WHAT IS COP?
What is COP?
A critical moment in global transformative climate action
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.
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
Since its inception in 1971, the UAE has supported the global climate agenda. Situated in a region where heat is extreme and water is precious, the UAE has long viewed climate change as a challenge that must be overcome.
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.
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: WHAT IS COP?
What are COPs and what is their purpose?
The Conference of the Parties (COP) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is an international climate summit. Since 1995, it has been held annually unless Parties decide otherwise. At COPs, world leaders gather to work together on solutions to tackle climate change. There are now 199 Parties (198 States plus the EU) to the Convention, constituting near universal membership.
What is COP28 UAE?
COP28 UAE is a milestone opportunity for the world to come together, course correct, and drive progress. We need everyone to be more ambitious in the fight against climate change to meet the goals and ambition of the Paris Agreement. COP28 will emphasize a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to climate action. Underscoring all efforts are the principles of transformation, solidarity, pragmatism, and inclusivity. The world needs a COP of action and a COP for all.
COP28 UAE will take place from 30 November to 12 December 2023 at Expo City, Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.
By hosting COP28, the UAE is focusing on practical and positive solutions that drive progress for the climate and the economy, as well as provide relief and support to vulnerable communities. The UAE intends to make COP28 highly inclusive, reflecting the views of all geographies, sectors, and constituencies.
As hosts, the UAE has undertaken a two-year leadership role anchored by the 2023 global climate summit in the middle. The UAE has the role of incoming presidency in the year leading up to the two-week conference and assumes the official presidency from the first day of the conference until passing the baton again one year later to the next hosts.
The event is split into two zones:
1. The Blue Zone is a UNFCCC-managed site, open to accredited parties (country negotiators) and observer delegates (NGOs, IGOs, UN agencies), media and world leaders. It hosts the formal negotiations across the two weeks of the conference, as well as 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, NGOs, 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 in order 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. 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. Although these are not official events and are not directly aligned with the COP, delegates attending them may refer to them as part of COP.
COP28 UAE will take place from 30 November to 12 December 2023 at Expo City, Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.
By hosting COP28, the UAE is focusing on practical and positive solutions that drive progress for the climate and the economy, as well as provide relief and support to vulnerable communities. The UAE intends to make COP28 highly inclusive, reflecting the views of all geographies, sectors, and constituencies.
As hosts, the UAE has undertaken a two-year leadership role anchored by the 2023 global climate summit in the middle. The UAE has the role of incoming presidency in the year leading up to the two-week conference and assumes the official presidency from the first day of the conference until passing the baton again one year later to the next hosts.
The event is split into two zones:
1. The Blue Zone is a UNFCCC-managed site, open to accredited parties (country negotiators) and observer delegates (NGOs, IGOs, UN agencies), media and world leaders. It hosts the formal negotiations across the two weeks of the conference, as well as 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, NGOs, 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 in order 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. 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. Although these are not official events and are not directly aligned with the COP, delegates attending them may refer to them as part of COP.
Who can participate in COP28 UAE?
COP28 UAE will be one of the largest and most important international gatherings in 2023, followed closely by global media. As the world’s highest decision-making process on climate issues, it is expected to host over 70,000 delegates including Heads of State and world leaders to build consensus and facilitate progress on climate action among 198 countries, the European Union and thousands of non-government organizations, companies, youth groups, and other stakeholders.