Taking the helm as COP28 President, Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber implored delegates to forge a united front and reaffirm their commitment to multilateralism in the face of the climate crisis. “I pledge to run an inclusive and transparent process that encourages free and open discussion between all parties,” Dr. Sultan said.
“The science has spoken,” the COP28 President told delegates. “It has confirmed the moment is now to find a new road, a road wide enough for all of us, free of the obstacles and detours of the past. That new road starts with an ambitious decision on the Global Stocktake (GST), which corrects course and accelerates action to 2030.”
Adaptation finance gap
In his address, Dr. Al Jaber reiterated calls to bridge the global adaptation finance gap and urged parties to deliver on the promise of a fully operational Loss and Damage fund. “Let’s put nature, lives, and livelihoods at the core of our national plans. Let’s finally face the issues critical to adaptation, like water, food, agriculture, and health,” Dr. Al Jaber said, adding that COP28 will be the first to host a climate health ministerial.
“This Presidency is committed to unlocking finance to ensure that the Global South does not have to choose between development and climate action.”
The COP28 President also noted the importance of decarbonising the existing energy system. “Let history reflect that this is the Presidency that boldly chose to engage with oil and gas companies proactively. We had many discussions. Let me tell you, it wasn’t easy. But now, many of these companies are committing to zeroing out methane emissions by 2030 for the first time. And many national oil companies have adopted net zero by 2050 targets for the first time.”
Dr. Al Jaber also called for consensus around a framework for the future energy system. “I know there are strong views about including language on fossil fuels and renewables in the negotiated text. We have the power to do something unprecedented. I ask you to work together,” he urged delegates. “Be flexible, find common ground, come forward with solutions, and achieve consensus. And never lose sight of our North Star of 1.5.”
