Razan Al Mubarak, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28, lead as Master of Ceremonies at the Leaders Protecting Forests for Climate, Lives, and Livelihoods event at COP29 Azerbaijan in Baku. Together with the Forest and Climate Leaders’ Partnership and leaders from across the globe, Ms. Al Mubarak emphasized the crucial role of forests in fighting climate change, preserving biodiversity, and supporting livelihoods.
Reflecting on the inspiring arc from COP26 to COP29, the Glasgow Leaders’ Declaration on Forests and Land Use has paved the way for universal action to halt and reverse deforestation by 2030 under the UAE Consensus adopted at COP28 UAE. This journey has seen both COP28 and COP16 Colombia align the implementation of the Paris and Kunming-Montreal agreements, creating a foundation for action on climate and nature.
Forest-rich countries are now stepping up, releasing and mobilising funds through integrated nature and climate strategies. The UAE is proud to invest in Resilient Ghana and Indonesia’s FOLU Net Sink 2030—two pioneering initiatives advancing sustainable landscapes and climate resilience.
Ms. Al Mubarak extends her gratitude to esteemed leaders like H.E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of Ghana; John Podesta, Special Advisor for International Climate Policy of the United States; and incoming FCLP co-chairs from Guyana and the UK for their insights and dedication:
“As we look ahead to COP30 in Belem, I’m optimistic about our shared ability to create solutions and mobilise resources for a sustainable, nature-positive future. Together, let’s keep the momentum strong as we protect forests for climate, lives, and livelihoods.”
