COP28: Watch world leaders at World Climate Action Summit

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December 1: Heads of state and government address the Opening Ceremony of the High-Level Segment at COP28.

December 1: The world’s leaders have gathered in Dubai, UAE for the UN climate change conference.

Tune in to watch the opening ceremony of the COP28 World Climate Action Summit.

Here are five things to know about the COP28 summit:

What is COP28?

COP stands for the Conference of the Parties.  Held under the ambit of the United Nations, the annual climate change conference will see its 28th meeting this year. The conference brings together heads of state, and governments to negotiate goals to fight climate change. COP aims to get parties to agree on action that will be pledged in a final document.

Where is it happening?

COP28 starts Thursday in Expo City, Dubai. A key part of the conference will start Friday with a two-day leaders’ summit, during which about 140 heads of state or government will present plans to fight climate change. The conference will go on until December 12, though negotiations could run over, as has happened in the past.

How to watch?

While discussions and negotiations happen behind closed doors, many parties hold sessions that are live streamed through the two weeks. You can watch the live stream of the COP28 Opening plenary on the UN’s YouTube channel which is scheduled to begin between 1 pm and 2 pm (Gulf standard), Thursday.

The COP28 UAE has also set up its live feed for those wanting to see the opening plenary.

Additionally, session live streams can be accessed on the UN Climate Change website‘s schedule of events. The COP28 website also lists what’s on each day – from debates to culinary delights.

What is the agenda and theme for COP28 in Dubai?

The annual meet reviews the implementation of the UNFCCC terms, Paris Agreement, and Kyoto Protocol. This year, member states will negotiate while facing their first Global Stocktake (GST) – a scorecard analysing countries’ progress towards the Paris Agreement – so they can adapt their next climate action plans which are due in 2025.

Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, COP28 President has been repeatedly said that this should be a “COP for all”  and hence, countries at the summit opening on Thursday hope to clinch an early deal on a new fund to pay for climate-caused damage.

Who will attend?

More than 140 heads of state, senior government leaders and at least 70,000 participants are expected to attend COP28.

Some of the big names include UK’s King Charles III, who will attend the conference, and deliver an address at the opening ceremony. Rishi Sunak, prime minister of the UK, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US Vice President Kamala Harris. EU President Ursula von der Leyen, are some among the leaders who have confirmed their presence at the climate summit.