The first-ever Middle East and North Africa Climate Week, MENACW 2022, will be held in Dubai from February 28 to March 3. This planned in-person meeting kicks off the Regional Climate Weeks in 2022 and a new era of cooperation on climate in the region.

MENACW 2022 is one of the first opportunities to advance the implementation of the Paris Agreement and Glasgow Climate Pact adopted at November’s COP26 in Glasgow. The event will build on the outcomes of last year’s COP26 UN Climate Change Conference, where regional collaboration emerged as a catalyst for global climate action.

The week will explore resilience against climate risks, the transition to a low-emission economy and collaboration to solve pressing challenges. This is an opportunity for governments, the private sector, cities, indigenous communities, youth and civil society to engage in solution-oriented dialogue, find common ground and collaborate on climate action, a statement by the UN Climate Change secretariat.

Patricia Espinosa, Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change, said: “MENA Climate Week 2022 is one of our first opportunities to accelerate the implementation of the Paris Agreement following COP26 in Glasgow in November.

“At COP26, the world took a significant step forward for climate action. It is now time for us to work together under the standard set of guidelines outlined in the Glasgow Climate Pact and advance regional collaboration to reduce vulnerability, transform global energy systems, and finance a low-emission future.

“MENACW 2022 provides an excellent platform for these discussions, as regional collaboration is a catalyst for global progress.” To encourage inclusivity and enable broad collaboration, some webcast sessions and virtual events are anticipated.

Mariam bint Mohammed Saeed Hareb Almheiri, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said: “The Glasgow Climate Pact sounds a clear call for collaboration. It is a wake-up call to work together on green recovery from the global health crisis and a roadmap to achieve the vision of the Paris Agreement.

“Stakeholders from across the region are invited to join MENA Climate Week 2022 and further crucial conversations on overcoming the climate challenge and unlocking opportunity in the MENA region.”