Often found at theaters and museums, Kwon Mee-yoo has covered a wide range of cultural fields from K-pop and dramas to theater and fine art for over a decade. Now as K-Culture Desk editor, she tries to connect Korean culture with global readers through fresh perspectives.
Inclusivity takes center stage at UAE's COP28
UAE Ambassador to Korea Abdulla Saif Al Nuaimi speaks during the Road to COP28 in the UAE, an event promoting the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28), which will be held at Expo City Dubai from Nov. 30 to Dec. 12, at Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, Thursday. Courtesy of Embassy of UAE in Korea
By Kwon Mee-yoo
By Kwon Mee-yoo
The Embassy of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Seoul hosted an event to introduce the country's initiatives and preparations for the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) at a hotel in Seoul, Thursday.
Slated for Nov. 30 to Dec. 12 at Expo City Dubai, COP28 takes on added importance as it will host the first Global Stocktake, a collective assessment of the world's progress in line with the Paris Agreement.
UAE Ambassador to Korea Abdulla Saif Al Nuaimi noted that the conference is expected to be a watershed moment in global climate action during the Road to COP28 event.
"Demonstrating a definitive commitment towards renewable energy, environmental conservation and sustainable development, the UAE stands as a testament to what can be achieved when ambition and action are aligned," he said.
The ambassador added that the conference will serve as a platform to collectively explore and harness the power of innovation to drive our climate agenda forward, against the backdrop of the UAE's innovation.
"Its commitment to investing in renewable energy, advancing sustainable technologies, and building resilient communities sets the stage for meaningful conversations and action-oriented outcomes," he said.
"COP28 in the UAE is not just a conference. It is a rallying point for collaboration, innovation and meaningful results-driven change. The significant event will highlight the crucial role that innovative ideas, technologies and partnerships will play in shaping our response to climate change, enabling transformational change through constructive partnerships that deliver solutions with measurable outcomes."
Director General of COP28 Majid Al Suwaidi delivers a keynote speech highlighting the inclusivity of the conference during the Road to COP28 in the UAE event at Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, Thursday. Courtesy of Embassy of UAE in Korea
In his keynote speech, Majid Al Suwaidi, Director General of COP28, emphasized the urgency of the climate crisis, stating that the upcoming conference will conclude the first-ever Global Stocktake.
“This midterm review of the Paris Agreement is intended to highlight the gaps in implementation and allow us to redirect and refocus our energies where they are needed most,” he said, noting the state of global climate action, which is behind “essentially every target and goal.”
“We have not adequately prepared for the impacts of climate change, with billions of people still on the frontlines of climate impacts and ill-prepared for the damages and effects. And perhaps most tellingly, we have not put forward near enough resources to finance the actions needed to deliver results. These challenges are holding us back ― but they are all challenges that we can address.”
Al Suwaidi outlined COP28's four main priorities, including the need for a rapid transition to renewable energy, fixing climate finance, putting people and communities at the center of climate action and the need for inclusivity, urging all stakeholders, from civil society to industry leaders, to participate actively.
"Our fourth priority includes each of you. Since day one, the UAE COP28 Presidency has been clear that this must be the most inclusive COP to date. We need everyone who can make a difference working with us to deliver game-changing, transformational results," the director general said.
"There is no time for divisions and no use in anyone sitting on the sidelines. We need civil society working hand-in-hand with industry leaders; we need Indigenous peoples and scientists designing our response; we need women's groups and youth groups guiding local community efforts. This is the time for all-hands-on-deck and that is very much what we are pursuing."
Guests at the Road to COP28 in the UAE event pose at Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, Thursday. Courtesy of Embassy of UAE in Korea
He said the conference would play a role in "bringing down emissions, future-proofing our communities and economies and addressing climate concerns for those on the frontlines."
"The result of this, we hope, will be a robust, pragmatic and collective response to the Global Stocktake," Al Suwaidi said.
"Most of all, it delivers much-needed momentum and reinvigorates that same sense of partnership and cooperation that sprung out of Paris."
The UAE's presidency of COP28 presents an opportunity for Korea to contribute to a global dialogue and action plan on climate change as both countries strive for a sustainable future.
Korea's initiatives toward climate goals were represented by Kim Sang-hyup, co-chairperson of the Presidential Commission on Carbon Neutrality and Green Growth, Lee Chang-heum, Deputy Minister for Climate Change and Carbon Neutral Policy Office at Ministry of Environment, and Kim Hyo-eun, Ambassador and Deputy Minister for Climate Change at Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Kim Hyo-eun emphasized the urgent need for strong action to combat climate change, citing the extreme weather events and record-breaking heat of 2023 as evidence.
"Korea strongly appreciates UAE's continuing support and contribution to develop COP28 as a platform for helping developing countries in climate actions," Kim said.