Mia Mottley Awarded First Class Order of Zayed II for Climate Finance Efforts

Prime Minister Mia Mottley’s “tireless efforts in promoting climate finance” have earned her the First Class Order of Zayed II, alongside other prominent international figures.

The UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, presented Mottley and eight others with the award in appreciation of their efforts and contributions to the success of COP28 which was held in Dubai last year, and reaching the historic UAE Agreement.

“Receiving this honour alongside so many distinguished leaders reinforces my belief that when nations unite, we can create lasting change,” Mottley posted on social media after accepting the award at the UAE’s permanent mission to the United Nations in New York, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly meetings.

“This honour is not just a recognition of my work, but a testament to the tireless efforts of all those in Barbados and beyond who strive for a sustainable future.”

According to Sheikh Abdullah, her recognition was for “her tireless efforts in promoting climate finance and her commitment to supporting the COP29 presidency in including everyone in climate action”.

Among the list of honourees were Norway’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide; Minister for Sustainability and the Environment in Singapore Grace Fu; Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General on Climate Ambition and Solutions Michael Bloomberg; CEO and Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All, Damilola Ogunbiyi; Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Francesco La Camera; Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of IBM Arvind Krishna; Chairman and CEO of Bank of America Brian Moynihan; and Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Simon Stiell.

At the ceremony where he presented the medals on behalf of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Abdullah said: “We are pleased to honour several global officials who have made effective contributions to climate action and demonstrated the feasibility of multilateral efforts in achieving significant results.”

The Chairman of the COP28 Higher Committee also highlighted the UAE’s commitment to strengthening international cooperation and raising ambition in future rounds of nationally determined contributions, stating that the country continues to support global climate action in preparation for COP29 through the COP Presidencies Troika – Roadmap to Mission 1.5.