On August 24, 2023, during World Water Week in Stockholm, the UAE Presidency of COP28 revealed its strategic focus named Water Agenda. It is an anticipation to the official 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference, popularly known as COP28, scheduled to take place from November 30 to December 12, 2023, in Dubai. You can find more information on this topic here.
The delegation set out three main priorities for the Water Agenda. The first objective is focused on conserving and restoring freshwater ecosystems. It primarily tackles the protection and recovery of precious freshwater bodies, which are pivotal for human survival and environmental balance.
The second priority is targeted at enhancing urban water resilience. With global urbanization rapidly on the rise, it is imperative to ensure our cities are resilient to water-related issues and risks. Adequate planning and management of urban water resources need to be followed, considering the uncertainties of climate alteration.
Finally, the delegation’s third priority is to bolster water-resilient food systems. As agriculture accounts for 70% of freshwater usage globally, it is crucial to develop crop management systems less reliant on water-intensive practices. Making farming approaches more efficient might play a critical role in alleviating the world water crisis.
This strategic agenda set by the UAE delegation not only guides the direction for the 2023 Climate Change Conference but is expected to inform and shape the global approach to water conservation for the foreseeable future. The eyes of countless legal professionals, amongst others, will be keenly trained on COP28, as these developments are likely to affect regulations, corporate policies, and development planning worldwide.
To track ongoing updates and discussions around this significant development, legal professionals and stakeholders can follow the announcements and discussions using the link here.