The second Ministerial Meeting on Urbanization and Climate Change, to be held in Dubai during COP28 on 6 December 2023, reflects a collective commitment to tackling climate change's complexities within urban contexts. Co-hosted by the COP28 Presidency, UN-Habitat and the High-Level Climate Champions, the Ministerial Meeting will bring together global leaders and experts for a meeting to be a curtain raiser for the thematic day of Multilevel Action, Urbanization, Built Environment, and Transport.
Building on the success of the first-ever ministerial meeting held at COP27, the second ministerial meeting will focus on how to accelerate local climate finance by facilitating a dialogue between ministers of housing, urban development, environment, and finance, as well as local and regional governments, multilateral banks, and other non-state actors. This inclusive approach seeks to cultivate a collective response to the intricate challenges posed by the climate crisis in urban settings.
The objective of the meeting is twofold: first, reinforce the importance of multi-level climate action to achieve the targets of the Paris Agreement; second, discuss how local climate finance can be accelerated and how local governments can be better equipped to respond to the climate crisis.
H.E. Majid Al Suwaidi, Director-General and Special Representative, COP28, said: "An inclusive approach to addressing climate change calls for engagement across all levels of governance and multilevel action. Hosting the second Ministerial Meeting on Urbanization and Climate Change at COP28 will bring renewed momentum to transform cities, drive sustainable urban development, and center people at the heart of the climate agenda.”
Maimunah Mohd Sharif, Executive Director of UN-Habitat, underscored the significance of the Ministerial Meeting on Urbanization and Climate Change as a platform to share the wealth of knowledge, innovation, and strategies for sustainable urban development, stating: "The meeting marks a pivotal moment in our journey towards inclusive and climate-resilient cities. By convening world leaders, experts, and advocates, we reinforce our dedication to fostering urban environments that stand strong in the face of climate complexities."
The first Ministerial Meeting on Urbanization and Climate Change was a significant step in advancing multilevel and local climate action for the attainment of the Paris Agreement goals. Attended by ministers from 50 nations, the meeting endorsed the establishment of regular ministerial meetings on urban development and climate and also saw the launch of the Sustainable Urban Resilience for the Next Generation (SURGe) Initiative. Co-facilitated by UN-Habitat, ICLEI, and the COP27 Presidency, the initiative garnered widespread support from governmental and non-state actors alike.
COP28 will begin on 30 November in the United Arab Emirates with a fortnight of negotiations. It will open with commitments from global leaders, bring forward solutions, and conclude with an agreed negotiated text that helps course-correct to keep 1.5°C within reach and enhance global resilience.
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Global thought leaders, advocates, and innovators can actively participate in this global discourse. Follow the discussions and engage through live streaming channels, which will be made available soon.