UAE Leads High-Level Delegation to COP31 Climate Summit in Turkey, Building on Cop28 Legacy

Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, has arrived in Antalya, Turkey, to lead a distinguished UAE delegation at the COP31 climate summit. Sheikh Saud is representing President Sheikh Mohamed at the crucial two-day Leaders' Summit, scheduled for November 11-12, which forms part of the broader conference running until November 20. Upon his arrival at Antalya Airport, he was warmly welcomed by Saeed Thani Al Dhaheri, the UAE's ambassador to Turkey, and several high-ranking Turkish officials.

The summit, operating under the theme “Towards a Sustainable, Resilient and Equitable Future,” is a vital platform for heads of state and government to enhance global cooperation on climate change. It aims to accelerate the fulfillment of climate commitments and advance the objectives outlined in the Paris Agreement. The UAE's presence at COP31 underscores its significant role as the host of COP28 in Dubai in 2023, where the historic UAE Consensus was achieved. This landmark agreement advocated for a just, orderly, and equitable transition away from fossil fuels, alongside a commitment to triple global renewable energy capacity and double the pace of energy efficiency improvements by 2030. COP28 also saw the establishment of the Fund for Loss and Damage and the adoption of the UAE Framework for Global Climate Resilience.

COP31, hosted by Turkey from November 9-20, is dedicated to transforming climate pledges into tangible and measurable actions. Key areas of focus include the clean energy transition, energy security, emissions reduction, climate finance, and adaptation strategies, all geared towards accelerating global climate action and supporting sustainable development worldwide. Australia, alongside Turkey, is presiding over the negotiations and has put forth a proposed global target of achieving 35% of total energy consumption from electricity by 2035, referred to as “35 by 35.”

Recent data from the World Meteorological Organisation highlights the escalating climate crisis, indicating that in 2025, the average concentration of carbon dioxide, the primary greenhouse gas, in the surface atmosphere reached 426.8 parts per million (ppm). This figure represents a 53% increase compared to pre-industrial levels. Furthermore, the annual increase in CO2 concentration between 2011 and 2020 averaged 2.4 ppm, which is three times the rate observed in the 1960s.

The UAE delegation accompanying Sheikh Saud, a Supreme Council member, includes Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, Minister of Culture; Khalifa Al Marar, Minister of State; and Dr. Amna Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, along with several other senior officials.