Summary Report, Reflections & Recommendations from COP 28, UAE
By Keshoe Isaiah, GYSRL Youth Advisory Board Member & Founder of The New Lion Project
Introduction /Executive Summary.
From November 30th to December 12th, the 28th Conference of Parties of the UNFCCC was held in Expo City, Dubai. It was a pivotal moment for strategic decisions and meaningful outcomes to find concrete solutions to the climate crisis. According to the World Economic Forum’s latest Global Risks Report, climate change is ranked among the top 10 world threats. It has been organized around four cross-cutting themes aimed at tackling the causes of climate change and managing the impacts of warming the planet: Technology and innovation; inclusion; frontline communities; and finance
The outcome made it clearer than ever that we must transition away from fossil fuels in a just and equitable manner. It also underscored the importance of adaptation in strengthening resilience and reducing vulnerability to climate change, as well as the vital importance of protecting and restoring nature. The need for enhanced support and finance for developing countries was flagged as a critical enabler of climate action.
The political declarations, the strong leadership and calls to action by non-state actors, and the negotiated response to the global stocktake send a strong signal to the world.
The outcomes have shown the importance and continued contributions of cities, businesses, youth, and indigenous people to turn their promises into action and meaningful progress. It has also clearly outlined the importance of conserving, protecting, and restoring.
Now these signals must be translated into real economic transformation, reflected in updated nationally determined contributions (NDCs), and supported by legislation and effective climate action at all levels. The COP28 decisions set out a to-do list for parties and partners to work together to achieve deep, rapid, and sustained reductions in greenhouse gas emissions in line with 1.5-degree pathways,making an explicit reference for the first time to the need to reduce 43% of GHG emissions by 2030.
The outcomes highlighted the importance of conserving, protecting, and restoring nature and ecosystems, and enhancing efforts to halt and reverse deforestation in line with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. With the operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund with financial support and the agreement on a Global Goal of Adaptation, parties took important steps to build resilience and protect the most vulnerable communities.
Importantly, the COP28 events program and global stocktake decisions repeatedly emphasized the central role of non-party stakeholders. The decisions welcomed leadership initiatives by party and non-party stakeholders and called clearly for increased collaboration on the way forward. The outcome text specifically encourages the high-level champions, the Marrakech Partnership, and non-party stakeholders to consider the outcomes of the first global stocktake in future work. Reflecting the emphasis on inclusion, leading indigenous peoples, businesses, investors, cities and regions, and youth brought a clear message to Dubai that they stand ready with the wisdom, capital, solutions, and insights to implement a vision of the future set by world leaders.
According to the speech by Dr Mahmoud Mohieldin, UN Climate High-Level Champion for COP27, “COP28 had built the success of COP27 by agreeing on a Global Goal on Adaptation, operationalizing the Loss and Damage Fund, securing the first commitment to it, as well as witnessing several significant financial commitments”. It has already clearly called for a just and equitable transition away from fossil fuels to limit global warming to 1.5. These clear political signals must be translated from financial flow to real projects on the ground, especially in developing countries. Our work during the last two years has helped connect climate solutions projects with financiers, proving that the solutions are there. Furthermore, we underscore the need to reform the international financial architecture and address the multiple debt crises to ensure climate finance is adequate, accessible, and fair.
The COP28 Action Agenda was framed around the vision of the COP28 Presidency, the 2030 goals, and solutions in the 2030 Breakthroughs, Breakthrough Agenda, and Sharm El Sheikh Adaptation Agenda. The focus was on driving action from multiple stakeholders towards the specific, near-term, real economy action needed for systematic change and urgently closing the gap to get on track to a 1.5-degree, resilient, nature-positive future. Leadership from the real economy has helped to reform priorities and outcomes at COP.
Non-state actors also demonstrated that they stand ready to deliver a rapid, just, and well-financed transition towards net zero. Their leadership and increase in ambition, action, and collaboration will be critical to ensuring a strong action-oriented response from all of society to take forward the outcomes of COP28 and turn them into tangible progress.
