TLDR:
• UAE drives climate action progress
• Baku hosts COP29 for global dialogue
• Sheikh Mohamed advocates climate resilience
BAKU (The Thursday Times) — President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the UAE arrived in Azerbaijan today, marking his participation in the COP29 World Leaders Climate Action Summit, where he reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to driving meaningful progress on climate resilience and sustainable economic growth. His Highness emphasised the UAE’s longstanding dedication to environmental stewardship, noting that climate action provides opportunities for transformative growth rather than presenting a burden.
UAE’s legacy in environmental leadership
With a history rooted in environmental efforts, the UAE has consistently supported sustainable development, focusing on a balanced approach to economic growth and ecological responsibility. His Highness highlighted the UAE’s role in advancing international collaboration, building on the previous year’s COP28 in Dubai, which underscored global cooperation through the UAE Consensus. The initiative renewed trust in multilateral climate efforts, charting a roadmap to address the ambitious goals set by the Paris Agreement.
New direction towards sustainable global growth
At COP29, Sheikh Mohamed underscored the necessity of cooperative action to achieve a fair and strategic shift within the energy sector. He noted that the UAE has prioritised innovation and responsibility in this transition, promoting solutions that support vulnerable communities most affected by climate change. By championing an inclusive approach, the UAE seeks to balance economic advancement with environmental resilience, aiming for a sustainable future that benefits all nations.
Addressing challenges and fostering unity
His Highness called on nations to prioritise mutual understanding and collaborative action, a perspective he framed as critical to effectively combating the climate crisis. Upon his arrival in Baku, Sheikh Mohamed met with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and UN Secretary-General António Guterres, engaging in discussions that emphasised the importance of unified global responses. The UAE delegation engaged in dialogues with heads of state, focusing on the role of COP29 as a pivotal event to solidify climate action goals.
