Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai on Tuesday announced that UAE has bid for hosting COP28 conference in 2023.

“The UAE has submitted a request to host the COP28 conference in 2023...the largest global conference of heads of state and government on climate and environmental issues,” Sheikh Mohammed tweeted.

“Many countries have supported our request, and we are looking forward to announcing the selection of the host country within the next two days. The UAE will be ready for the global event if it wins the hosting,” Sheikh Mohammed tweeted.

Dr Sultan Bin Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Special Envoy for Climate Change has expressed sincere gratitude towards the Asia Pacific Group of nations for their endorsement of the UAE’s bid to host COP28 in 2023.

Al Jaber made the remarks when he delivered the UAE’s National Statement to the 26th session of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow.

He told COP26 delegates, "We are proud to have been endorsed as the hosts of COP28 by the Asia Pacific Group of nations. I would also like to pay tributes to all partners and friends backing our nation's bid.”

“We look forward to upcoming sessions and discussions with the aim of securing international support for our offer to be confirmed as the host of COP28 by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change..” Al JAber said.

“The UAE is honoured to welcome all parties to work on developing an ambitious agenda for COP28 in 2023 that will accelerate the development of practical solutions and make crucial progress on climate action."

He also delivered an open invitation from the UAE to the world for partnership to find sustainable solutions that will tackle climate change and create sustainable economic growth with positive social impact.

Al Jaber highlighted the UAE's expertise in climate action, its focus on sustainable growth, and its capabilities and potential for hosting the world’s largest and most important international climate change event.

He said, "Our nation’s Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, set out the principles of sustainability in all sectors. These principles have been integral to our nation’s efforts in protecting the environment, diversifying energy sources, and developing policies to reduce the impact of climate change.

“The effects of climate change transcend borders, and are relevant to all nations, small or large, developed or developing, rich or poor,” he said.