Strategic Contexts
- The First Global Stocktake on Climate Progress
The COP28 hosted the first global stocktake, assessing how nearly 200 countries are progressing on climate action, identifying areas of failure, and reinvigorating commitment to ensure the implementation of the Paris Agreement.
The global stocktake details 17 key findings and related recommendations across four areas: climate change context; mitigation; mitigation; adaptation and the implementation and financing of climate action.
2. Speeding the energy transition
Reducing carbon emissions from fossil fuels. According to the study published in the Earth System Science Data. The study says the rate of emissions is slowing, but the target set in the Paris Agreement is in immediate jeopardy. Discussions focused on how innovations and hydrogen fuel will focus on the rapid scaling up of renewable energy, ensuring a just and equitable transition, and benefiting developing nations and frontline communities.
3. Putting people at the heart of climate action.
For the first time at COP28, a full day was. devoted to initiatives assigned to “protect lives and livelihoods and support community resilience and stability.” Focusing on the world consumed by conflict and beset by a range of issues that make climate mitigation and adaptation difficult.
4. Climate finance and the impacts of global trade.
Historically, global trade has been a major contributor, responsible for around 25% of global emissions. Trade day at COP 28 explored the potential for trade to reduce emissions across the value chain and grow markets for climate-friendly products.
commitment to transform the food system. This emerged as a standout story at COP28. Food actors are calling for national ambition as the transformation of water and food systems is central — not just to solving the climate crisis and nature but also to resolving worsening social tension.
5. Global leadership on climate change
The Local Climate Action Summit will bring together hundreds of mayors, governors, and leaders from business and NGOs to play a critical role in implementing climate policy in their home countries.
COP28 played a series of first-time events for the UN climate crisis.
Conference days: Lessons; Key takeaways, Lessons & successes.
Week one
Day 1
Historic moment during the first day was the operationalization of the new funding arrangements. The Loss and damage draft decision was adopted. The loss and damage fund for people, communities, and countries most vulnerable to climate breakdown was cemented. These funds could include climate disaster relief to help communities at the frontline of the climate crisis.
The first day at COP 28 started with the World Climate Action Summit followed by an opening session. World leaders coming together to turn commitments into actions towards a sustainable future for all. The session was opened by the Host country leadership followed by the COP Presidency.
Being my first COP to attend, it was an overwhelming event with large pavilions, and a huge number of delegates doubling the previous COP. After joining the summit this was a fine day to walk around the pavilions and identify the places to set talks, knowing the whole venue for strategizing in terms of meetings and side events. It was a long and hectic day. Before noon l joined Youth Collaborative Approach and organized a side event at the Entertainment and Culture Pavilion. I shared insights on how culture connects with nature, and amazing stories from my community. How cultural entertainment contributes to passing a strong message and the connection to protect the planet.
Day 2
The second day at COP 28 marked significant commitments from world leaders at the COP28 World Climate Action Summit youth, nature, water, and Energy:with H. E Razan AlMubarak hosting seven heads of state for the WCAS nature event.
Leasing real economy actors are providing the solutions, capital, and insights to support them in turning these commitments into real and immediate emissions reductions that nature and protect climate-vulnerable communities. I had an amazing opportunity as a panelist at a Climate Live Pavilion event organized by Spring of the Arid and semi-arid lands organizations talking about different challenges faced by pastoral communities and how we can push the involvement of Pastoral communities in Climate discourse.
Day 3
Putting health at the center of climate action was the main agenda of the day. Robust progress and opportunities to set up pace and scale investments and adaptation and resilience were also the main events.
Day 4
On this specific day, the public and private sector investors took steps to unlock climate finance. Discussions at different pavilions (UN Pavillon Green zone, UN Women Side events) cut across the need to increase fair investments, with an emphasis on most at-risk communities and resilience, nature, and women.
I was happy to meet my role model Prof Johan Rockstrom, Director Potsdam Institute of Climate Research at the 10NICS press conference at 16:30.. I presented him with a commitment letter and a gift. He was very happy. We planned for further meaningful discussions after COP.
