The Al Attiyah November 23 paper examines the pivotal role of the Conferences of the Parties (COPs) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in addressing anthropogenic climate change since 1995. It analyzes the evolution of COPs into major global events that enhance cooperation and introduce innovative solutions. Focusing on COP28 in Dubai, UAE, the paper evaluates key anticipated outcomes, including the finalization of the first Global Stocktake (GST), operationalization of the Loss and Damage (L&D) fund, progress on the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA), and the new collective quantitative goal (NCQG) on climate finance.

The paper further assesses the ambitious agenda of the UAE COP Presidency, which emphasizes renewable energy expansion, a circular carbon economy, and international climate finance, particularly engaging African countries in carbon markets. Additionally, it contextualizes COP28 against current global challenges such as extreme weather events, geopolitical tensions, and economic instability, considering their impact on the conference’s potential to drive further climate action.