International network: annual report 2023-2024

International Strategy In Action: United Arab Emirates and COP28

The UN climate conference, COP28, took place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 30 November to 13 December 2023, with both the First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Net Zero and Just Transition attending. At COP28, the Scottish Government sought to build on the role played at previous COPs. At COP26 in Glasgow, Scotland was the first Global North country to commit funding to address loss and damage. At COP27, Scotland played a particular role in pushing for greater action to support Global South countries experiencing loss and damage as a result of climate change. In terms of trade and investment, the Glasgow event was used as a platform for engaging with investors and showcasing Scotland’s net zero economic strengths.

Our successful programme of international engagement around COP28 shows in practice how the priority themes we have established in the International Strategy interrelate, covering climate diplomacy and advocacy, leveraging relationships and building new connections along with wide-ranging trade and investment activity supporting the green transition.

We have previously published a full report on COP28 outcomes, achievements and costs.^[10] Highlights include:

• leadership on loss and damage building momentum towards increased global action on and urgent funding for loss and damage.
• co-Chairmanship of the Under2 Coalition supports increased ambition and action towards net zero, a just transition and resilience by both party and Non-Party States and Governments (NPSG).
• commitment to low carbon energy under a Just Transition to Net Zero, in particular around offshore wind and hydrogen, influences others to do more to achieve Net Zero.
• building and maintaining both diplomatic and economic international relations to attract investment in strategic sectors in Scotland and enhance Scotland’s global reputation, particularly on renewable energy.
• on Climate Justice, we continued our work building momentum on adequate funding to address loss and damage. Scotland was the first Global North country to commit funding (£2 million) to addressing loss and damage at COP26. This was followed by subsequent announcements at COP27 (£5 million), New York Climate Week 2023 (£1 million), and a further £2 million at COP28. Through this Scotland, working with our partners in the Global South, has helped keep the spotlight firmly on the issue over the last two years.
• the First Minister attended the World Leaders Summit, the first time a Scottish First Minister has attended such an event at a COP.

The partnership objective included a separate but related business programme to realise net zero trade and investment opportunities, including continuing to strengthen economic and investment relationships with the UAE following Scotland’s successful participation in the Dubai Expo. The business programme was led by the Scottish Government’s Directorate of Trade and Investment with key partners of SDI and the Scottish Chambers of Commerce working in a ‘Team Scotland’ partnership. Highlights include:

• hosting the St Andrew’s Day event at the start of the First Minister’s COP programme provided an opportunity to showcase £30,000 of complementary sustainable Scottish food and drink provided by 21 companies to 250 guests, including GlobalScots.
• joining King Charles during the formal opening of the Dubai Campus of Heriot Watt University.
• organising over 20 engagements for the Scottish business delegates over 4 days including networking events, showcasing events, meetings, roundtables, investor showcases, site visits and tours.
• showcasing Scottish net zero strengths in areas such as space and financial services during COP events.
• at the invitation of the UAE Ministry of Economy, participating in the first ever Trade Day at a COP.

The First Minister and Cabinet Secretary also supported a business delegation of 19 net zero focused Scottish companies. Scottish Government facilitated opportunities for the delegation to present their tech to delegates and to pitch for capital investment from the UAE and international venture capitalists.

Survey feedback results from business delegates indicates that:

• 94% found the business delegation programme valuable.
• 100% found the business delegation programme to be well executed.
• 88% made positive trade connections for new business.
• 424 new contacts were made.
• 94% expanded their network.
• 69% identified new prospects and/or clients.

SDI has validated the forecast export sales delegates secured through the COP 28 business programme. Fourteen companies reported forecast export sales of £66.74 million over three years with three already reporting business won due to their participation. Delegates also advised that these sales have the potential to create or safeguard 92 new or other ‘green jobs’ over the next three years. Four companies have business leads due to their participation in our investor showcase session.