President Ranil to leave for Dubai to attend COP28 climate conference

President Ranil Wickremesinghe is slated to travel to Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) today (Nov.30) to attend the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP28).

The 28th Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC will be held until December 12 with the aim of tackling pressing climate change issues and addressing critical decisions.

The Sri Lankan leader, accompanied by 3 ministers, 2 opposition MPs and 20 young participants passionate about environmental concerns, will take part in this pivotal conference in Dubai. The primary objective is to harness support and collaboration from countries in the Tropical Belt to influence policy-making decisions on a global scale, according to the President’s Media Division (PMD).

The conference will convene world leaders, public-private representatives, environmentalists, and scholars.

President Wickremesinghe will be envisioning 3 key focal points at the event: the launch of the Climate Justice Forum, the Tropical Belt Initiative and the establishment of a Climate Change University.

The concept behind the Climate Justice Forum aims to address the pressing issue of climate change and exert influence, particularly on the Global North.

Among the key agendas to be presented and discussed during the COP 28 Conference are Sri Lanka’s recently introduced roadmaps on Green Hydrogen and Sustainable Energy.

The country is also seeking endorsement for the establishment of a Climate Change University, signalling its commitment to fostering education and research in sustainable practices.