[Dubai, 03.12.2023] – The United Arab Emirates COP28 Presidency, in collaboration with the Government of Samoa and the UK Government, proudly announced the launch of the ‘Getting Ahead of Disasters’ Charter today at Relief, Recovery and Peace Day of COP28. The official launch of the Charter took place at 09:30 Gulf Standard Time, during which high-level endorsers of the Charter announced their commitments to implementing the Charter’s five principles. The Charter’s principles call for collaborative action, aiming to optimise finance utilisation for risk management and safeguarding vulnerable populations in the face of climate-related disasters.
With climate change estimated to incur annual loss and damage costs ranging from USD 290 to USD 580 billion by 2030, the ‘Getting Ahead of Disasters’ Charter addresses the urgent need for strategic and coordinated efforts to protect those most affected. The Vulnerable 20 economies especially have experienced severe losses in GDP due to climate change impacts, leading to increased indebtedness.
International Development Minister for the United Kingdom, Andrew Mitchell, said:
“I am delighted to see the launch of the Charter for ‘Getting Ahead of Disasters’ and wholeheartedly endorse its principles. Climate-related hazards and their impacts are increasingly predictable, yet globally we are collectively failing to pre-arrange the much-needed finance.
“The UK is committed to delivering change on this and I look forward to collaborating with partners across countries, organisations and civil society to address this important issue.”
This Charter recognises the increasing predictability of climate-related hazards and emphasises the potential to proactively address risks, support adaptation, and secure necessary financing before disasters strike. By focusing on advancing early action and predictable finance, the Charter brings together actors from various sectors and regions, fostering international cooperation for comprehensive risk management across timescales.
The launch event, which is available to watch online on the Charter website, has built consensus and momentum around the principles, which are crucial for all stakeholders involved in financing climate-related disaster responses. As COP28 unfolds, the Charter sets the stage for systemic change, propelling global organisations toward better protection for frontline communities facing the impacts of climate change. This initiative represents a significant step forward, and future COPs will provide additional opportunities to elevate ambitions to get ahead of the growing threat from disasters.
About COP28
The 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is hosted by the United Arab Emirates in collaboration with international partners, aiming to drive ambitious global climate action and facilitate dialogues to tackle the pressing challenges posed by climate change.
About 'Getting Ahead of Disasters' Charter
The 'Getting Ahead of Disasters' Charter is a groundbreaking initiative that outlines five essential principles for collaborative action to optimise finance for effective risk management and safeguard vulnerable populations in the face of climate-related disasters. It is launched in collaboration with the COP28 Presidency of the United Arab Emirates, the Government of Samoa, and the UK Government.