Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed addresses the virtual G20 Summit. WAM

The summit aims to review progress made towards achieving the G20’s objectives following the 18th G20 Summit hosted in New Delhi in September.

In a statement issued on the virtual summit, Sheikh Mohamed emphasised the G20’s significant focus on climate change in 2023, as reflected in the G20 New Delhi Leaders' Declaration.

This focus has included efforts to triple global renewable energy capacity by 2030, advocating for low-cost climate financing for developing countries, and announcing a global biofuels alliance.

Sheikh Mohamed underscored that these initiatives would bolster joint efforts at the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) aimed at realising effective, substantial, and balanced outcomes in addressing the threat of climate change, particularly as the conference will witness the first stocktake of progress in implementing Paris Agreement commitments.

Sheikh Mohamed expressed his eagerness to welcome participants to COP28 UAE to continue cooperating in addressing climate change as one of the world’s most pressing challenges.

He also expressed his appreciation for Narendra Modi's initiative to convene the summit at this time, commending the Indian G20 Presidency's year-long efforts to bolster international collective action on shared issues and challenges, including energy, climate, food security, sustainability, and global development.

Sheikh Mohamed noted that the summit is taking place at a time when the Palestinian territories are experiencing a severe and escalating situation at all levels, necessitating serious and urgent international action to reach a ceasefire, provide protection to civilians in Gaza, and ensure the safe and sustained delivery of humanitarian aid without obstacles.

He stressed that the continuation of the current situation means more human tragedies and increased tension threatening regional and international peace and security.

Sheikh Mohamed  stated that the international community, particularly the G20, bears a significant responsibility in working towards peace, stability, development, and coexistence in the region.

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