King Charles III, the monarch of the United Kingdom, is set to attend the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP28) in Dubai. He will deliver a crucial address during the opening ceremony.
The UK government faced opposition to the King’s attendance at the 2022 annual climate talks in Egypt. However, it has been advised against his participation, and he will instead be present at COP28 in Dubai.
The attendance of world leaders at the event remains uncertain, with doubts surrounding the presence of President Joe Biden. Only a few leaders have confirmed their attendance so far.
The King’s visit takes place amidst heightened tensions in the Middle East due to the ongoing Israel-Gaza war. This adds an element of complexity to his participation.
His visit to Dubai has been arranged at the invitation of the President of the United Arab Emirates, as well as upon the request of the UK government.
In addition to attending the conference, King Charles III will also be present at a reception that marks the launch of the inaugural COP28 Business and Philanthropy Climate Forum. This forum aims to bring together leaders from various sectors, including business, finance, and philanthropy, to address climate change and nature conservation.
The King has long been an enthusiastic advocate for environmental and climate causes, with a history spanning five decades. He had attended the COP26 climate talks in 2021, where he urged countries to collaborate with industry for effective climate solutions.
Last year, His Majesty hosted a pre-COP reception at Buckingham Palace, bringing together business leaders, experts, and non-governmental organizations. This gathering aimed to discuss climate goals and strategies, even though the King did not attend COP27.
The monarch played a prominent role in supporting the 2015 Paris Climate Accord. He even engaged in a discussion about the accord’s significance with former United States President Donald Trump back in 2019.
King Charles III’s presence at COP28 signifies his commitment to tackling climate change and his determination to rally global leaders and stakeholders to work towards a sustainable future.
