Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Dubai on Friday to attend the COP28 climate summit, which opened on Thursday. The Prime Minister's schedule for the day includes attending the World Climate Action Summit which will see world leaders discuss ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and effectively combat climate change.
Ahead of leaving for Dubai, the Prime Minister called for supporting developing countries with adequate climate financing and technology transfer to enable them to deal with climate change. "In keeping with our civilizational ethos, India has always laid emphasis on climate action even as we pursue social and economic development," he said.
"During our G20 presidency, climate was high on our priority. The New Delhi Leaders' Declaration includes numerous concrete steps on climate action and sustainable development. I look forward to the COP28 taking forward the consensus on these issues," Modi said in his departure statement.
Modi, who will also attend three other high-level side events, said he hoped the summit will provide an opportunity to review progress made under the Paris Agreement and chart a path for future course on climate action. "At the Voice of Global South Summit convened by India, the Global South spoke for the need for climate action based on the principles of equity, climate justice, and common but differentiated responsibilities, as well as a greater focus on adaptation," Modi said.
"It is important that efforts of the developing world be supported with adequate climate financing and technology transfer. They must have access to equitable carbon and development space to achieve sustainable development," he said.
The Prime Minister noted that India has walked the talk when it comes to climate action. "Our achievements in different sectors like renewable energy, energy efficiency, afforestation, energy conservation, Mission LiFE are testament to the commitment of our people towards mother earth," he said.
Modi said he was looking forward to joining special events, including on climate finance and green credit initiatives.
On Friday, the conference will see Britain's King Charles III, who has spent decades working on environmental issues, addressing the conference. Other leaders who will attend the summit include Kenyan President William Ruto, Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Saudi Arabia's Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud.
There could also be new pledges from governments, companies and non-profits toward various climate efforts, from adaptation to boosting the energy transition.
Climate disaster fund
The COP28, taking place from November 30 to December 12 under the presidency of the UAE, began on a high note on Thursday with the delegates adopting a new fund to help poor nations tackle climate disasters. "We have delivered history today — the first time a decision has been adopted on day 1 of any COP," COP28 President Sultan Al Jaber said.
The damage fund saw a series of small pledges on the opening day which they believe would build throughout the conference to a substantial sum. While host UAE pledged $100 million, Britain pledged $51 million and Japan offered $10 million. Later, the European Union pledged $245.39 million, which included $100 million pledged by Germany.
