The UAE President, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, honored key figures who contributed to the success of COP28, the UN climate conference held in the UAE late last year. These individuals were instrumental in achieving the “UAE Consensus,” a landmark framework for global climate action.
The ceremony recognized the legacy of sustainability established by the UAE’s founding father and the country’s commitment to tackling climate change. Sheikh Mohamed praised the spirit of international cooperation and unity displayed during COP28.
Honorees of the First Class Order of Zayed II:
Government Officials: Ministers from Denmark, Egypt, Jordan, and Senegal, along with representatives from Cuba, Samoa, Russia, and the G77 group. These individuals played key roles in negotiations, advocacy, and garnering support for the UAE Consensus.
Climate Champions: Mark Carney, UN Special Envoy, and Jennifer Jordan-Saifi of the Sustainable Markets Initiative, were recognized for their support and engagement with governments.
Business and Philanthropy Leaders: Kate Hampton, Badr Jafar, Ajay Banga, and Larry Fink were honored for their contributions towards mobilizing resources and advancing net-zero goals.
Experts and Advocates: Dr. Vera Songwe, Hindou Ibrahim, Prof. Carlos Lopes, Dr. Agnes Kalibata, Fatih Birol, and Prof. Saleemul Huq (posthumously) were recognized for their expertise in areas like finance, indigenous rights, agriculture, energy, and climate justice. Prof. Huq was particularly celebrated for his work on the Loss and Damage Fund.
Additional Supporters: Olafur Ragnar Grimsson and John Kerry were acknowledged for their political guidance and advocacy leading up to and during COP28.
This ceremony underscores the UAE’s commitment to building on the success of COP28 and advancing international cooperation on climate action.
