During his visit to Dubai for the UN Climate Change Conference (COP28), Cyprus' President Nikos Christodoulides announced plans to explore ways of transforming select communities and villages in Cyprus into green, sustainable environments.

In his statements, President Christodoulides emphasized the significance of COP28 as “one of the most important” global events, considering the critical climate issues being discussed. He stressed the need for an accelerated implementation of Cyprus' climate strategy, a key topic since the 2015 Paris Summit.

The President highlighted two main concerns emerging from the conference and his bilateral meetings. Firstly, he addressed the urgency for each country to act more swiftly. Specifically for Cyprus, he discussed initiating the gradual transformation of certain communities and villages into green and sustainable ones, marking it as a primary objective.

The second issue he raised was the need to cultivate a society-wide culture that recognizes climate change as a concern for the entire population. He noted that while the new generation in Cyprus and globally are actively engaging with this issue due to concerns about their future, it is a matter that impacts everyone. President Christodoulides emphasized the importance of fostering a broader awareness and a quicker pace in achieving the goals set in 2015.

He also acknowledged the multitude of challenges faced, particularly those unique to Cyprus and its region. The President mentioned that the effects of climate change are already being felt, leading to the Cyprus Initiative in 2019. This initiative aims for regional consultation regarding the implementation of necessary actions to address these challenges.