UN Climate Change: Middle East and North Africa Climate Week 2022 to Launch in March

The dates have been announced for the launch of the first-ever Middle East and North Africa Climate Week (MENACW) in 2022. The event, designed to kick off a new era of cooperation on climate in the region, will take place from 28 February to 3 March of next year. It will be hosted by the Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with support from UN and other multilateral and national agencies and will take place at the Dubai Exhibition Center in Dubai.

The MENACW 2022 will showcase inspiring examples of action already happening in the region and around the world. Governments, private sector leaders, development organisations and civil society will engage in solution-oriented dialogues, find common ground and collaborate on climate action. The meeting will also build on the outcomes of this year’s UN Climate Change Conference COP26 in November.

Patricia Espinosa, UN Climate Change Executive Secretary, said: “I am looking forward to MENACW 2022 early next year. Whilst we must see strong outcomes at the global level at COP26 in Glasgow, climate action and collaboration must also be scaled up and swiftly taken forward regionally so we can achieve the temperature goals of the Paris Agreement and build resilience to climate change. Regional Climate Weeks are crucial to achieving the vision laid out in the Paris Agreement through coordinated and concerted efforts in all parts of the world.”

His Excellency Dr Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said: “As the world emerges from Covid-19, we have a prime opportunity to pursue a path of a green recovery and develop low-carbon and climate-resilient economies, and this important platform will help steer us onto the right course. We aim to inspire governments and organisations to join the global climate action movement created by the Paris Agreement and look forward to exchanging experiences in addressing climate issues with other countries in the region.”

H.E. Saeed Mohammed Ahmed Al Tayer, Chairman, World Green Economy Organization, said: “The United Arab Emirates is pleased to launch the first Middle East and North Africa Climate Week. Our region faces a challenging future and regional collaboration on climate change is a path towards enduring prosperity. Discussions at MENACW 2022 can help this region prepare for an uncertain future while taking steps to lower emissions and contributing to our global goals.”

MENACW 2022 will kick off the Regional Climate Weeks 2022, with meetings scheduled in Latin America and the Caribbean (LACCW 2022), Asia-Pacific (APCW 2022) and Africa (ACW 2022). More details on the programme of the full series of the Regional Climate Weeks 2022 are coming soon.

2021 has seen a year of successful engagement for the Regional Climate Weeks. Events in Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia-Pacific and Africa have convened more than 13,000 participants.

Key takeaways from all the Regional Climate Weeks 2021 will be presented to the COP President at COP26 and shared with ministers for consideration.