ABU DHABI — The 28th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) serves as a crucial platform for deliberating on climate change issues, said Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro.
He emphasized that COP28 is significant for sparking essential conversations about climate change in the Arab world.
Petro views COP28 as a unique opportunity to explore building a thriving future beyond traditional energy sources. The event focuses on transitioning the energy sector, demonstrating how strategic investments can foster prosperity without solely relying on fossil fuels, the Colombian president elaborated.
He highlighted the importance of the US$30 billion climate-focused investment fund recently announced by the UAE, supporting international climate action efforts in service of humanity.
Colombia’s participation in COP28 aims to enhance international collaboration in addressing climate change and promote climate action that benefits people worldwide.
Bendito dos Santos Freitas, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, also emphasized COP28’s pivotal role in combating climate change.
Freitas described the conference as a critical moment for both his country and the world, guiding developed countries in their contributions to this global issue.
He also acknowledged the UAE’s significant role in supporting other countries’ climate change efforts, specifically mentioning the UAE’s contributions to the Loss and Damage Fund and other related initiatives.
He noted that the UAE’s actions serve as an example of constructive cooperation in this area, highlighting the importance of support from more capable countries to less developed nations, particularly those that are developing or least developed, in addressing the challenges and implications of climate change.
Freitas emphasized that climate change is not just a problem for individual countries, but a real threat to everyone globally. “Therefore, we must protect our climate from all these challenges for the future,” he said.
He further explained that his country views cooperation with the UAE in climate action as highly significant. He noted that they are currently engaged in further discussions and coordination on potential joint efforts in the future.
He expressed hope for more mechanisms for policy-level coordination, adding that Timor-Leste looks forward to developing cooperation with the UAE across various sectors and fields.