The Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will host the 28th Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC (COP28), with a view to building on previous successes and paving the way for future ambition to effectively tackle the global challenge of climate change.

The conference is expected to convene over 70,000 participants, including heads of state, government officials, industry leaders, academics, and representatives from non-accredited delegates and other voices organizations.

The vision for COP28 focuses on four paradigm shifts:

1. Fast-tracking the energy transition and slashing emissions before 2030;
2. Transforming climate finance, by delivering on old promises and setting the framework for a new deal on finance;
3. Putting nature, people, lives and livelihoods at the heart of climate action;
4. Mobilizing for the most inclusive COP ever.

COP28 will feature the first Global Stocktake (GST), which will provide a comprehensive assessment of climate progress since adopting the Paris Agreement. The theme of COP28’s program is geared toward real-world solutions that close the gaps to 2030 and respond to the GST with a clear action plan.

ADB initiatives and side events

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) participates in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) process as an inter-governmental observer organization.

At COP28, ADB will organize and co-organize a series of events. It will also launch several pivotal climate initiatives which include the Climate Change Action Plan,  Community Resilience Partnership Program (CRPP) Investment Fund and small grant window, Nature Solution Finance Hub, Climate and Health Initiative, Hindu Kush Himalaya Climate Risk Management Initiative, and responding to the impact of heat stress on women.

Side event sessions will delve into diverse topics such as climate finance, carbon markets and finance, just transition, Paris alignment, climate investment planning, climate-responsive fiscal planning, loss and damage, coastal resilience, nature-based solutions, and sector-focused topics covering agriculture, energy, health, transport and water, among others. ADB will also be collaborating with other institutions in joint events.

View the schedule of events.