In early December 2023, the Swedish Dialogue Institute for the Middle East and North Africa took part in the annual United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP28, that took place in Dubai.
The purpose of the Institute’s participation was to meet with partners, participate in discussions and foster regional and cross-regional collaboration between civil society organizations, private enterprises, and climate actors from the EU and MENA regions, with a particular focus on engaging youth climate actors. During the conference, the Institute conducted several bilateral meetings and group discussions that aimed to facilitate constructive dialogues, share insights, and explore collaborative initiatives to address the global environmental crisis and the challenges posed by climate change.
Key takeaways from the meetings emphasized the urgency of addressing climate change, aligning policies with climate goals, and the importance of collaboration. Civil society organizations highlighted grassroots efforts, focusing on vulnerable communities and equitable solutions and actors from the private sector shared their thoughts on sustainability initiatives and corporate responsibility. Cross-regional collaboration and broadened dialogue were stressed during the meetings, with discussions exploring potential collaborations between different sectors. Recommendations included partnerships with academia, advocacy for stronger climate policies, business support for climate resilience, and community-driven solutions. The Dialogue Institute plans to build on these insights in 2024, focusing on EU-MENA connections and exploring cross-sectoral collaborations for a more sustainable and resilient world.
Read the full report from the Dialogue Institute’s participation at COP28.
