Dr. Sultan Al Jaber has officially assumed the role of COP28 President in a ceremony to mark the official transfer of the role from his predecessor, Egypt’s HE Sameh Shoukry.

“The science has spoken,” Dr. Sultan Al Jaber 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 a decision on the Global Stocktake, a decision that is ambitious, corrects course and accelerates action to 2030.

” Kicking off two weeks of intense climate negotiations, Dr. Sultan Al Jaber used his first official speech as COP President to issue a rallying call to delegates to unite around the agenda and restore faith in multilateralism. “I pledge that I will run an inclusive and transparent process, one that encourages free and open discussion between all parties,” Dr. Sultan said.

Dr. Sultan told delegates that the UAE reflects the spirit needed at this COP. “We may be a young nation – but we have big ambitions, and hold fast to principles like collaboration, optimism, true partnership, determination and commitment. These are the ingredients that make up the DNA of the UAE. And it’s these core values of trust, purpose, partnership and pragmatism that I believe must define COP28.”

In his address, Dr. Sultan 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 that are critical to adaptation, like water, food, agriculture, and health,” Dr. Sultan 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.”

Dr. Sultan Al Jaber also noted the importance of decarbonizing the existing energy system. “Let history reflect the fact that this is the Presidency that made a bold choice to proactively engage with oil and gas companies. 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 2050 targets for the first time.

” Dr. Sultan Al Jaber also called for consensus around a framework for the future energy system. “I know there are strong views about the idea of 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.

” COP28 officially runs from 30 November to 12 December. The COP28 Presidency is determined to do all it can to enable world leaders to deliver a successful decision in response to the GST, meeting the challenge of keeping 1.5 within reach with the highest levels of ambition.