Under the auspices of H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, the Ras Al Khaimah Environmental Protection Development Authority (EPDA) in collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, opened today the 6th International Conference on Global Warming: The Critical Role of Oceans.

Organisers said the conference serves as a global platform that unites experts from diverse fields to share the latest research findings and innovative solutions aimed at mitigating the profound impacts of global warming on the planet, with a particular focus on the critical role of oceans. Understanding the perilous consequences of global warming and collaboratively identifying sustainable solutions are essential steps towards a brighter future.

The conference is being held in parallel with the ongoing UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP28) in Dubai.

The conference brings together experts from around the world to help mitigate the impacts of global warming on our planet, especially the oceans.

The opening ceremony was attended by Sheikh Engineer Salem bin Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Civil Aviation, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Kayed Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Economic Development in Ras Al Khaimah, and a number of directors and representatives of local departments and federal agencies, as well as a group of prominent international researchers and lecturers on global warming-related topics.

Dr. Saif Mohammed Al Ghais, Director General of EPDA, said that convening the sixth conference comes as an effort to develop successful solutions that support sustainability, in line with the efforts of the United Arab Emirates to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

“Through this conference we encourage engagement, knowledge sharing, communication and collaboration to identify needs and develop plans and proposals to advance understanding of the oceans and their role in climate change,” he added.

The conference will examine the role of oceans on the planet, healthy islands and oceans: the key to resilience to climate change, sustainable ocean transport and coastal development, ocean productivity and food security, and the blue economy.

The conference will feature presentations by experts in the field of oceanography, ecosystem restoration, climate science and environmental policy. Keynote speeches, student presentations and panels attendees will have the opportunity to network and participate in interactive workshops on the latest technology and innovations to combat greenhouse gas emissions and promote climate resilience.