With each COP conference, the issues become more pressing, as do the demands on corporates and governments alike. This year is no different. In preparation for the highest-profile COP to date, Kekst CNC’s ESG and Sustainability experts provide a quick, on-the-ground breakdown of the conference’s different regions.
A Guide to This Year’s COP
A milestone opportunity for “the world to come together, course correct, and drive progress,” COP28 has set out a ‘leave no one behind' approach to climate action, emphasizing the principles of transformation, solidarity, pragmatism, and inclusivity. The event itself will be highly inclusive, reflecting the views of all geographies, sectors, and constituencies.
As in previous years, the conference area has been organized into multiple zones, home to the activities of different constituencies attending the event. Contained within these zones are different hubs, which will host varied panels, high-profile speakers, specializes summits, and corporate exhibitions. Below is a breakdown of the zones that comprise this year’s COP28.
What’s happening in this zone?
The Blue Zone is where the decisions will be made by policy makers. The zone hosts the formal negotiations across the two weeks of the conference, as well as the World Climate Action Summit, the country pavilions, presidency events, and hundreds of side events including panel discussions, round tables, and cultural events.
How can businesses participate?
The Blue Zone is notoriously difficult to gain access to. Only UNFCCC-accredited participants such as Parties, UN officials, world leaders, media, and observers will have access to the Blue Zone.
What’s happening in this zone?
The Green Zone at COP28 will welcome a diverse range of attendees, including NGOs, climate disruptors, other innovative businesses, and numerous public advocacy organisations. Within the Green Zone, there will be many pavilions, showcases, and stimulating panel discussions from an array of guest speakers. The precise timeline for the release of new information of the events occurring in the Green Zone will be announced by COP28 officials imminently.
How can businesses participate?
Businesses can participate in the Green Zones initiatives, which are held at the Technology and Innovation Hub, the Decarbonisation Hub, and the Knowledge Hub. These specific hubs act as catalysts for enabling governments, businesses, and civil society to leverage their collaborative expertise to address the most pressing sustainability challenges of our time.
What’s happening in this zone?
Individuals who complete the registration process are eligible to participate in the Innovation Zone, therefore constituting the most diverse segment of attendees at COP28. While specific particulars have yet to be divulged, past precedents indicate a high likelihood of prominent speakers, extensive corporate exhibitions, and the inclusion of specialized summits dedicated to specific topics, one of which is the confirmed presence of the hydrogen summit at COP28. Traditionally, there are only 2 to 3 pivotal days during the conference that feature distinguished speakers with substantial appeal – as evidenced by the appearances of Al Gore and Joe Biden last year.
How can businesses participate?
Within the Madinat Jumeirah Conference Centre, businesses can get involved in the Innovation Zone by attending the Climate Action Arena, the Climate Knowledge Hub, and the Island of Hope. We will expect to see many media outlets and NGOs hosting their own events. For example, at COP27 the Financial Times hosted an event on how to finance the net zero transition.
What’s happening outside the official zones?
Beyond the zones, the side events and exhibits provide a platform for observer organizations to connect with parties and participants. These events, hosted by various entities including NGOs, IGOs, and UN agencies, offer opportunities to share knowledge, build capacities, network, and discuss practical solutions for climate challenges. During side events, organisations showcase their work and engage the audience in discussions, often including Q&A sessions. Exhibits offer a diverse environment for networking on a range of climate-related topics. It should be noted that these events can be organised at the last minute!