His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam said that climate change is the current generation’s most urgent challenge, threatening its existence.
His Majesty said this during the high-level segment for heads of states and governments of the 28th Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 28) at Expo City, Dubai on Friday.
Consequently, there is a renewed urgency to fulfil Paris Agreement obligations, as initial results of the first “Global Stocktake” show that the world is not on track to limit global temperatures to 1.5 degrees Celsius. In this regard, His Majesty called for developed countries to honour past commitments as well as provide adequate resources and affordable technology to developing countries to address the impact of climate change.
Despite only emitting 0.017 per cent of global emissions, Brunei Darussalam remains committed to addressing climate change. Furthermore, His Majesty shared, the Sultanate is balancing its national development with environmental protection, while pursuing sustainable growth for its economy.
His Majesty also stated that the country is actively diversifying its energy mix by emphasising on renewables. Through collaboration with all stakeholders, including the youth and private sector, Brunei Darussalam is on track to reduce 20 per cent of its emissions by 2030, as outlined in its ‘Nationally Determined Contributions’.
His Majesty also highlighted that Brunei Darussalam has taken the lead in regional climate action and will host the ASEAN Centre for Climate Change. The centre will facilitate enhanced climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts across Southeast Asia through research, analysis, data exchange and policy recommendations.
His Majesty concluded his titah by expressing Brunei Darussalam’s support for all interested member states and international organisations to make the regional centre contribute meaningfully to global efforts. The conference also saw opening remarks by President of COP 28, United Arab Emirates (UAE) Special Envoy for Climate Change and Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology Dr Sultan Ahmed Al-Jaber; Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi; United Nations (UN) General Assembly President Dennis Francis; and UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
Accompanying His Majesty to the opening session of the World Climate Action Summit and the first part of the high-level segment was His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.
The arrival of His Majesty at the Al Wasl Dome was welcomed by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi and António Guterres.
His Majesty, along with other heads of states and governments, proceeded for a group photograph session before attending the opening session of the World Climate Action Summit at Al Waha Theatre.
