The Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) obtained the observer status at the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations’ Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), during its 28th session, held by the United Nations, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from 30 November through 12 December 2023.

The COP Secretariat informed ICESCO that the Organization’s request to be admitted as an observer has been approved. This would facilitate ICESCO’s participation in the special activities and sittings of upcoming conference sessions through its delegations to discuss climate issues and examine ways to support ICESCO Member States in environmental preservation, starting from “COP 29,” to be hosted by the Republic of Azerbaijan, in 2024.

This observer status will allow ICESCO to intensify its efforts in environmental protection inside and outside of its Member States, thus enabling the Organization to effectively contribute to enhancing flexible and sustainable policies to mitigate the effects of climate change. ICESCO holds a significant interest in environmental affairs, as evidenced by its cooperation with various institutions, universities, and research centers in its Member States, aiming to innovate new solutions that leverage the digital revolution, artificial intelligence applications, and space sciences.

ICESCO endeavors to instill a culture of environmental protection in the Islamic world by developing and implementing numerous programs, projects, and workshops focusing on supporting scientific research in environmental conservation.

It is noteworthy that the Conference of the Parties (COP), which have been convening annually since 1995, is the body responsible for monitoring the implementation of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, involving the parties that have signed the convention, totaling 198 members.