The following is the text of joint press release by the press office of EU High Representative Josep Borrell and COP28 President Designate Sultan Al Jaber:
Today in Brussels, High Representative Josep Borrell hosted COP28 President Designate Sultan Al Jaber for an informal discussion with Ministers of Foreign Affairs of EU Member States in the margins of the Foreign Affairs Council. They discussed the preparations for UN Climate Change Conference – COP28, which will take place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from 30 November to 12 December.
The High Representative commended the COP28 President Designate for his efforts to secure an ambitious negotiated outcome and deliver a substantial action agenda, and confirmed the support of the EU in this common quest. In turn the COP28 President Designate commended the EU for its track record as a leader in the Green Transition, large financial contributor, and an indispensable bridge builder.
They underscored their shared conviction and collective commitment that in the face of the climate emergency, the COP28 must accelerate practical action on mitigation, adaptation, loss and damage and climate finance and build a fully inclusive COP28 that leaves no one behind.
They particularly highlighted the joint Global Pledge initiative facilitated by COP28 Presidency and European Union to triple renewable energy capacities and double energy efficiency improvements before the decade is out and to work towards a negotiated outcome that reflects these global targets.
Finally, they also emphasised that a successful COP28 is not only essential to ensure a path to keep global warming limited to 1.5 degrees Celsius, but would be also a demonstration of the contribution that global diplomacy can make to the multilateral system and shared goals.