Assistant Minister for Energy and Sustainability Affairs Heads UAE Delegation to International Court of Justice Hearings on the Obligations of States Regarding Climate Action

His Excellency Abdulla Balalaa, Assistant Minister for Energy and Sustainable Affairs, led the UAE delegation participating in the International Court of Justice hearings, to provide advisory information regarding States’ obligations regarding climate change.

The hearings follow the unanimous adoption of Resolution 267-77 by the United Nations General Assembly during its 77th session last year. The Resolution requires an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice on States’ legal obligations to address climate change, outlining their responsibilities in reducing human-induced greenhouse gas emissions and safeguarding the global climate system. The opinions will also take into account international environmental law, human rights regulations, and the situation for small island developing states, which are more vulnerable to climate-related risks.

His Excellency emphasized the importance of the United Nations climate change framework, including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Paris Agreement, and the Kyoto Protocol. He also highlighted the significance of upholding commitments according to international law to prevent environmental harm, which applies to climate change and outlines the obligations and responsibilities of states in this regard. Furthermore, this reflects the principle of shared but differentiated responsibilities between developed and developing countries within the United Nations climate change framework.

His Excellency added: "Climate change is a global issue that requires worldwide cooperation. The United Nations Framework Convention and the Paris Agreement aim to enforce the collective duty of cooperation under the principle of no harm within the framework of climate action, facilitated through the Conference of the Parties (COP) process. This process enables countries to agree on suitable and customized solutions to the diverse challenges of climate change and ensures coordination in implementing these solutions. Notable examples of this collaborative approach include the Paris Agreement at COP21, the signing of the historic UAE Consensus last year at COP28, as well as the establishment and activation of the ‘Loss and Damage Fund’ during the UAE's presidency of COP28.”