on Thursday landed in Dubai where he will attend the World Climate Action Summit that will be held alongside the United Nations ‘Conference of the Parties’ on climate, known as COP28.
He was received by UAE’s Interior Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the airport.
“Landed in Dubai to take part in the COP28 Summit. Looking forward to the proceedings of the Summit, which are aimed at creating a better planet,” PM Modi tweeted on X.
The Prime Minister will hold meetings with global leaders and participate in special events aimed at furthering climate action, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said.
As PM Modi arrived at the hotel, he greeted the Indian community members, who chanted slogans such as ‘Modi, Modi’, ‘Ab Ki Baar Modi Sarkar’ and ‘Vande Mataram’.
In a tweet, PM Modi said he was “deeply moved” by the warm welcome from the Indian community in Dubai.
ABOUT THE WORLD CLIMATE ACTION SUMMIT
The World Climate Action Summit is the high-level segment of the COP28. Several world leaders are set to attend the meeting to discuss ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and effectively combat climate change.
PM Modi is scheduled to participate in three other high-level side events as well. The COP28 is taking place from November 30 to December 12 under the presidency of the UAE.
PM Modi, who is on a one-day visit to the UAE, has a packed schedule on Friday. He will arrive at the Leadership Pavilion of the COP28 venue at Expo City around 10:30 am (local time). The leaders will then have a welcome photograph with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
Around 11:30 am, there will be the traditional family photograph of all the attending delegates (heads of state/heads of government). PM Modi will speak at five events as part of the COP28 summit. These are the opening session of the World Climate Action Summit,
ceremonial opening of high-level segment for heads of state/government, presidency’s session on transforming climate finance,
high-level event on green credits programme, and leadership group for industry transition.
Before his departure to Dubai, PM Modi said India had “walked the talk” on climate action and asserted it was high on priority during New Delhi’s G20 Presidency.
PM Modi said he was happy to see the COP28 Summit being under the presidency of the UAE, which has been an important partner for India in the field of climate action.
“In keeping with our civilisational ethos, India has always laid emphasis on climate action even as we pursue social and economic development,” he said.
The Prime Minister said COP28 will also provide an opportunity to review progress made under the Paris Agreement and chart a path for future course on climate action.
“The New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration includes numerous concrete steps on climate action and sustainable development. I look forward to the COP-28 taking forward the consensus on these issues,” he said.
“At the Voice of Global South Summit convened by India, the Global South spoke for the need for climate action based on the principles of equity, climate justice, and common but differentiated responsibilities, as well as a greater focus on adaptation,” he added.
PM Modi stressed it was important that efforts of the developing world be supported with adequate climate financing and technology transfer.
“India has walked the talk when it comes to climate action. Our achievements in different sectors like renewable energy, energy efficiency, afforestation, energy conservation, Mission LiFE are testament to the commitment of our people towards earth,” he said.
“I look forward to joining special events including on climate finance, Green Credit initiative and LeadIT. I also look forward to the opportunity to meet some of the other leaders present at Dubai, and discuss ways to accelerate global climate action,” he further said.
On the bilateral front, there are eight slots listed but none of the names of leaders have been revealed yet. PM Modi is likely to have meetings with important heads of state and heads of governments who will be participating in the summit. The leaders which the Prime Minister could meet include UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, French President Emmanuel Macron, amongst others.
