Bulgaria’s leader lauds UAE’s efforts in climate change field

President of Bulgaria Rumen Radev highlighted the main contribution of the World Meteorological organisation, which is part of the UN structure, in conducting scientific research and assessing climate change data, which contribute to developing effective policies to address climate challenges globally.

The statement was made during his meeting with Dr. Abdulla Al Mandous, Director General of the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) AND President of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO). President Radev emphasised the importance of international cooperation in facing the growing environmental challenges, pointing out that Bulgaria is committed to its role in these global efforts.

He added that joint work and exchange of experiences with international institutions such as the World Meteorological Organisation and the IPCC are crucial to ensuring a safe and sustainable future for the coming generations. In this context, President Radev praised the United Arab Emirates for its significant efforts in the field of climate change. He commended the UAE’s initiatives and investments in clean technology and environmental projects, highlighting the UAE’s leading role in promoting sustainability and protecting the environment on a global scale.

He also pointed to the importance of cooperation with the UAE in exchanging knowledge and expertise, and benefiting from the innovations and modern technologies that it has developed in this field. He affirmed that such international partnerships serve as exemplary models in the global efforts to combat climate change and promote sustainable development, he also touched on the issue of water and the importance of the “Early Warning for All” initiative, in addition to the developments in space weather forecasting.

During the meeting, President Radev pointed out the significance of Bulgaria hosting the 61st Plenary Session of the IPCC, which is an important opportunity to enhance international cooperation in the field of climate change. This meeting gathers around 500 delegates from 150 member countries, where information and ideas on how to effectively tackle climate change challenges are exchanged. Bulgaria’s hosting of this global event reflects its commitment to actively contributing to scientific and environmental efforts on a global scale.

The attendees agreed that the increasing frequency and intensity of disasters such as floods, droughts, and wildfires require not only appropriate public policies but also measures to raise public awareness about climate risks. They concurred that climate change leads to changes in all aspects of social and economic life. This necessitates a complete rethinking of the vision for economic development and also requires society to be informed about the consequences.

President Radev stated, “Young people must be given the necessary knowledge already in the educational process.” In his speech, Dr. Abdulla Al Mandous, President of the World Meteorological Organisation, highlighted the good cooperation with the Bulgarian scientific community in the activities of the international organisation.

He expressed his readiness to strengthen joint commitments in this area, praising Bulgaria’s efforts to promote scientific research and international cooperation in the field of climate change.

He also pointed out the importance of enhancing community awareness and adopting new technologies to address environmental challenges.Future cooperation prospects were discussed, including within the framework of the upcoming 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) in Baku, where the country will be represented by President Radev.

The IPCC was established in 1988 by the World Meteorological Organisation and the United Nations Environment Programme. It is an intergovernmental body tasked with assessing the science related to climate change. The IPCC provides periodic reports that reflect the latest scientific research and information related to climate change and its potential impacts on the environment, society, and the economy.

WAM