COP28 – UN Climate Change Conference UAE
OVERVIEW:
Full end-to-end event management services. A mega event in terms of scale, significance, complexity, profile, and reach. Using our expertise across multi disciplines, we created a high-quality integrated environment to deliver all delegate spaces and conference requirements on a global stage.
INNOVATION & CREATIVITY (about the logo and digital app)
Identity managed end-to-end operations for COP28, also leading the design and application of its logo. Our award-winning creative team crafted a visionary logo and brand that captures the intricacy of life and heroes the interconnectedness between all species.
The story telling element of the logo and brand sought to highlight the beauty and fragility of planet earth representing the harmony of all living beings co-existing to remind us we have a duty to restore balance to the world through actions inspired at COP event’s ethos and the UAE’s commitment on bringing people and dialogue together.
Our design and colour palette, inspired by nature with a modern twist, was designed to maximise brand recognition and engage younger audiences. We developed a globally recognisable COP28 branding, ensuring a spectacular environment and international broadcast impact. Through inclusive design, we developed a visual language that resonated across cultures and languages to create emotional connections with COP’s mission.
Beyond static print, we extended the logo’s impact using animated digital sequences to add interest to physical and audio-visual spaces, ensuring effectiveness and consistency across platforms. For instance, a spotlight element elevated the presence of leaders and delegates on stage while watermarking broadcasts, complemented by dynamic backdrops and logos made for a contemporary visual aesthetic. Our spatial design encouraged engagement, fostering dialogue and action among delegates.
A first of its kind for a UNFCCC COP event, our digital team designed, developed and launched a unified mobile app for Blue and Green Zone visitors, praised by COP28 President-Designate & UAE Special Envoy for Climate Change, noting the elegant user-interface and seamless integration of virtual attendees.
We united physical and virtual event through a pioneering platform, created specifically for COP’s complex requirements – key features included intuitive interface, secure delegate website, integration of virtual attendees into the event experience, with full coverage of all 1,200 Blue Zone meetings, support for international media organisations and continuous updates of content, delegate info, wayfinding and more.
Overall, our comprehensive approach ensured COP28’s branding, and technology seamlessly supported its mission, enhancing engagement and amplifying impact.
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OBJECTIVES, PLANNING & EXECUTION
We ensured adherence to the Host Country Agreement, maintaining parity and flexibility for UNFCCC and host country programmes. Understanding the full scope of work required; technical, operational, and digital requirements was crucial to support conference needs and disseminate information globally. Identity was uniquely positioned to integrate these elements, drawing not only from experience but also from a deep understanding of the deliverables mandated by the UNFCCC. We provided guidance and assurance to the UAE Government, facilitating their first hosting of a global event of this magnitude, unifying world-leaders with a united message.
With a 9-month run up, a footprint of 479,651sqm, and working in a highly complex stakeholder environment, Identity convened a hand-picked and highly skilled cohort of over 350 event experts, which expanded to a team of over 5,000 onsite – the largest scale-up staffing operation for a single project in the world.
Delivery encompassed complex infrastructure, including large-scale VVIP facilities and an exclusive plenary hall with a 360° projection screen to host the World Climate Action Summit. It was attended by 200+ World leaders and witnessed by 1,400 in-person and broadcast to a wider global audience.
Detailed space planning facilitated high-level discussions, with meticulous visitor journey planning ensuring a world-class delegate experience. We managed host broadcast, media, and technical production, along with a complex ICT network – the largest broadcast infrastructure in the world. UN site handover during pre-sessional week enforced tight restrictions on deliveries and access, therefore necessitating completion and testing of all technical and operational elements prior to the high-security lockdown.
Stringent controls were adhered to, ensuring the proper allocation of labour to specific roles, effectively managing scheduling and the various shift patterns.
EFFECTIVENESS & RESULTS
As the primary event management vendor, we maintained close communication with the COP28 team, Expo City Dubai venue team, and other stakeholders, fostering a collaborative environment to ensure seamless coordination and optimal delivery.
Operating on a 24/7 basis with meetings extending into the evening posed significant operational challenges. Additionally, we successfully navigated unforeseen obstacles, including extreme weather conditions causing damage to the site just 10 days prior to the event’s commencement.
Communication across the globe is crucial to support efforts in reducing climate change. From devising the strategic plan to managing technical specifications and operational delivery, Identity worked closely with specialist host broadcast suppliers to deliver 350+ hours of live TV, reaching media organisations for a global audience.
COP28s political declarations, strong leadership, calls to action by non-state actors, and responses to Global Stocktake signalled unity and urgency. This highlighted the importance of collaboration and contributions from cities, businesses, youth, and Indigenous Peoples to translate promises into meaningful action and progress.
Ensuring COP28 UAE was sustainable and carbon-neutral was pivotal. We implemented ISO 20121-certified sustainable event management, focussing on waste management and carbon neutrality in compliance with PAS 2060.
COP28 UAE adopted 6 Sustainability Governing Principles (SGPs) designed to ensure responsible planning and delivery, including promoting sustainable behaviours, running an inclusive event, provide a sustainable experience and creating lasting legacies.
Identity achieved ISO 20121 certification before the event’s completion.
COP28 achieved remarkable milestones, attracting 115,000 attendees – 166 World Leaders, 3,000 participating virtually. Through innovative solutions, we delivered the most sustainable, accessible, and interactive COP to date, setting a new standard for future COP events.
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