The 28th United Nations climate change conference, known as COP28, opened this Thursday, November 30, during a ceremony in the United Arab Emirates. At the request of the president of the previous conference, Sameh Choukri, head of Egyptian diplomacy, a minute of silence was observed for “all the civilians who died in the current conflict in Gaza”, at the same time as for two veteran diplomats of the COP and recently deceased.
Two weeks of arduous negotiations on the climate and energy transition are planned on the program. A first crucial decision to implement a fund to compensate for loss and damage in vulnerable countries is expected to be made this Thursday.
“The work is far from being finished,” however, the alliance of small island states (Aosis) reacted in advance. “We will not rest until this fund is properly funded and begins to ease the burden on vulnerable communities.”
A controversial COP28
If personalities and NGOs complain, a boycott of COP28 is not on the agenda, since the stakes are dizzying and obvious at the end of a year of overheated climate.
The UN Secretary General himself, Antonio Guterres, defended the interest of having the Emiratis at the head of the COP to talk about the exit from fossil fuels: “I think he is in a better position to say it to his colleagues in the fuel industry. fossil fuels as if I were a member of an NGO with a strong pro-climate record.”
More than 97,000 people (delegations, media, NGOs, lobbies, organizers, technicians, etc.) are accredited, double that of last year, and around 180 heads of State and Government are expected here, according to the organizers. December 12, theoretical end. of the conference.
Hostage meetings for the Israeli president
Pope Francis, sick with the flu, has canceled his visit, but more than 140 leaders will take the podium on Friday and Saturday, after Thursday’s opening ceremony, to deliver minutes-long speeches aimed at giving political momentum to the Byzantine negotiations. that will occupy the delegations for two weeks.
King Charles III will speak on Friday at the opening of this leaders’ summit, without US President Joe Biden, replaced by his Vice President Kamala Harris, or his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog will use the opportunity to lead a series of diplomatic meetings aimed at freeing other hostages held by Hamas, his office said.
Source: BFM TV
