Riyadh, October 08, 2023, A statement was released today by the ministerial meeting of climate ministers held in Riyadh on October 8, 2023, on the sidelines of the 2023 Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Climate Week. The statement, made by the Ministers of Climate of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, reaffirms their commitment to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement. Key points from the statement include:
1. Acknowledgment of Saudi Arabia's hosting of the MENA Climate Week and congratulations to Egypt for successfully hosting COP27.
2. Support for the United Arab Emirates hosting COP28, with a focus on four pillars: fast-tracking energy transition, transforming climate finance, prioritizing nature and people, and promoting inclusivity.
3. Emphasis on a gradual approach to achieving the Paris Agreement's goals, taking into account diverse national conditions and technologies.
4. Adherence to principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities, considering the right to sustainable development and the impact of climate response measures on developing countries.
5. Recognition of the importance of energy security, economic development, and climate action as equally significant pillars of the energy transition.
6. Emphasis on utilizing a variety of solutions and technologies to combat climate change, including renewables, carbon capture, and hydrogen.
7. A balanced approach to promoting global economic growth through energy source diversity and a practical, gradual transition to clean energy.
8. Support for tripling global renewable energy production and achieving similar ratios in other low- and zero-emission technologies by 2030.
9. Acknowledgment of unique environmental and climatic challenges in GCC nations and the importance of adaptation efforts.
10. Commitment to the Paris Agreement's principles regarding climate finance and the mobilization of $100 billion per year by developed countries by 2020.
11. A commitment to an ambitious and fair Global Stocktake process, including addressing the effects of response measures and bridging support gaps for adaptation, finance, capacity building, and technology transfer.
12. Recognition of the vital role of youth in climate efforts and their participation in Climate Week and COP28.
13. Emphasis on regional and international cooperation in developing climate solutions, including initiatives like the Green Middle East Initiative and the Mangrove Alliance for Climate.
The statement underscores the GCC countries' commitment to addressing climate change and contributing to global climate action through cooperation, adaptation, and support for renewable and low-emission technologies.
