As world leaders convene at the opening of the high-level UN climate talks in Dubai for COP28, all eyes are on Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, expected to address the gathering. The conference saw an early success with the launch of a significant fund aimed at addressing the increasing loss and damage caused by extreme weather events and rising sea levels in vulnerable countries. The fund received initial pledges that officially set it into motion, with the UAE and Germany leading the way by contributing $100 million each. Other notable contributions include $50 million from Britain, $17.5 million from the United States, $10 million from Japan, and an additional $145 million from the European Union and its member states, bringing the total to over $420 million.
While this achievement marks a positive start, delegates at COP28 are gearing up for two weeks of challenging negotiations on various longstanding issues in climate talks, with a spotlight on the future of fossil fuels. The conference will witness national statements from leaders such as UAE President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Jordan’s King Abdullah, Qatar’s ruler Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Simultaneously, Saudi Arabia will host the third edition of the Saudi Green Initiative Forum on December 4, aligned with COP28, underscoring the nation’s commitment to a sustainable future amid ambitious multibillion-dollar green projects. The SGI forum will bring together influential figures, climate experts, and thought leaders to present insights, recommendations, and showcase achievements and plans in the fight against climate change.