United Nations: COP28

Delivering the largest COP in history for the United Nations and the UAE

COP28 was the UAE’s first major international gathering of world leaders, held for the United Nations in Dubai. The UAE Government, Identity’s client, needed brand and experience design across 14 days for 80,000+ attendees, 166 world leaders, 5,000+ media and 3,000+ virtual participants. Identity ran the climate summit event management for the Blue Zone.

Key stats

80k+

In-person attendees across 14 days, plus 3,000+ virtual participants: the largest attendance at any COP

166

World leaders hosted in a custom-built theatre

5k+

Media attendees carrying COP28 to a global audience

480k m²

Footprint spanning multiple venues and green field sites

The challenge

Identity had nine months to deliver a full-service scope across a complex global stakeholder group, with the aim of the most sustainable and accessible COP to date.

The scope covered production, operations and logistics, brand development, creative and content, conference management, technology, media operations, digital and sponsorship.

Dr Sultan Al Jaber, COP28 President, addressing delegates at the UN Climate Change Conference in Dubai

The approach

Drawing on its experience delivering COP26, Identity worked with the UAE, UNFCCC, UNDSS and other high-level partners.

Working closely with the UAE

Identity worked with the UAE to understand its objectives and guiding principles, and turned them into the creative and event strategy for the Blue Zone.

Placing the guest experience at the heart of the design

Identity designed the Blue Zone as one connected environment, including a dedicated Presidency space that hosted 166 world leaders and global thought leaders at the World Climate Action Summit, a first for a COP.

COP28 President Dr Sultan Al Jaber addressing international delegates inside the circular Majlis conference space in Dubai

The result

Green COP28 UAE reusable water bottle being filled at a drinking water refill station

COP28 had the largest attendance of any COP to date, with 80,000+ people on site and 3,000+ taking part virtually.

Identity convened and aligned a complex network of stakeholders and suppliers across the programme.

By finding efficiencies across the project lifecycle and using effective procurement strategies, Identity delivered COP28 well within the assigned budget.