Premier and Minister of Finance, the Hon. David Burt, JP, MP, will join Overseas Territories (OT) leaders and other Heads of State in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) this week for COP28 and other regional economic events.
Prior to the official start of COP28, from Nov. 28 – 29 the Premier will attend Abu Dhabi Finance Week. This event gathers global financial industry leaders and innovators.
Following Abu Dhabi Finance Week, the Premier will attend COP28, which takes place from Nov. 30 – Dec. 12, 2023. Premier Burt will be joined at COP28 by Deputy Premier and Minister of Home Affairs, the Hon Walter Roban, JP, MP.
Historically the Conference of the Parties (COP) has convened member countries to determine, identify and assess climate measures. This makes COP28 one of the largest and most important international environmental gatherings on the 2023 calendar.
HM the King, Charles III, will attend COP28. His participation reflects his commitment to environmental preservation.
It’s also expected that several UK Government Ministers will also be present at COP28. The UK’s Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has advocated for the attendance of OTs this year as an indication of the event’s importance.
As such, leaders from Caribbean nations, including Prime Ministers from Bahamas, Barbados, Grenada, Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the British Virgin Islands and Anguilla will also be at COP28.
While there, and as part of a packed schedule of events, Premier Burt will deliver a Keynote Address on Island Innovation at the COP28 energy and industry forum; provide key remarks at the UN Climate Change Global Innovation Hub Workshop; participate in a Fireside Chat; and conduct interviews with regional media. Premier Burt will also hold meetings with UAE Government representatives to discuss broadening economic investment opportunities with Bermuda.
The Deputy Premier will represent Bermuda during the key discussions and forums about the impact of climate change on Caribbean nations.
On Dec. 4th, Minister Roban will be the keynote speaker at the SDG Disruptor Summit during “Bermuda Day”.
And on Dec. 8th, he will present on the UK Ministerial panel with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero titled: “On the Frontline: How Are the UK’s Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies getting to net zero, adapting to, and dealing with the impacts of climate change”.
Today Premier Burt said, “COP28 is one of the biggest global forums which brings together key policy makers from close to 200 countries to make critical decisions that affect our future. So, it’s imperative that Bermuda is represented at this event. The UAE and Bermuda have already fostered strong bilateral relations. Our visit will seek to evolve our existing relationships and advance new partnerships by promoting Bermuda as an excellent and competitive destination for foreign direct investment opportunities.”
From an environmental perspective, this year’s COP visit serves as an opportunity to explore potential areas of collaboration, including renewable energy and the blue economy.
Minister Roban said, “Climate change is the number one pressing global crisis that transcends national borders. It requires international cooperation. And I am honoured to be attending COP 28, to advance Bermuda’s crucial agenda on climate and environmental action and to share the significant strides that we are making within our own region.”
There will also be two Bermuda film premieres at the event, highlighting the island’s innovation and blue economy on the international stage.
Premier Burt returns to Bermuda on December 7, 2023.
For mor info on the COP28 events, visit here: UN Climate Change Conference - United Arab Emirates | UNFCCC