The two-week theme agenda for the conference has been unveiled by the UAE Presidency of COP28 and is aligned with four key goals in addition to the ongoing negotiation process and the crucial Global Stocktake response.
COP28 UAE, which is slated to take place at Expo City Dubai from November 30 to December 12, will concentrate its efforts on advancing a just, orderly and equitable energy transition; fixing climate finance; putting nature, lives and livelihoods at the heart of climate action; and mobilizing for the most inclusive COP.
The two-week thematic programme was developed in collaboration with stakeholders, including civil society, NGOs, youth, and Indigenous Peoples, to ignite action and enact policy, financial, and technological remedies. The effort included a six-week transparent consultation period where stakeholders were invited to offer suggestions on the theme domains and their arrangement. The COP Presidency made a ground-breaking decision with this strategy, being the first time such a participative endeavour has been undertaken.
Highlights
- COP28 UAE Presidency will host critical climate talks alongside an ambitious and inclusive two-week thematic program.
- An official program designed following COP28 President-Designate’s global listening and engagement tour and strategic vision and plan announcement at MoCA in July.
- COP28 program to include first-ever days dedicated to Health/Relief, Recovery, Peace, and Trade and Multilevel Action/Urbanization.
- The thematic program will run in both the Blue and Green Zones.
The event will kick off with a rousing two-day World Climate Action Summit and feature the official debut of the Global Stocktake response to world leaders. During this summit, the COP Presidency will vigorously seek pledges and guarantee accountability. The programme is further enhanced with special days that are themed and designed to address critical global concerns.
COP28 will set aside a day for discussions focused on Health, Relief, Recovery, and Peace in a first for COP conferences. Notably, one of the highlights of this theme day will be a high-level ministerial on climate health. In addition, COP28 will be the first to combine trade and finance discussions, highlighting its all-encompassing strategy. To coordinate efforts for sustainable cities that are cleaner, greener, and safer for both the present and future generations, the conference serves as a unique forum that brings together leaders from all levels of government and society.
An inclusive process that prioritizes frontline communities underpins each of the fortnight’s theme days. The conversations will focus on how finance, technology, and innovation can work together to create significant solutions.
Key themes and events:
- November 30: COP28 UAE opens to the world at Expo City, Dubai.
- 1-2 December: World Climate Action Summit
- December 3: Health/Relief, Recovery, and Peace
- December 4: Finance/Trade/Gender Equality/Accountability
- December 5: Energy and Industry / Just Transition / Indigenous Peoples
- December 6: Multilevel Action, Urbanization, and Built Environment/Transport
- December 7: Rest Day
- December 8: Youth, Children, Education, and Skills
- December 9: Nature, Land Use, and Oceans
- December 10: Food, Agriculture, and Water
- 11-12 December: Final Negotiations