Paris, 21 July 2022 (TDI): The Office of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Special Envoy for Climate Change and the Government of France signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU), today.
The main purpose of the MoU was to maximize the social and economic benefits of climate action. Furthermore, it is intended to raise ambition for the implementation of the Paris Agreement and the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP28).
The COP28 will be hosted by UAE in 2023. The MoU signing ceremony took place during the President of UAE, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s state visit to France.
The Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology of the UAE, Dr. Sultan Al Jaber on the occasion said, “As the host country of COP28 in 2023, the UAE is keen to work closely with France to convert promises into pragmatic outcomes that will benefit all countries and communities, recognizing that climate action can be a key driver to building a new low-emissions economic growth model underpinned by sustainability, creating new industries, skills, and jobs needed for the future.”
“This partnership will advance progressive climate action and raise ambition for the swift implementation of the Paris Agreement.
More than 15 years ago, the UAE placed climate action at the center of its economic growth and diversification strategy, while contributing innovative and practical solutions to one of the world’s greatest challenges.
We have demonstrated this commitment to climate action as the first country in the region to sign and ratify the Paris Agreement and the first to commit to an economy-wide emissions reduction,” he added.
According to the agreement, the two countries will cooperate in the preparation for COP28, including the pre-planning of negotiations.
Furthermore, both the countries will collaborate on sustainable agriculture, agri-food industry, and food and water security.
The aim is to unlock the co-benefits of mitigation, adaptation, and biodiversity, as well as for the decarbonization of heavy industry.
Along with these, adaptation, nature-based solutions, green finance and investment, and empowerment of civil society for climate action are also the targets.
UAE- France Bilateral Relations
Since the founding of the UAE in 1971, the two countries have enjoyed strong and historical bilateral ties.
They have established a strong strategic relationship across energy and industry, including partnerships for renewable energy projects and low-carbon growth opportunities.
Additionally, the UAE has been the partner of choice for French industries in its energy transition ambitions.
Over the past decades, the UAE has emerged as a regional leader in renewable and clean energy investments, both domestically and internationally.
It invested US$50 billion in clean energy and has recently announced its plans to invest more than US$50 billion over the next decade.
It is pertinent to note that, the UAE operates three of the world’s largest and lowest-cost solar plants and has invested in renewable energy projects in 70 countries.
These investments include more than US$1 billion in grants and loans to 27 island countries that stress resources.
While COP28 represents a moment of vital significance as the world seeks to maximize progress since the Paris Agreement.
In addition to defining future Nationally Determined Contributions, the conference will witness a critical stocktaking moment for climate action under the Paris Agreement.
The UAE is committed to working with Egypt which will be hosting COP27 in November 2022. As a result, this will accelerate global progress in climate action and adapt to the repercussions of climate change.
