The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is ready to host the upcoming Conference of the Parties (COP28) this November, Minister of Climate Change and the Environment Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri has said.

In a statement, Almheiri said the UAE is committed to tackling climate change on a national and international scale, and that COP28 will be a "living testament" to the country's achievements in this area.

"The UAE's approach to climate action hinges on inclusivity and synchronized efforts across a spectrum of stakeholders," she said. "This united strategy guarantees broad participation, reflecting the UAE's commitment to tackle climate change, adjust to its socio-economic impacts, meet our international environmental pledges, and aim to limit the global temperature rise to well below 2°C and to pursue efforts to further limit it to 1.5°C."

Almheiri said the UAE has made significant progress in recent years in reducing its emissions and transitioning to a low-carbon economy. In 2021, the country announced a target of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.

"As we gear up for COP28, our focus remains on forging a resilient climate and ecological future," she said. "We will work closely with all stakeholders to amplify the global goals of our conference."

The UAE is hosting COP28 as part of its "Year of Sustainability" in 2023. The 100 days leading up to the conference will see a number of initiatives launched by the UAE government and private sector to further the country's environmental and climate objectives.

"Collaboration and inclusivity stands at the heart of our endeavors," Almheiri said. "We will transform climate change challenges into opportunities and, united in our efforts, we will ensure that COP28 becomes a defining moment in the UAE's and humanity's pursuit of a sustainable future."