2 December 2023, Dubai UAE: The President of the Republic of Seychelles, Mr. Wavel Ramkalawan joined various Small Island Developing States (SIDS) leaders for an audience with His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai yesterday.
The meeting was held at the COP28 Leadership Pavilion, where His Highness affirmed the UAE's commitment to fostering a constructive exchange of ideas at the global conference to advance international cooperation and urgent joint action to mitigate climate change and promote sustainable development.
During discussions, President Ramkalawan expressed profound appreciation to the UAE Government for its unwavering support and commitment towards the socio-economic development of Seychelles, through various developmental projects dealing with climate action and renewable energy.
He also conveyed the good wishes of the people of Seychelles to the UAE on the occasion of the 52nd National Day of the United Arab Emirates celebrated yesterday 2ndDecember.
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan highlighted the UAE’s strategic initiatives, guided by the visionary leadership of President, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, aimed at further combating climate change, reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable practices through long-term programmes such as the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy.
The meeting also discussed the risks and challenges arising from climate change facing SIDS nations. The leaders of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) applauded the UAE's sustainability initiatives and its proactive role as the host of COP28 in accelerating strategic global collaboration on sustainability issues facing the planet. They expressed appreciation for the UAE's commitment to creating a $30 billion fund for global climate solutions, as a pivotal global initiative to bridge the climate-financing gap, a major challenge in attaining sustainability objectives.
Also present for the meeting was Her Excellency Reembint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation; His Excellency Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy; His Excellency Ahmed bin Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of State; and His Excellency Omar Saif Ghobash, Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are a distinct group of 39 states and 18 associate members of United Nations regional commissions that face unique social, economic and environmental vulnerabilities. Members of the group include islands and coastal developing countries that span the Caribbean, the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Oceans and the South China Sea.
