UAE wants to host 2023's international climate change conference

The UAE has asked to host the COP 28 international conference on climate change in its capital Abu Dhabi in 2023, state news agency WAM reported on Sunday.

The Gulf country has put forward a bid to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to host the annual Conference of the Parties (COP 28), the statement said.

"COP 28 will represent a pivotal moment to capitalise on this opportunity, and our vision is to work with all countries to realize their net economic benefits from accelerated action," said Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, according to the report.

"As COP 28 host, the UAE would leverage its experience as a regional and global convener to mobilise all actors in achieving the Paris Agreement and reinforcing the compelling investment case for raising ambitions," Sheikh Abdullah added. 

The UAE, a major oil exporter, hosts the International Renewable Energy Agency's (IRENA) headquarters. It is also a signatory to the Paris Agreement.

"Climate impacts are already being acutely felt, but our experience gives us optimism that we can meet global climate goals while creating social and economic opportunities - with contributions coming from all corners of the globe," the minister said.

"The UAE has invested around $US17 billion ($A22 billion) in commercial renewable energy projects on six continents and provided over $US1 billion ($A1.3 billion) of grants and soft loans for renewable energy power plants."

The UK is set to host the next summit, COP 26, in the Scottish city of Glasgow in November.