What is COP?
In the three decades since the Rio Summit and the launch of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Conference of the Parties to the Convention (COP) has convened member countries every year to determine ambition and responsibilities, and identify and assess climate measures. The 21st session of the COP (COP21) led to the Paris Agreement, which mobilized global collective action to limit the global temperature increase to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels by 2100, and to act to adapt to the already existing effects of climate change.
UAE AS HOSTS
As a regional leader in the energy and sustainability sectors, the UAE has grown and diversified its economy, creating knowledge, skills, and jobs for its young people, while contributing practical solutions to a global problem that affects us all.
FAQS: THE UAE AND COP28
COP28 UAE will take place from 30 November to 12 December 2023 at Expo City, Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.
The United Nations Climate Change Conferences are yearly conferences held in the framework of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). They serve as the formal meeting of the UNFCCC parties (Conference of the Parties, COP) to negotiate and agree action on how to tackle climate change, limit emissions and halt global warming. The United Nations Climate Change Conferences are the world's highest decision-making body on climate issues and one of the largest international meetings in the world.
The host of the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference, or Conference of the Parties (COP28) will be the UAE (United Arab Emirates). COP28 UAE will provide a milestone opportunity for the world to come together, course correct, and drive progress to keep 1.5C within reach - so we can meet the goals and ambitions of the Paris Agreement.
COP28 UAE will be a transformational moment for the world to unite around tangible climate action and deliver realistic solutions. Achieving this requires collaboration across civil society, governments, industries and sectors.
The event includes two zones:
1. The Blue Zone is a UNFCCC-managed site, open to accredited parties (country negotiators) and observer delegates (NG Os, IGOs, UN Agencies), media, and world leaders. The Blue Zone hosts formal negotiations across the two weeks of the conference, and hundreds of official side events, including panel discussions, speaking events, and cultural events.
2. The Green Zone is a space managed and delivered by the COP28 UAE Presidency. It offers a platform to non-accredited delegates, including youth groups, civil society, the private sector, and indigenous groups to have their voices heard, promoting dialogue and awareness about climate action.
The COP28 UAE Presidency believes that governments and the private sector must work closely together to address climate change. Through the Green Zone, the COP28 UAE Presidency offers the private sector the opportunity to showcase their contributions and solutions to the global climate challenge. Their innovative approaches, climate action technologies and entrepreneurship will constitute an important part of COP28 UAE. The Green Zone will also host technical conferences, panels, and activations with a focus on existing and future solutions to climate change mitigation.
Around each COP, a large amount of 'fringe' events are organized and held by individuals, businesses and other organizations who have not been able to secure space to do so in the Blue or Green Zones, or who decide to host in their own spaces. These are not official events and are not directly aligned with the COP.