Day 5
This day began with more aspirations in line with the celebration of Indigenous Peoples Day. There was an Indigenous Peoples Dialogue with the UN Climate High-Level Champions, the COP28 Presidency, and the UNFCCC secretariat. Unfortunately, l was not able to get access to this event. I joined it virtually.
At midday, l was among the speakers with Amit Singer, Anah Romero, Nicolas VOGT, and Nicola Vol at a side event organized by MOCK Cop in partnership Office for Climate Education and MECCE being the MOCK COP EMS Delegate Kenya. It was happening at the Green Zone, Greening Education hub.
Being one of the speakers, the main topic was “Implementing Youth-led solutions for quality climate education “. I highlighted actions towards quality climate education, and how young people collaborate with policymakers, educators, and practitioners to advance climate education. It was another great networking spot. I met amazing people who value the power of enhancing the roots of climate education in many countries.
Week 2
Day 8.
I can term this very special as interview day. I shared my voice toward a call to end fossil fuels for a just and equitable transition with the Global Witness organization.
With Plant Based Treaty organization l shared indigenous perspectives on how the food systems need transformation. How local communities can use the cultural knowledge to sustain plants and trees. We need to embrace more plants and less meat products to reduce greenhouse emissions.
Day 9.
I joined other indigenous voices at the Indigenous Peoples Pavillion since they planned for a fashion show from different indigenous voices from other countries and l presented something unique about the red clothing from my community (The Maasai). In deep meaning, l explained the cultural meanings.
The message of the fashion show.
Theme: Our Lands, Our Rights
We have a strong connection with nature despite being on the frontlines of the climate crisis. We call upon the inclusion of our voices in various decision-making platforms and policy engagements.
Day 10.
The day marked a historical commitment to transform the food system.
World leaders from 152 countries signed the Food Declaration together.
The COP28 Presidency announced the UAE Agriculture and Food Declaration at the World Climate Action Summit that Friday. This landmark landed that day, followed by the mobilization of more than USD 2.5 billion in funding to support the food agenda.
After spending the rest of the day attending different side events outside and inside the venue, meeting different people who we planned to meet in person, visiting pavilions and booths, and strategic networking with specific people and organizations.
At the Faith Pavillion side event organized by Globe Ethics International in collaboration with the Muslim Council of Elders and the United Nations Environment Programme. We had a great number of audience members who were ready to give an ear, having that Faith Pavillion was one of the unique and ever-busy “Listen to those who listen to the earth: A plea for an urgent ethical blue framework by indigenous populations and world religions “with other panelists Nazila Ghanea, Bhagwan, Dicky Sofjan, and Fadi Daou. The session explored the conditions of moving from a shared ethical and faith-based ecological-water narrative to a common commitment towards the environment aimed at bringing the frontline voices disproportionately impacted by the climate crisis and being holders of traditional knowledge that should be part of global policy discussion.
For more information and recordings,
A Plea for an Urgent Ethical Blue Framework Listen to those who listen to the Earth. A plea for an Urgent Ethical Blue Framework.
Day 11
In a nutshell, I was eager to end my days at COP28 by visiting most of the booths and side events in the Green Zone. Extreme Hangout, in collaboration with Youth Climate Collaborative, organized a side event to bring together young people from different parts of the world. The name of the side event was Youth Revolution Mixer. It was an evening of music and poetry.
My Observations
Attending COP28 in the UAE, my first COP experience, provided a valuable opportunity to connect with other Maasai indigenous counterparts from Tanzania and Kenya. Before my journey to Dubai, I conducted research on the representation of indigenous delegates across the last three COPs, noting a trend of declining participation despite COP26 having a notably large delegation. This observation underscores the critical need to advocate more strongly for the inclusion of indigenous voices in crucial decision-making and policy-forming arenas, an endeavor that I find both challenging and essential.
