COP29 Presidency publishes climate pledges, urging global action ahead of summit

COP29 Presidency publishes climate pledges, urging global action ahead of summit
The COP29 Presidency’s declarations and pledges align with its two-pillar strategy for the year, which focuses on raising climate ambition and enabling sectoral action. (COP29)
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Updated 03 November 2024
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COP29 Presidency publishes climate pledges, urging global action ahead of summit

COP29 Presidency publishes climate pledges, urging global action ahead of summit
  • Documents, forming a part of the COP29 Action Agenda, outline pathways for both governmental and non-governmental stakeholders to step up their climate commitments
  • COP29 Truce Appeal has already garnered support from 127 countries and over 1,100 non-state actors

RIYADH: The COP29 Presidency has released the final versions of nine significant declarations and pledges ahead of the upcoming UN Climate Summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, scheduled for November.

These documents, forming a part of the COP29 Action Agenda, outline pathways for both governmental and non-governmental stakeholders to step up their climate commitments.

By inviting endorsements from a wide range of actors, the presidency aims to catalyze meaningful action beyond the official negotiations of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.

The COP29 Action Agenda, first introduced in September, seeks to complement the formal negotiation process by offering concrete initiatives designed to increase ambition across key climate sectors.

While not part of the official UNFCCC framework, these declarations and pledges are intended to inspire collective action across various societal sectors, reinforcing the summit’s overarching goal of enhanced climate ambition.

Now that the final texts are available, stakeholders have the opportunity to formally endorse them ahead of their official launch during the summit.

Among the documents published are key initiatives such as the final version of the COP29 Truce Appeal, the Global Energy Storage and Grids Pledge, and a range of declarations focused on sectors from tourism to hydrogen energy and water management.

Notably, the COP29 Truce Appeal has already garnered support from 127 countries and over 1,100 non-state actors. This appeal calls for a cessation of conflicts during the COP29 period, aiming to reduce military emissions and promote global peace alongside climate action.

One of the central initiatives, the Global Energy Storage and Grids Pledge, is particularly ambitious, aiming to increase global energy storage capacity sixfold, to 1,500 GW.

This represents a critical step in the transition to renewable energy, as enhanced storage and grid infrastructure are essential to managing intermittent energy sources like wind and solar power.

The documents aim to encourage governments to incorporate these pledges into their national climate strategies while providing a framework for non-state actors to align their efforts with global climate goals.

These initiatives cover a wide range of sectors, from digital transformation in green energy to reducing methane emissions from organic waste.

In addition to these pledges, the presidency will also release a detailed program of events for the summit, aiming to galvanize global climate action. These events will bring together key stakeholders for in-depth discussions and serve as platforms for launching the various declarations.

Host nation Azerbaijan is expected to play a central role in ensuring the success of these events, which are expected to drive forward global climate commitments.

Mukhtar Babayev, president-designate of COP29, emphasized the importance of these pledges, stating that they serve as vital tools in advancing climate action. According to Babayev, while signing these pledges alone will not achieve the necessary transformations, they are crucial in sending clear market signals, directing financial investments, and fostering a collective sense of responsibility.

He highlighted the early support for the COP29 Truce Appeal as a promising example of how climate action and global peace are interconnected.

These initiatives, while separate from the formal UNFCCC negotiations, are designed to provide additional opportunities for climate action, particularly for non-state actors who play a vital role in the global response to climate change.

The COP29 Presidency encourages all stakeholders to review the final texts and consider endorsing these climate initiatives, which collectively aim to accelerate progress towards achieving the goals set by the Paris Agreement.


GACA launches integrated digital platform, unveils new brand identity

GACA launches integrated digital platform, unveils new brand identity
Updated 26 sec ago
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GACA launches integrated digital platform, unveils new brand identity

GACA launches integrated digital platform, unveils new brand identity

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation authority launched  an integrated digital platform and unveiled a new brand identity on Wednesday.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation made the announcements, which also included an updated website, at an event at its headquarters in Riyadh.

The new platform, known as “Ajwaa,” provides all civil aviation services, ensuring quick and efficient access for users. It creates a fully digital environment for stakeholders, improving operational efficiency, transparency, and GACA’s regulatory role, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The event was attended by Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, Saudi transport minister and chairman of the board of directors of GACA; Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, president of GACA; and vice presidents, CEOs, as well as other officials.

Al-Duailej said the new identity, slogan “Together for New Horizons,” “Ajwaa” platform, and updated website mark a new era for GACA, shaping the future of aviation in Saudi Arabia with the leadership’s full support, SPA reported.


King Khalid Royal Reserve’s geological wonders offer unmatched natural beauty, adventure

King Khalid Royal Reserve’s geological wonders offer unmatched natural beauty, adventure
Updated 2 min 6 sec ago
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King Khalid Royal Reserve’s geological wonders offer unmatched natural beauty, adventure

King Khalid Royal Reserve’s geological wonders offer unmatched natural beauty, adventure
  • Rock formations hold geological records that reveal the environmental and climatic changes the region has experienced over time
  • Formerly known as the al-Thumamah Wildlife Park, the royal reserve is less than an hour's drive from Riyadh city center

RIYADH: The King Khalid Royal Reserve boasts rock formations shaped over thousands of years by natural erosion and fluctuating climatic conditions, sculpting its varied terrain into one of Saudi Arabia's most significant and captivating nature reserves.

Formerly known as the al-Thumamah Wildlife Park, the royal reserve located northeast of national capital is less than an hour's drive from the city center.

