COP28: Why it matters - Beca to attend global climate summit

Beca is on the countdown to this year's Conference of Parties (COP) climate summit in Dubai, which our CEO Amelia Linzey and Industrial Group Director Jimmy Walsh are attending as part of a New Zealand business delegation.

Held from 30 November to 12 December, COP is the annual forum and main decision-making body of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It is where the world takes decisions on the global response to the climate crisis. The presentation of the first Global Stocktake (GST), assessing progress since adopting the Paris Agreement, will be a significant moment.

COP28 serves as an important platform for acknowledging the intricacies and interdependencies of sustainability. It acknowledges the relationships between climate action, social equity, economic resilience, and global collaboration.

This year will be the first where Aotearoa New Zealand sends a business delegation, convened by New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE).

By attending we seek to strengthen our partnerships with the global climate action community, and with our fellow attendees on the delegation. Representing at COP28 will also present opportunities for the wider Asia Pacific region, by supporting the bid by Australia and Pacific Island neighbours to co-host COP31 in 2026. We hope to draw focus to the unique challenges facing our diverse communities, and to signal our commitment to a more sustainable, equitable and climate-resilient future.

"COP28 presents a unique opportunity for Beca - as an Asia Pacific business proudly founded in Aotearoa - to support the New Zealand delegation and our shared commitment to achieving meaningful environmental and social outcomes for Asia Pacific. Many countries in our region, and globally, face existential threats from sea-level rise and forecast climate change-driven weather events, impacting our communities," says Amelia Linzey, Beca CEO. 

"Additionally, the conference’s key themes closely reflect areas where we believe our delivery focus and creative expertise can have the most positive impact, to support our clients and partners in decarbonisation, strengthening adaptation and resilience to climate change, and promoting good resource stewardship."

Maximising the value of the opportunity, Amelia and Jimmy will listen, observe, and participate in discussions, and wherever possible, advocate for change. Key outputs, learnings and takeaways from the conference will be shared with our people, clients, partners and communities so that together, we can continue to create innovative solutions to the challenges ahead.

While the entire programme speaks to important issues, the themes and days Amelia and Jimmy will be focusing on most, include:

• 5 December - Energy and industry, just transition
• 5 December - Indigenous peoples
• 6 December - Multi-level action, urbanisation, the built environment and transport
• 9 December - Nature, land use and oceans
• 10 December - Food, agriculture and water.

Ambitious and meaningful action is needed for the world to deliver on the Paris Agreement goals and limit global warming to a 1.5C trajectory. We are committed to being part of the solutions that will be needed to achieve this goal, working in partnership with our clients and our communities.

Find out more about COP28 here – https://www.cop28.com