The UAE has identified its North Star for COP28: To hold every country and every stakeholder accountable to keep 1.5ºC within reach. Today, that mission begins — with the world coming together at Expo City Dubai.
About 180 heads of states; 97,000 delegates, experts, observers and climate activists; and more than 400,000 UAE residents and environmental advocates are taking part in the highly anticipated UN climate summit. The annual COP conference is being held from today until December 12.
From main players and negotiating blocs in the global climate action movement to populous, fast-developing nations, the world’s top representatives are flying in for the summit.
During the first few days, national leaders — from the UK’s King Charles to India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi — are jetting in for what is called the “high-level segment” involving back-to-back speeches in the venue’s main plenary hall.
Leaders also speak at side events, news conferences or with each other in bilateral huddles over what they think the COP should achieve.
This political oomph is meant to boost ambition and set the summit on the right track.
