The first-ever Middle East and North Africa Climate Week, MENACW 2022, has begun with a strong call on critical stakeholders to accelerate the implementation of the Paris Agreement.
MENACW 2022, which is hosted by the Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in collaboration with the UN and other multilateral agencies, will be held through 31 March.
Governments and stakeholders are gathering in person for the inaugural Climate Week in the MENA region following last November’s COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow.
Recall that decisions at COP26 gave clarity on adapting to climate change, reducing emissions and the climate finance needed to achieve bold climate goals. A common set of guidelines was also agreed to allow all nations to move forward together.
The decisions are especially important for the MENA region, which is a major energy-producing region where temperatures are set to soar if climate change is left unchecked.
Speaking during the opening of the week, Minister of Climate Change and Environment of the UAE, Ms Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, said this inaugural MENA Climate Week underscores the commitment to drive collective action to combat climate change regionally and globally.
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“The event will explore key issues that shape climate response in this region, such as resilience against climate risks, transition to a low-emission economy and collaboration to solve pressing challenges,” he said.
Apart from hosting MENACW 2022, the UAE becomes the first MENA-region country to launch a plan for net-zero emissions by 2050, with the plan including 600 billion dirhams ($163 billion) investment in renewable energy.
So far, the UAE already boasts the largest single-site solar park in the world, which is projected to save over 6.5 million tons of carbon emissions each year.
Also speaking, UN Climate Change Executive Secretary, Patricia Espinosa recognized the host country for its ongoing climate leadership.
He stated that the Glasgow Climate Pact agreed at COP26 recognizes the powerful potential of regional collaboration to drive global progress, adding that MENA Climate Week 2022 advances efforts to open opportunities in the transition to net-zero emissions and protect communities and economies against the worst impacts from climate change.
“Bringing together stakeholders to discuss regional solutions strengthens the global response to climate change,” she said.
Story was adapted from UN Climate change news.
