Day 1 of COP28 was truly momentous.

Today marked an historic milestone for climate action, following the agreement to operationalize the loss and damage fund which will assist developing countries that are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

 

It was the first time that a decision has been adopted on Day 1 of any COP and continues to build the momentum that we hope will enable us to achieve our collective goals over the next 12 days.

 

The historic decision on Loss and Damage will enable the Parties to focus on delivering the strongest possible response to the Global Stocktake, and ensure tangible progress toward the goals of the Paris Agreement.

“This Fund will support billions of people, lives and livelihoods that are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, I want to thank my team for all their hard work to make this possible on day one of COP28. It proves, the world can unite, can act, and can deliver.”

– COP28 President Dr. Sultan Al Jaber

Today delivered a welcome result for rebuilding trust and delivering for the particularly vulnerable, but it is only the beginning of the climate action we need.

 

New COP. New President. New Hope.

Dr. Sultan Al Jaber was formally appointed as President of COP28, before the negotiations agenda for the rest of the conference was agreed and adopted.

 

The negotiation agenda was informed by the Presidency’s extensive, year-long listening tour – covering six continents and more than 50 countries – and guided by meetings and consultations with thousands of global leaders, organizations, partners, experts and stakeholders.

 

The stage is now set. The world is demanding change. World leaders must now deliver decisive direction for a decision on the Global Stocktake.

 

Copy of formal opening plenary of cop28
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The Opening Plenary of COP28 set the stage, as the UNFCCC and 198 Parties prepare for two weeks of intensive climate negotiations to ensure COP28 UAE is the turning point for climate action.

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