The taskforce will align all relevant entities to reinforce the UAE’s position as a climate leader, and contribute to mobilizing and expediting collective climate action while ensuring the UAE’s strategic economic interests are not only met but enhanced.

His Excellency Dr Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, and His Excellency Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and UAE Special Envoy for Climate Change, convened the gathering of representatives from a wide range of critical institutions. These included the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority, National Center for Meteorology, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), Masdar, Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation, Emirates Global Aluminium, and Abu Dhabi National Energy Company PJSC (TAQA). His Excellency Mansoor Abulhoul, UAE Ambassador to the UK, also attended the meeting.

The taskforce will build on the foundational work that the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) has led to increase the UAE’s contribution to global climate change mitigation and adaptation, including the second Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) that has positioned the UAE as the first country in the region to commit to an economy-wide reduction in emissions. Approved by the UAE Cabinet in early December 2020, the UAE’s NDC outlines the country’s enhanced climate target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 23.5 percent compared to business as usual for the year 2030.

His Excellency Dr Al Nuaimi said: “The next stage of climate action will see a tremendous shift, propelled by the global demand for a green COVID-19 recovery and the return of the US to global climate leadership. Therefore, COP26 has gained a paramount importance as a driver of concerted action to combat the existential threat to the future of Earth and to enhance the global adaptive capacity. The shift mandates that countries expedite their climate action and raise their climate ambitions, as the UAE has done in its second NDC.”

The Minister noted that over the next few months, the taskforce will coordinate efforts between concerned stakeholders in preparation for the UAE’s participation in COP26, reaffirming the country’s role in advancing global climate action with the aim of moving the needle on climate change.

He added: “In the past decade, the UAE presented a shining example of a proactive approach to environmental protection and climate action. It was one of the first countries in the region to sign the Paris Agreement in 2015. It launched frameworks to guide the way, including the National Climate Change Plan of the UAE 2017-2050 and the National Climate Change Adaptation Program. In addition, we are currently finalizing a climate change law.”

His Excellency Dr Al Jaber said: “By including so many key entities from vital sectors and critical industries, this taskforce sends a powerful message that the UAE truly takes a united approach to climate action. The country has always viewed climate action as an opportunity to diversify and develop its economy. The work of the taskforce will enhance that opportunity, as well as ensure that the UAE can both contribute to and benefit from what is agreed in Glasgow at COP26.”

He added: “The Office of the UAE Special Envoy for Climate was set up to help promote and advance the UAE’s position through targeted stakeholder engagement internationally, working in close coordination with all relevant ministries, agencies, and entities across the UAE. Going forward, I believe we can collaborate across sectors and between industries to maximize the economic dividend from progressive climate action.”

For his part, His Excellency Mansoor Abulhoul said: “It is an honor to be a part of the COP26 Preparatory Taskforce. The COP26 conference held in Glasgow this year is an opportunity for the UAE to shape and benefit from the global fight against climate change. Natural ecosystems and biodiversity have been an essential part of the country’s 50-year history. We recognize that sustainability is good for business, good for the environment, and good for our community – and a key way out of the economic insecurity caused by the coronavirus pandemic. As the UAE's Ambassador to the UK, I look forward to showcasing our excellent leadership in this area in the year ahead.”

The UAE boasts a strong track record in climate action. Following the visionary leadership of its founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the country’s path toward economic development has always been underpinned by the principles of sustainability. The UAE has long prioritized protecting biodiversity and natural ecosystems with the understanding that this not only ensures healthier communities, but also is supported by a sound business case, namely, reducing healthcare costs, and expanding opportunities for tourism and other industries.

The UAE is a regional leader in environmental stewardship, and the country’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions have included increasing the deployment of clean and renewable energy. As such, the UAE operates three of the world’s largest and lowest-cost solar plants, and is the first country in the region to integrate nuclear power into its energy grid. The UAE has also greatly enhanced its energy efficiency, expanded the capacity for carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), and is exploring the development of new low-carbon energy sources, including hydrogen.

The COP26 Preparatory Taskforce will build on this rich legacy with an integrated approach that seeks to transform climate action into an economic opportunity. The taskforce will meet regularly and align efforts to ensure that any position the UAE takes at COP26 and beyond serves the country’s economic and political interests.