Joint media release: Lead role for Australia at COP28 climate adaptation talks

Chris Bowen MP, Minister for Climate Change and Energy

Sen Jenny McAllister, Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy 

The Australian Government will play a leading role in international negotiations on climate adaptation in the lead-up to the 28th UN Climate Conference in Dubai, United Arab Emirates in December 2023.

Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Senator Jenny McAllister has accepted an invitation by COP28 President-Designate, Dr Sultan Al Jaber, to facilitate consultations to reach outcomes on adaptation at the climate conference.

The Assistant Minister will co-facilitate with Chile’s Minister for the Environment, Maisa Rojas.  

A key focus of the negotiations will be the development of a framework to advance the Global Goal on Adaptation. This framework would help track progress against the Paris Agreement’s goal to strengthen resilience to climate change.

Climate adaptation is a critical part of the first Global Stocktake at COP28 when the world will track its progress toward the goals of the Paris Agreement and help advance efforts on climate action.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said, “Assistant Minister McAllister is a great asset to our team at home on ambitious climate action, just as she will be internationally at COP28 leading the adaptation negotiations.

“It's further confirmation that Australia is firmly back at the table on decisions that will affect the global economy and climate for decades to come.”

Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Jenny McAllister said Australia is pleased to be able to support the UAE Presidency in delivering an ambitious outcome on adaptation at COP28.

“Australia is acting on climate change at home and is contributing to the global effort. Climate adaptation is a priority for our region, particularly for our Pacific Island neighbours.

“This is an important opportunity for Australia to play a constructive role in climate negotiations and build momentum for action on the global climate agenda,” Assistant Minister McAllister said.

“The invitation builds on our government’s previous leadership roles in international climate change negotiations including at COP27 on climate finance. This demonstrates that Australia has been welcomed back to the global effort in tackling climate change.

“This international appointment complements the Albanese Government’s domestic work on adaption, including Australia’s first National Climate Risk Assessment and development of a National Adaptation Plan.”