27th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol kicks off today in UAE

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, November 1st 2015 - In the presence of H.E. Dr. Rashid Ahmed Bin Fahad, Minister of Environment and Water, the 27th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol (MOP 27) on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer opened today (Sunday, November 1, 2015) at the Conrad Hotel in Dubai. Running until November 5, 2015, representatives from a total of 197 countries attended the meeting, including more than 50 ministers and international figures from the environment, labor, economic and industrial sectors, heads of international organizations, 500 high-profile officials from specialized UN organizations, the private sector, universities, research centers, and regional organizations.

In his speech, H.E. Bin Fahad lauded the international community for its commitment to address cross-border issues as well as its steadfastness to global development policies.  After the world has focused its attention on the alarming health, economic and environmental repercussions of ozone depletion, H.E. Bin Fahad said that the UAE has taken necessary measures for the preservation of the ozone layer.  

H.E. revealed that the open-ended working group meetings that took place ahead of MOP 27 in Dubai had been successful after reaching a full consensus on the creation of a contact group tasked to study the management of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).  This recommendation has been included in the MOP 27’s agenda for appropriate discussions and decision-making. 

The Minister reiterated the UAE’s commitment to the objectives and goals of the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer, the Montreal Protocol, and various conferences of the parties. He said that the UAE looks forward to the recommendations to be made during MOP 27 as another step towards success since efforts to protect the ozone layer already began 30 years ago. The results of the meeting will also play an important role when the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change convenes in Paris next month. 

During the course of MOP 27, the attendees will discuss four proposals from 40 countries regarding the Protocol’s provisions on the production and consumption of HFCs. The countries seek a joint vision for an efficient HFC management system that meets the needs of the industrial sector in developing countries, especially arid nations. This requires economically feasible and environment-friendly materials, devices and new technologies with efficient cooling and energy use. 

All parties will discuss various issues, including ozone-depleting substances and the given timelines in accordance with the provisions of the Montreal Protocol.

The UAE is hosting MOP 27 in line with its commitment to and support for the Vienna Convention, the Montreal Protocol, and other regional and international environmental efforts. By hosting the gathering, the country also aims to increase the awareness of local and international communities regarding their role in ozone layer protection. It also aspires to reinforce before international forums its position as the first Arab country to take more effective steps in reducing the effects of climate change and developing and implementing innovative solutions for environmental protection and sustainability as part of UAE Vision 2021.