Al-Urumah mountains, stretching over 700 kilometers, are among the main geological features in the reserve known for their striking rock formations, including natural caves, rock columns, and stone bridges. The dramatic landscape draws both photography and adventure enthusiasts, making it an ideal destination for exploration.

Yet, these landscapes are not just an aesthetic marvel; within their layers, they hold a geological record that reveals the environmental and climatic changes the region has experienced over time.

With the arrival of winter and cooler temperatures, the reserve becomes a perfect destination for ecotourism and outdoor adventure enthusiasts.

Visitors can hike among towering rocks, enjoy picnics, cycle along scenic trails, stargaze on clear nights, and experience an exceptional environment for astronomical observation.

Preservation of these rock formations is crucial for protecting geological diversity and promoting environmental sustainability, while responsible practices contribute to the safeguarding of natural landmarks for future generations.

 


Trump thanks Saudi crown prince for hosting Ukraine peace talks in Riyadh

Trump thanks Saudi crown prince for hosting Ukraine peace talks in Riyadh
Updated 32 min 29 sec ago
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Trump thanks Saudi crown prince for hosting Ukraine peace talks in Riyadh

Trump thanks Saudi crown prince for hosting Ukraine peace talks in Riyadh

RIYADH: US President Donald Trump said Saudi Arabia did a “great job” in hosting talks aimed at moving toward a resolution of the Russian-Ukraine war, and thanked Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for facilitating the discussions in Riyadh.
Trump said on Wednesday that the conflict, which began three years ago this month, would have never started had he been president.
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy “talked the US into spending $350 billion to go into a war that that could not be won, that never had to start and never would have started if I was president,” said Trump, adding that Ukraine would never settle the war without US involvement.
Senior US and Russian officials attended a meeting in Riyadh on Tuesday to start working toward ending the war in Ukraine. The meeting was also attended by senior Saudis, but no Ukrainians.
Trump said that Zelenskyy could have attended the discussions in the Saudi capital had he wanted to.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the two sides agreed broadly to pursue three goals: to restore staffing at their respective embassies in Washington and Moscow, to create a high-level team to support Ukraine peace talks, and to explore closer relations and economic cooperation.
Trump, talking at the FII PRIORITY Miami event, which runs between Feb. 19-21, said he hopes that a ceasefire arrives soon.
The president’s speech was wide-ranging, touching on efforts to cut government waste, boosting energy production, and his foreign policy objectives.
Dignitaries included Yasir Al-Rumayyan, the governor of the Saudi Public Investment Fund; Elon Musk, the head of a new US federal entity — called DOGE — meant to cut government waste; and Princess Reema bint Bandar, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the US.


Digital Cooperation Organization signs multiple memorandums of understanding as fourth general assembly ends

Digital Cooperation Organization signs multiple memorandums of understanding as fourth general assembly ends
Updated 20 February 2025
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Digital Cooperation Organization signs multiple memorandums of understanding as fourth general assembly ends

Digital Cooperation Organization signs multiple memorandums of understanding as fourth general assembly ends
  • Secretary-general says event marked 4 years of progress

AMMAN: The Digital Cooperation Organization signed numerous memorandums of understanding during its fourth general assembly in Amman, which concluded on Wednesday.

The memorandums were signed between the DCO and the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Foundation, Hewlett-Packard, the Agency for Economic Cooperation and Development, the Sultanate of Oman and 500 Global.

A statement of intent was also signed between the DCO and the UN Office for South-South Cooperation.

The signings came after a delegation from the DCO visited Jordan’s Prime Minister Jaafar Abdel Fattah Hassan.

Sami Smeirat, the Jordanian minister of digital economy and entrepreneurship, and the chairman of the DCO Council, said that Jordan’s presidency of the organization in 2024 had demonstrated the country’s ability to lead global efforts toward building an inclusive digital economy.

He said: “Throughout this year we have launched ambitious initiatives, strengthened public-private partnerships, and laid solid foundations to empower youth and women in the technology sector.”

Smeirat spoke of the 2025 presidency, which was handed to Kuwait.

He said: “We hand over the presidency to our brothers in the State of Kuwait. We reaffirm Jordan’s commitment to remaining an active partner in achieving the organization’s goals. We look forward to continuing our joint efforts to realize our shared vision: a digital world marked by prosperity and fairness for all.”

Deemah Al-Yahya, the secretary-general of the DCO, said that the general assembly marked four years of progress for the organization.

The secretary-general highlighted DCO’s upcoming ambitions, adding: “While we have achieved much over the past four years, there is still important work ahead to drive digital economic growth for all.”

Wednesday’s event featured panels and discussions with leading experts from across the world.

The DCO was founded in November 2020 and currently has 16 nations as members, including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Pakistan, Bahrain, Bangladesh and Oman. It also has 39 observer and partner organizations.


Piece of Kaaba’s Kiswah gifted to Uzbekistan’s Center of Islamic Civilization

Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Tashkent. (SPA)
Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Tashkent. (SPA)
Updated 19 February 2025
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Piece of Kaaba’s Kiswah gifted to Uzbekistan’s Center of Islamic Civilization

Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Tashkent. (SPA)
  • Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah is currently on a visit to the Central Asian country
  • He handed over the piece of cloth to Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev

RIYADH: A piece of the holy Kaaba’s Kiswa was gifted by the Kingdom to the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, currently on a visit to the Central Asian country, handed over the piece of cloth to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev at the directive of King Salman.

Mirziyoyev commended the Kingdom’s efforts to develop Hajj and Umrah experiences and facilitate the journeys of Uzbek pilgrims to the Kingdom, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said.