Abu Dhabi, UAE: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has promised to allow environmental activists to “make their voices heard” at the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), which is taking place in Dubai.
The announcement came in a joint statement with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
“In line with UNFCCC guidelines and adherence to international human rights norms and principles, there will be space available for climate activists to assemble peacefully and make their voices heard,” the statement said.
During the COP28 from November to December in the business hub of Dubai, official permission is required for demonstrations, but it effectively bans protests the authorities consider disruptive.
UNFCCC chief Mr. Simon Stiell and COP28 President Dr. Sultan al-Jaber have signed a bilateral agreement that provides the legal basis for organising and hosting the climate talks before releasing the statement.
“To drive climate action and ambition forward, we are firmly committed to ensuring that UN values are upheld at COPs,” Mr. Stiell stated.
“We are also making every effort on our part to ensure that this will be a COP process where the voices of youth, women, local communities, Indigenous Peoples, and those most impacted by climate change will be heard and reflected within the process,” the UNFCCC chief further added.
The UAE is both a significant oil producer and ranks among the world’s top emitters of CO2 per capita. Environmental groups criticise the decision to host COP28, arguing that involving an oil exporter may hinder progress in the fight against global warming.
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