.