Key Points
US President Joe Biden has decided against attending the Cop28 gathering of world leaders in Dubai this week, confirmed by a US official on Sunday.P)..
Reuters had previously indicated that Biden's participation in the United Nations' "Conference of the Parties" (COP28), set to commence on Thursday, was uncertain due to the pressing demands of ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and the anticipated intensification of his presidential campaign in January..
The White House released President Biden's schedule for Thursday, revealing his engagements including a bilateral meeting with President Joo Manuel Gonalves Loureno of the Republic of Angola and attendance at the National Tree Lighting event, highlighting conflicting commitments influencing his decision not to attend the COP28 in Dubai..
Despite Biden's absence, numerous countries are poised to advocate for an unprecedented global agreement aimed at phasing out carbon dioxide-emitting coal, oil, and gas during the Dubai meeting..
While UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is anticipated to attend, the opening speeches are slated to be delivered by King Charles, UN Secretary-General Antnio Guterres, UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan, and His Holiness, the Pope..
