Business Insight

COP28 - Journey to Net Zero continues

30 November 2023

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    The COP28 conference is a global climate change summit and this year it takes place from 30 November to 12 December 2023 in Expo City Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). It will bring together the Parties to the UNFCCC to advance the climate talks and drive action toward preserving our planet.

    The summit will focus on climate change and solutions, with the Middle East leading the climate conversations honing in on delivering a transformational COP for both the private and public sectors, to tackle the climate crises.

    With almost eight years since the Paris agreement shaping initial transformative steps to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and seven years to go to reach 2030, a fundamental shift is needed to put the world on a more sustainable path to Net Zero. Climate change and socio-economic impact is affecting people across the globe; from the cost of living crisis, to supply chain disruptions and rapidly emerging reporting standards.

    At Ashurst, we're at the forefront of business and legal advice when it comes to climate change, sustainability and more broadly the ESG agenda. With offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Jeddah and Riyadh, we'll form part of the pioneering discussions on the ground at COP28 and share key insights with our clients.

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    Read our latest updates:

    Ashurst has partnered with Legal Response International (LRI) to support climate vulnerable countries during COP28. LRI provides direct legal support to delegations of climate vulnerable countries and civil society observer organisations in connection with the international climate change negotiations under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). LRI seeks to create a more level playing field between actors in the climate change negotiations.

    Ashurst has partnered with the Sustainability Markets Initiative - launched by His Majesty King Charles III, when he was Prince of Wales, as the 'go-to' global private sector organisation on sustainable transition, the Sustainable Markets Initiative's power to convene top organisations from industry and the financial services, alongside governments, is key to innovating, accelerating and delivering on a just, sustainable and prosperous future.  Through our participation in the Legal Task Force, we've jointly developed a cross-sector government training programme, with an aim to help upskill Commonwealth governments so they can meet their Nationally Determined Contributions and drive sustainable progress.

    Listen to our new ESG series "Game changers and transition makers":

    Listen to our 29th episode of the 30 for Net Zero 30 series:

    Visit our hub to explore the knowledge and experience to help you meet your sustainability goals and navigate the global transition to secure affordable and renewable energy.

    "As the UAE gears up to host COP28, it is a timely opportunity to reflect on the ambitious climate commitments of the Emirates and the GCC. With its economic development historically tied to the oil and gas sector, there is no question that energy transition is a key consideration in the region. The agenda set by the UAE to achieve Net Zero by 2050 reflects its commitment to invest in new and emerging technologies in order to improve efficiencies in its existing infrastructure and help reduce GHG emissions (including with respect to carbon capture). The UAE and the GCC countries are in an exciting geographical and economic position to progress global commitments to climate security."

    David Charlier, Co-Head, Projects & Energy Transition (EMEA) | Managing Partner, Middle East

     

    "Law, in its many forms, is an essential element of climate solutions. Ashurst is glad to be using our collective expertise to respond and be part of the solution. We are providing pro bono (free) legal support to address unmet legal needs of local partners working at the forefront of the climate crisis and energy transition, especially in the Blue Pacific region where climate change is an existential threat and the region's defining issue"

    Sarah Morton-Ramwell, global head of pro bono and social impact | Partner, Australia

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    The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to.
    Readers should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

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