The United Arab Emirates underscored its efforts for the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) to serve as an opportunity to forge effective partnerships, in order to achieve tangible and real progress on climate issues. The UAE is holding the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), bringing together heads of state, policy-makers, industry leaders, investors, entrepreneurs and youth to discuss and engage on bold climate action and innovation to build a more sustainable future for future generations. The UAE will host COP28 in November. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said his country was exerting intensive efforts to find feasible and pragmatic solutions to climate change issues. He stressed that ADSW was a global platform that reflects the UAE’s commitment to convening the international community and ensuring collaboration in driving sustainable economic and social development. Sheikh Mohamed added that the UAE strategic initiative to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 was a natural progression of the comprehensive approach, which aims to build a prosperous and sustainable future through commitment to protecting nature and preserving the environment. He emphasized that the ADSW this year was an essential step towards the UAE hosting COP28. He noted that his country’s selection to host the conference reflected the UAE’s continued efforts to promote practical climate action, sustainable economic development, and progress towards desired global goals. Addressing ADSW, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev stressed the depth of the bilateral relations between the UAE and his country. He highlighted Azerbaijan’s ambition to strengthen its reliance on clean energy sources as an essential part of national development efforts, and to contribute to the global drive for a more environmentally friendly economy.