In discussions at the Faith Pavilion, alongside Globethics, a fellow panelist highlighted the potential impact of hosting COPs in Indigenous territories, to foster a deeper connection with nature and give due importance to indigenous perspectives. This proposal resonated with me, emphasizing the need to listen to these communities and act on their stories.
Despite the urgency of climate change, those who can instigate significant change seem unprepared, with time rapidly running out. In my capacity, I endeavored to raise the profile and involvement of indigenous communities, particularly from the Global South, in decision-making and policy discussions. However, the diminishing number of indigenous delegates since COP26 remains a concern. The commitment to phase out fossil fuels, though urgent, still lacks full realization.
With the knowledge and insights I gained from fellow grassroots activists and organizations, I am motivated to drive ambitious climate solutions within my village and broader grassroots initiatives. However, my community, like many others, faces the daunting impacts of climate change without adequate compensation for losses and damages. COP28 marked a historical shift away from fossil fuels, but this transition is far from complete and is fraught with loopholes, largely influenced by the fossil fuel industry. At the Faith Pavilion, I shared my indigenous perspectives, contributing to discussions about the ethical blue framework alongside distinguished panelists from religious and UN organizations.
Regarding the financial commitments, the $700 million pledged by developed countries seems insufficient, barely covering 0.2% of the losses faced by developing countries due to climate impacts. This gap of 99.9% serves as a stark reminder that these efforts are merely a beginning. The adoption of the Global Stocktake, while historic, falls short in committing to a complete “phase-out,” highlighting the urgency of policy action. It’s disheartening to see that countries capable of a just transition appear indifferent to the plight of frontline communities, who continue to bear the brunt of the climate crisis.
Recommendations and Key Takeaways
Attending the 28th Conference of Parties of the UNFCCC in Expo City, Dubai, was an enlightening experience, offering me a profound understanding of the complexities and urgencies of the climate crisis. Reflecting on the discussions and outcomes, I have identified several key recommendations and takeaways that align with my perspective and insights gained from the event.
Emphasis on Renewable Energy: The conference reaffirmed my belief in the urgency of transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. This shift must be equitable, considering the socio-economic impacts on various communities, especially those in developing nations. The integration of technology and innovation in this transition is not just desirable but necessary.
Focus on Adaptation and Building Resilience: The discussions highlighted the critical need for adaptation strategies in response to climate change. This resonates with my understanding of the need to enhance resilience, particularly in vulnerable communities. Investing in nature and ecosystem restoration is a pivotal part of this strategy, aligning with my views on environmental conservation.
Supporting Developing Countries: The conference underscored the importance of providing enhanced support to developing countries, a point I strongly agree with. These nations require financial and technical assistance to implement effective climate actions and achieve their nationally determined contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.
Role of Non-State Actors: The active engagement of non-state actors, including businesses, cities, youth, and indigenous communities, is something I found particularly inspiring. Their involvement is crucial in translating global commitments into local actions and progress. This aligns with my belief in the power of collective action and collaboration across different sectors and communities.
Inclusion and Collaboration: The emphasis on inclusion, witnessed through the significant participation of indigenous peoples, youth, and various community leaders, resonated with me. The conference’s collaborative spirit, encouraging a unified approach to climate action, mirrors my perspective on the importance of diverse voices in shaping effective climate policies.
Global Leadership and Local Action: The conference’s focus on both global leadership and local climate action reflects my understanding of the multi-level approach required to tackle climate change. The involvement of local leaders, mayors, and governors is as crucial as the commitments made by nations, highlighting the interconnectedness of global and local efforts.
Personal Insights and Connections: My interactions, including meeting inspirational figures like Prof. Johan Rockstrom, and participating in various events, reinforced my commitment to climate action. These experiences have enriched my understanding and motivated me to continue advocating for meaningful climate solutions.
In conclusion, COP28 has not only deepened my understanding of the climate crisis but also reinforced my commitment to advocating for sustainable solutions. The conference’s outcomes serve as a roadmap for my future endeavors in climate advocacy and action.
