Cuban Ambassador to the UAE Highlights COP28 Success Efforts
In a recent statement, His Excellency Norberto Escalona Carrillo, the Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to the United Arab Emirates, lauded the UAE efforts in hosting the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Dubai. These efforts are aimed at finding concrete, measurable solutions to the pressing global climate crisis.
Ambassador Carrillo emphasized that the organizers of COP28 have a clear vision, placing great importance on unity and international cooperation to ensure the success of the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties. Their vision seeks to expedite the transition towards a sustainable, low-carbon, and high-growth economic model that benefits all, fundamentally and equitably.
COP28's action plan also aims to promote cooperative work on adaptation, environmental preservation, climate-resilient food systems, and the protection and empowerment of the most vulnerable communities. This involves investing in practical solutions to enhance quality of life and livelihoods.
Ambassador Carrillo highlighted that the joint vision of the rotating presidency of COP28 and the Group of 77 and China encompasses shared challenges and aspirations related to environmental issues, underlining the urgent need for international cooperation.
Cuba's temporary presidency of the Group of 77 and China reflects its commitment to enhancing the group's unity, presence, and influence in multi-party processes in 2023.
As part of its temporary presidency of the Group of 77 and China, Cuba hosted a summit of heads of state and government in Havana on September 15 and 16, 2023, under the theme "Current Development Challenges: The Role of Science, Technology, and Innovation." During this summit, Cuba facilitated meetings covering various fields such as education, culture, tourism, and the environment, all of which took place during international conferences in 2023.
These meetings provided a unique opportunity to discuss common interests, identify shared challenges, and propose actions to address them, all while emphasizing the importance of coordinated efforts and collaboration among group members.
Ambassador Carrillo underscored that one of the most critical tasks of Cuba's temporary presidency of the Group of 77 and China is the summit of heads of state and government. This summit, led by Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel on September 15 and 16, 2023, will allow leaders to share their visions regarding the current problems related to knowledge utilization, the development of science and technology, and innovation to respond to development challenges.
The summit is expected to adopt a political declaration recognizing the significance of these issues and calling for the narrowing of scientific and technological gaps between advanced and developing countries. It will also promote international cooperation in these matters.
Ambassador Carrillo expressed his appreciation for the participation of the United Arab Emirates in the summit, represented by a delegation led by Her Excellency Mariam Al-Muhairi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment.
Recognizing the importance of reaching a consensus on the most critical aspects for global South countries, Ambassador Carrillo stated that Cuba will host a meeting of the leaders of the Group of 77 and China as part of the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties. This event marks the first time a Conference of the Parties hosts a summit for the group.
He stressed that this meeting presents a unique opportunity to voice the group's concerns and interests on this subject. Furthermore, it underscores the necessity of unity and coordinated action by the group to address the urgent challenges posed by climate change.
Ambassador Carrillo reaffirmed the commitment of the Group of 77 and China to strengthen its position on issues of mutual agreement and contribute to the successful development of the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties.
