COP28

COP28 refers to the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It is an annual international summit where representatives from governments, business, civil society, and other stakeholders discuss progress on the Paris Agreement and related climate change actions. COP28 followed COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh and took place in 2023.

The conference was held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from 30 November to 12 December 2023. It was hosted by the UAE and was led by the COP28 President, Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, who also serves as the UAE’s climate envoy and CEO of a national energy company. Thousands of delegates attended, including environment ministers, negotiators, and representatives from cities, regions, indigenous groups, and non-governmental organizations.

Key topics at COP28 included mitigation, adaptation, climate finance, technology transfer, and the integrity and transparency of reporting. A central aim was to advance action under the Paris Agreement, including the Global Stocktake process, as well as to discuss financing for developing countries, support for resilience and adaptation, and measures to reduce risks from climate impacts. Debates also surrounded the pace of energy transition, fossil fuel use, and the need for just and equitable policies for affected communities.

Outcomes from COP28 comprised a negotiated package of decisions intended to accelerate climate action, enhance finance and support for vulnerable nations, and advance discussions on loss and damage funding and subsidies reform. The proceedings reaffirmed the Paris Agreement framework and called for intensified efforts and ambition in subsequent years.