COP28 will be hosted by the United Arab Emirates this year in Dubai from 30 November to 12 December 2023. This year’s multilateral climate negotiations will be convened at a time of heightened geopolitical volatility, particularly in the Middle East. A Republican-controlled US Congress, economic headwinds in China and the ongoing diplomatic and financial ramifications of the war in Ukraine have further dampened expectations of significant outcomes at COP28. Yet, there have also been recent developments that support a more optimistic view: negotiating parties have agreed that the Loss & Damage Fund will be hosted by the World Bank, China and the United States (the two largest carbon emitters) have agreed to work more closely on combatting climate change, and this year’s G20 Summit included renewed commitments to addressing climate change and facilitating a just energy transition.
In September this year Kenya hosted the first Africa Climate Summit, resulting in the Nairobi Declaration – a clear statement of Africa’s needs and priorities. The Nairobi Declaration is aligned with the African Union Climate Change and Resilient Development Strategy and Action Plan, which was adopted in February 2022 and sets a framework for climate action in Africa, including external partnerships around financing, adaptation and other priority areas. Africa is therefore well positioned to advance its interests and support an ambitious outcome at COP28.
This briefing provides an opportunity for participants to engage with SAIIA experts on Africa’s COP28 agenda and the broader expectations around this year’s pivotal global climate negotiations.
Speaker:
- Alex Benkenstein, Programme Head, Climate and Natural Resources Programme – SAIIA
The event will be followed by a Q&A session for journalists and other participants. SAIIA’s climate experts will be available for follow-up interviews on request.