The annual UN climate conference (‘COP’) will convene for the very first time in the UAE on November 30. But what exactly is there for the public to expect from COP28? From Royal addresses to performances, we’ve compiled a list events, pavilions, and people to direct your attention to over the 12-day summit.
The King’s speech
The British Monarch, King Charles III has been invited by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to deliver the opening address at the World Climate Action Summit on December 1st.
Annually, the World Climate Action Summit is one of the first events at the conference and brings heads of state and government, as well as leaders from business, youth, science, and Indigenous communities together and serves as an important platform providing guidance and momentum for the conference.
The Pope will be in attendance
The head of the Catholic Church – Pope Francis – has announced he will be attending COP28 in Dubai, from December 1-3, marking the first time a pontiff is attending the UN climate summit since 1995. During his appearance at COP28, the Pope is expected to highlight and focus on his recent appeal for action to curb global warming.
Enter The Blue Zone
For the first time in the UN climate conference’s 28-year history, there will be a pavilion focused on entertainment and culture. Located in the ‘Blue Zone’, the pavilion will feature an impressively curated collection of events, including musical performances, film screenings, keynote speakers, fashion shows, workshops, and more.
Nile Rodgers’ talk
Rock’n’Roll Hall of Famer and Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee Nile Rodgers will be attending the UN climate conference. The six-time Grammy award winning multi-instrumentalist will take centre stage on Monday, December 6 with a talk at the Entertainment and Culture pavilion.
Film screenings
A selection of climate films will be screened at COP28, including at the Entertainment + Culture pavilion. Several feature length films will be screened at the pavilion, such as In Search of Grass, Camels of the sea: the Kharai in Gujarat, and the critically acclaimed eco-thriller How to Blow Up a Pipeline. In addition to the feature films, a number of short films will be screened, including Gen Z Mental Health: Climate Stories and Marshes of Iraq.
First-ever Global Stocktake
At the start of the conference, every nation will be given a “report card” of sorts. The Global Stocktake will assess and see where countries are collectively making progress towards meeting the goals of the Paris Climate Change Agreement – and where they’re not. The stocktake will take place every five years, with the first-ever stocktake scheduled to wrap up the last five years of progress and conclude at COP28.
Green Zone hubs
Unlike the Blue Zone which only hosts UNFCCC-accredited participants such as Parties, world leaders, media, and observers, the Green Zone is open entirely to the public and will feature thematic hubs. The hubs include the Energy Transition Hub, Knowledge Hub, Climate Finance Hub, Technology & Innovation Hub, Startup Village, Humanitarian Hub, Youth Hub, and Greening Education Hub.
Sustainable catering
In an attempt to elevate the focus on food systems within the global climate action agenda, the COP28 Presidency has promised to deliver an environmentally sustainable, socially responsible, and delicious catering strategy they are calling the Sustainable Catering Strategy. Event catering should respect, embrace, and exemplify the values of the UNFCCC and UAE.
For tickets and more information visit cop28.com