Uncomfortable Debates Expected at COP28 in Dubai as World Leaders Set to Discuss Impact of Climate Change on Security

Over 70,000 participants, including heads of state, will discuss ways of minimizing global peace and security challenges posed by climate change at the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) UAE happening at Expo City Dubai from November 30 to December 12, 2023.

This after the COP28 UAE Presidency and Munich Security Conference (MSC) announced a partnership with the intention of addressing interlinked challenges of climate change, peace and security. The partnership is expected to be a big boost in as far as bringing the interlinked challenges of climate change, peace, and security to global attention is concerned.

The parties have agreed to work together and to use their expertise and networks to highlight how the devastating effects of climate change can disrupt peace and security around the world.

Ambassador Majid Al Suwaidi, Director General and Special Representative of COP28, noted that there were already examples of how climate change is impacting the world. He called for policies that would help communities in prone areas.

“Climate change is already having a destabilizing effect on communities around the globe with impacts such as rising sea levels and food and water scarcity driving displacement, resource competition, and disenfranchisement,” said Ambassador Al Suwaidi. “We are proud to partner with the Munich Security Conference to institutionalize relief, recovery, and peace in the COP process and advance investments and policies that can empower communities in fragile settings.”

MSC Chairman Ambassador Christoph Heusgen called for global cooperation in taking action to avert the consequences of climate change on security. Ambassador Heusgen emphasized the importance of leaders and all participants having a chance to take part in “uncomfortable debates” geared towards seeking better options out of the looming climate change crisis.

“The effects of climate change transcend continents, borders, and societies. Their dire consequences, including in the field of international security, call for cooperation amongst consequences, including in the field of international security,” said Heusgen.

“In accordance with its mandate, the MSC seeks to offer a platform for some of the uncomfortable debates needed in the search for solutions.” the uncomfortable debates needed in the search for solutions.”

A leading forum for the discussion of international security policy, the MSC is well-known for bringing  together heads of state, policymakers, and experts from around the world to discuss current and future security challenges. The task for the organization, which was formed in 1963, is ensuring that climate security gets the attention it deserves at COP28.

Heusgen added: “Building on previous activities at COP26 in Glasgow, COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh and at the Munich Security Conference 2023, the MSC and the COP28 Presidency aim to use their convening power to bring together decision makers and distinguished experts to address challenges on the climate security agenda.”

At COP28, the partners will convene key members of the climate and global peace and security community to advance investments and policies that build resilience and prevent further instability. They will notably collaborate on the first ever ‘Relief, Recovery, and Peace Day’ at a COP, which brings new visibility to climate solutions in crisis affected settings.

Held at the start of COP28, this special day will put a human face on climate change through the lens of humanitarian relief, disaster risk reduction, reconstruction, and peace. It will draw attention to the experience of people in areas affected by multiple emergencies and the barriers they face in accessing finance and climate action. This not only limits their opportunities to adapt, it also impedes the opportunity for climate action to contribute to sustaining peace.

COP28 UAE will be the most significant multilateral event the UAE has ever hosted. It will lead the world’s response to the Global Stocktake (GST) – a comprehensive evaluation of progress against climate goals – and reignite momentum to keep the target of 1.5C alive.

The key conference will work to ensure transformative action and strong outcomes across the mitigation and adaptation work programs, including on the global goal on adaptation and doubling adaptation finance, the just transition work program, the New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance, and the operationalization of the loss and damage fund and funding arrangements.

Additional Reporting: Courtesy

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