World Leaders Gather In Dubai For COP28 World Climate Summit

World leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, convened in Dubai for the COP28 World Climate Action summit, kicking off with the traditional "family photograph" on Friday.

Prime Minister Modi engaged in discussions with various global leaders, including Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and European Union President Ursula von der Leyen. The event also saw the presence of Britain King Charles-III, who joined the leaders in the symbolic family photo.

Upon his arrival, PM Modi was welcomed by UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The leaders shared warm interactions and posed for a photograph together.

During his 21-hour stay in Dubai, PM Modi is set to have seven bilateral meetings, deliver four speeches, and participate in two special climate initiatives, according to officials. He is scheduled to address the opening session of the World Climate Action Summit, the High-Level Segment of the 28th Conference of Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Additionally, Prime Minister Modi will attend sessions on transforming climate finance and the Green Credits Programme, co-hosted by India and UAE. He will also participate in the Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT) Event, co-hosted by India and Sweden.

In an interview with UAE-based newspaper Aletihad, PM Modi emphasized that climate change is a global challenge requiring a unified response. He highlighted the importance of global cooperation to ensure climate financing and technology transfer, particularly for developing countries that have not contributed significantly to the problem.

Emphasizing the principles of equity, climate justice, shared obligations, and capacities, PM Modi stressed the need for climate action that respects the development priorities of the Global South.

This marks PM Modi third appearance at the World Climate Action Summit, following his participation in Paris in 2015 and Glasgow in 2021.

On the opening day of COP28, the UAE supported a crucial decision to operationalize the loss and damage fund for developing nations. The fund aims to provide financial assistance to countries recovering from climate disasters and address other climate-related emergencies.

COP28, under the Presidency of the UAE, is scheduled from November 28 to December 12. The conference provides a unique platform for world leaders to build momentum for collective action against the shared challenge of climate change.