UAE President Advocates Global Unity at COP29 Climate Summit in Baku

 President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan attended the COP29 World Leaders Climate Action Summit’s opening session in Baku, Azerbaijan, reiterating the UAE’s dedication to accelerating climate action and building a resilient, sustainable economy for the future. The summit, held under the theme "In Solidarity for a Green World," was inaugurated by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and runs from November 11 to 22, with leaders from across the globe uniting to address pressing environmental challenges.

During his address, Sheikh Mohamed emphasized the UAE’s longstanding commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development, a legacy that underpinned the UAE’s hosting of COP28. Reflecting on last year’s conference, he highlighted the “UAE Consensus,” a historic global accord that reaffirmed the need for a systematic and fair energy transition and strengthened faith in multilateral commitments. The UAE’s leadership at COP28 also included championing cooperation to assess progress under the Paris Agreement, particularly through the first Global Stocktake.

Sheikh Mohamed framed climate action as an unparalleled opportunity to drive economic and social growth, urging global leaders to view it as a path toward collective progress rather than a burden. He stressed that a spirit of cooperation and constructive international partnerships are essential to realizing this vision. “Now is the time for unity, not division,” he declared, emphasizing the need to prioritize mutual understanding for the greater good.

The UAE President also called on nations to uphold their financial pledges and support climate funding for vulnerable countries, reaffirming the UAE’s support for shared commitments to mitigate climate change. Upon his arrival, Sheikh Mohamed was warmly welcomed by President Aliyev and UN Secretary-General António Guterres. Later, Sheikh Mohamed met with delegation heads from other nations, discussing bilateral relations and COP29’s vital role in advancing global climate cooperation.

As COP29 unfolds, the UAE remains steadfast in its commitment to climate leadership, underscoring the belief that collaboration and shared responsibility are fundamental to overcoming environmental challenges and achieving sustainable development for all.