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Sri Lanka’s President, Ranil Wickremesinghe, is at the forefront of the country’s delegation heading to the COP28 World Leaders Summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The conference, occurring in the midst of what is already deemed the hottest year ever recorded, seeks to urgently address the global climate crisis and make crucial decisions to mitigate its impacts.
Scheduled from November 30 to December 12, 2023, COP28 is a pivotal moment to translate climate commitments into action. The United Arab Emirates, holding the presidency for COP28, is led by Dr Sultan Al Jaber. President Wickremesinghe is not only participating in the summit but is also set to launch the Climate Justice Forum, reflecting Sri Lanka’s commitment to addressing environmental challenges.
Accompanied by three ministers, two opposition MPs, and a group of twenty environmentally passionate youth, President Wickremesinghe’s delegation emphasizes the urgency of global collaboration to tackle climate change. With over 160 world leaders converging in Dubai, the conference aims to move beyond symbolic gestures and deliver tangible outcomes to combat climate change.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe, heading Sri Lanka’s delegation at the COP28 World Leaders Summit in Dubai, took a momentous step by launching the Climate Justice Forum. Amidst the urgent global call for climate action, the President, accompanied by ministers, opposition MPs, and environmentally conscious youth, underscores the need for tangible outcomes.
In a significant development on the sidelines of COP28, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu of the Maldives met with President Wickremesinghe in the UAE. The leaders engaged in discussions highlighting the enduring and historic ties between their nations, exploring avenues for further strengthening based on mutual respect and shared values. Topics included people-to-people relations, tourism cooperation, and collaboration in the education sector.
The meeting also delved into the climate change policies and adaptation efforts of both countries. Recognizing the pressing need for collaborative action, the leaders expressed confidence in jointly addressing challenges and seizing opportunities. This bilateral exchange amplifies the shared commitment of nations in the face of the climate crisis, with President Wickremesinghe actively contributing to global discussions while fostering regional partnerships
Simon Stiell, the UN Climate Change Executive Secretary, underscores the need for concrete action, stating that COP28 must not be a mere photo opportunity. Leaders are urged to ensure that negotiators leave Dubai with agreements that genuinely make a difference. At the core of this transformation is climate finance, with a focus on replenishing the Green Climate Fund, increasing financial resources for adaptation, and operationalizing the loss and damage fund.
The conference’s objective is ambitious – to limit temperature rise to 1.5°C and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Over 70,000 delegates, including representatives from member states, business leaders, youth activists, climate scientists, Indigenous Peoples, journalists, and various stakeholders, are expected to contribute to the discussions.
President Wickremesinghe’s engagement at COP28 reflects Sri Lanka’s commitment to addressing climate change and emphasizes the importance of global cooperation in confronting the unprecedented challenges posed by the climate crisis. As the world grapples with the severe impacts of climate change, the outcomes of COP28 hold significant implications for the future of our planet.
