UAE President urges global community to unite for sustainable economic, social development

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan urged the international community to unite under the principles of peace, stability and collaboration to pave the way for long-term sustainable economic and social development, during the Leaders Meeting of the Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate (MEF).

At the virtual MEF meeting, hosted by US President Joe Biden, Sheikh Mohamed joined heads of state from 17 major economies to represent the UAE as the host country of the 28th UN Climate Change Conference (COP28).

In an address to global leaders, Sheikh Mohamed acknowledged that climate change is an issue of grave importance. It must be addressed through collective cooperation, because if left unabated, the impacts of climate change will come at a great cost to people, the planet and the global economy, he said.

He emphasized that the UAE has long held the view that climate action is an opportunity to achieve new pathways for economic and social development, with a focus on practical solutions that can benefit all countries.

Sheikh Mohamed emphasised that the UAE, as an active partner of the global community, is determined to deliver a COP28 in 2023 that rises to the challenge, by adopting an approach that ensures the concerns and needs of all stakeholders are heard.