Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State, participated in several events on the sidelines of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) at Expo City, Dubai.
Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan delivered a speech during the ‘Reaching the Last Mile Forum’, in which he said, ‘The UAE has been – and continues to be – a country that prioritizes health as a prerequisite and primary objective for prosperity.’
Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan also highlighted the significance and impact of this forum, by stating, ‘Through the ‘Reaching the Last Mile’ initiative, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, is working to eliminate preventable diseases that affect the most vulnerable communities around the world – the people who are most likely to bear the biggest burden from disease, and who face the greatest threats from climate change. By undertaking this endeavor, at-risk populations will be supported across the entirety of Afri
ca and Asia.’
Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan also participated in the ‘Climate, Peace, and Security in the Horn of Africa’ event, which explored approaches that deliver positive results, and highlighted upcoming key programs. In his opening statement, he emphasised the deep-rooted partnership that binds the UAE with the Horn of Africa, and the UAE’s contributions of US$ 1.6 billion in aid to the region over the past five years.
He also referred to the launch of the COP28 Declaration on Climate, Relief, Recovery and Peace, which brings together partners and stakeholders from various sectors, aiming to mobilize climate action and financing to those threatened within fragile or conflict-affected states, or those who face difficult humanitarian conditions.
Furthermore, Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan delivered a keynote speech during an event called ‘Towards Climate-Resilient Development in the Greater Horn of Africa’, in which he clarified the importance of providing financial flow to limit risks of climate change f
aced by the communities within the region. Hie stressed that the UAE is partnering with the continent of Africa to deliver the essential finance and investments to achieve sustainable solutions that combat climate change.
In addition to his participation in numerous high-level events, Shakhboot bin Nahyan also held meetings with several African officials, and signed numerous Memorandums of Understanding and bilateral agreements covering various fields.
Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan’s continuous engagements in discussions and forums related to issues of the African continent at COP28, reflect the UAE’s commitment to collaborate with partners across Africa in reaching pragmatic and sustainable solutions, that mobilize international climate action to help vulnerable communities most at risk to climate change.
Source: Emirates News Agency