Global Leaders Unite at COP28 UAE for Pivotal High-Level Event: Charting the Pathway to a Sustainable Future
Dubai, UAE – 11th December 2023 – The Global Climate Action (GCA) High-Level Event (Closing) held at the UN Climate Change Conference COP28 UAE, convened a coalition of influential voices dedicated to steering the world towards a sustainable future. The event, hosted at Expo City Dubai, marked a critical milestone in global efforts to address climate change.
In a momentous gathering at Plenary 2, world leaders and delegates came together to reflect on the global alignment with the Paris Agreement. This gathering also served as the culmination of the Climate Action thematic days at COP28, fostering discussions on scalable and actionable climate solutions. These conversations aimed to inspire innovative approaches and hasten the implementation of strategies necessary to achieve the 1.5-degree target by 2030.
What stood out amidst the discussions were the impactful personal narratives and perspectives shared by esteemed speakers. These emotional and stirring accounts were presented by representatives from various communities, including large ocean states, small island developing countries, indigenous groups, and impassioned youth voices. Additionally, the event spotlighted the potential role of the private sector in advocating for a more sustainable, inclusive, and low-carbon future.
Despite the impassioned discussions, concerns were raised about the current actions falling short of ambition, failing to bridge the gap between promises and the reality faced by the global majority and the global south. Notably, the decision to omit explicit language on phasing out fossil fuels was met with disappointment. The urgent need to emphasise ‘Phase Out’ as a critical response to the climate emergency remains unaddressed.
Distinguished personalities gracing the stage during the Global Climate Action High-Level Event (closing) included:
Samata Pattinson FRSA, CEO & Founder, BLACK PEARL
Baraniko Baaro, Mayor, Teinainano Urban Council, Tarawa, Kiribati
Mitzi Jonelle Tan, Climate Justice Activist, Co-founder of Youth Advocates for Climate Action Philippines
Casey Camp-Horinek, Environmental Ambassador & Hereditary Drumkeeper, Women’s Scalp Dance Society of the Ponca Nation of Oklahoma, Board Member, WEGAN
Bertrand Piccard, Founder and President of the Solar Impulse Foundation, Clean Technology Pioneer
Their presence and impassioned contributions underscored the urgency and collaborative spirit required to address the pressing climate challenges faced by the global community.
