Badr Jafar, CEO of Crescent Enterprises in Sharjah, asserted that Western governments should abandon their climate policy lectures to developing nations and instead focus on enhancing intergovernmental cooperation, acknowledging economic realities, and prioritizing sustainable development. He emphasized the need for developed countries to offer more cooperation than criticism. In an interview on Arab News’ “Frankly Speaking” program, he highlighted the interconnectedness of human development and climate agendas, while cautioning against alienating those who are struggling to make ends meet. Jafar argued that these agendas are intrinsically linked and must be addressed together, particularly in regions facing human suffering due to ongoing conflicts.
Regarding the upcoming COP28 in Dubai, he stressed the need to prioritize assisting vulnerable communities in the developing world facing climate-related challenges. Despite concerns about the United Arab Emirates, one of the world’s largest oil and gas producers, hosting the conference, Jafar defended the choice, pointing to the precedent set by Scotland hosting COP26 in 2021. He urged all nations to engage in self-reflection, bridge the trust gap between developed and developing countries, and ensure that climate and environmental goals are met. In the midst of global crises, he underscored the paramount importance of focusing on alleviating human suffering and survival before pursuing climate ambitions.
Badr Jafar defended Dubai as the host for COP28, emphasizing the UAE’s commitment to climate policies, clean and renewable energy investments, and its diversification from oil-based income, with over 70% of GDP generated from non-oil sectors. He highlighted the UAE’s Green Agenda, net-zero emission strategy by 2050, and substantial investments in clean energy, particularly through Masdar in Abu Dhabi.
Jafar emphasized that a successful climate summit should involve business leaders and philanthropists in the search for climate solutions, as relying solely on governments to fulfill ambitious emission reduction and green policy promises can be insufficient. He noted the inconsistency of various governments’ climate policies over the years, especially in Europe and the United States. The private sector’s inclusion is vital to bridge the gaps between COP presidencies, ensuring a coherent and lasting approach to climate change action.
Furthermore, Jafar announced that a climate forum focused on businesses and philanthropy will take place in December, following UAE’s COP28. Its objective is to explore tailored solutions for accelerating technology transfer, reducing green investment risks, supporting nature conservation, promoting climate-related small and medium enterprises, startups, and building resilience for the most vulnerable, among other key private sector outcomes. The organizers aim to establish a results-oriented roadmap, and Jafar stressed that this approach is central to COP28 to ensure the agenda benefits the communities it serves.
In earlier statements, Jafar had criticized the Western approach to climate change, highlighting the need for a more realistic solution and addressing economic realities. He underscored the importance of avoiding an “us vs. them” mentality and division between the Western world and the rest, as it complicates the pursuit of climate goals and economic growth for emerging economies.
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