UAE delegation attends Petersberg Climate Dialogue as political momentum builds towards a climate deal in Paris

BERLIN, GERMANY, 20th May, 2015 (WAM) -- A high-level UAE delegation has attended the ministerial level Petersberg Climate Dialogue, the latest in a series of meetings, aimed at building political momentum towards a global consensus on measures to tackle climate change, in advance of the UN climate change conference in Paris later this year. Led by Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi, UAE Permanent Representative to IRENA and Director of Energy and Climate Change at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the UAE delegation shared the nation’s positions on climate change solutions at the conference, as part of its effort to shape global climate change policies. The meeting took place in the German capital Berlin, from May 17th-19th, and was attended by German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, and French President, Francois Hollande. The event has been hosted annually by the German government since 2010 and is the key platform for ministers and political leaders to informally discuss progress on international climate change negotiations, which are held formally under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, UNFCCC, according to the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Directorate of Energy and Climate Change. This year’s Dialogue, themed, "Reaching for the Paris Outcome", was particularly critical, as parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change aim to conclude a new global climate change agreement at a meeting in Paris in December this year. Co-chaired by the German Federal Environment Minister, Barbara Hendricks, and French Foreign Minister, Laurent Fabius, ministers engaged in conversations on expectations for the new agreement, as well as how to enhance countries’ own domestic actions on climate change. Dr. Al Zeyoudi said, "The Petersberg Climate Dialogue has provided an important opportunity to engage in open and honest discussions about how to ensure success in Paris. "The UAE has a strong reputation as a constructive, consensus-building player within the UN negotiations. We hope that countries will continue to engage in positive spirited dialogues, in order to reach an effective and efficient agreement." Dr. Al Zeyoudi stressed that the new agreement should contain clear signals to governments, business, investors and the public that low-carbon and climate resilient economies are not only critical in addressing the challenges of climate change, but they are also achievable. "Climate change is no small challenge, but countries can develop solutions that reduce emissions intensity, while creating new economic and social opportunities. This is where the UAE excels". He pointed to the UAE’s track record of voluntary domestic action, including pioneering projects in clean energy, energy-saving infrastructure, as well as investment in human capital and research and development for future industries. – Emirates News Agency, WAM – http://www.wam.ae/en/news/emirates/1395280843950.html