Canada and the United Arab Emirates leading global push for decarbonization of cement

The two countries launch joint breakthrough initiative on cement and concrete at COP28

December 6, 2023 – Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, and His Excellency Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology of the United Arab Emirates, issued the following joint statement today:

“Today, Canada and the United Arab Emirates launched the Cement and Concrete Breakthrough—an unmatched international initiative to accelerate investments in the decarbonization of the cement and concrete sector through deeper, global collaboration.

“Canada and the United Arab Emirates are committed to championing this initiative, building on existing channels for industrial decarbonization cooperation in order to support rapid and large-scale emissions reductions in this key industrial sector.

“We underscore the scope of the challenge, given the prevalence of cement and concrete in the built environment worldwide, and we invite our international counterparts to join these efforts by endorsing this breakthrough’s agenda.

“Today marks a significant moment for us as we launch this breakthrough initiative with the overarching goal of making clean cement the preferred choice in global markets and with the objective of having near-zero emission cement production established and growing in every region of the world by 2030. All countries endorsing this initiative will commit to supporting this goal.

“Together, we will pursue three pillars of work for the breakthrough initiative in 2024:

1. Agree with partner countries on priority actions to measurably advance decarbonization in the cement and concrete sector
2. Convene thematic dialogues to share best practices in the sector with the involvement of developed and emerging economies
3. Facilitate the leadership of governmental, private sector and non-governmental partners in achieving the overarching goal of the initiative

“Canada and the United Arab Emirates are pleased to launch this work alongside the inaugural cohort of endorsing countries, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, Türkiye and Germany. By growing participation and building on the experience of the founding members, the Cement and Concrete Breakthrough initiative is well placed to accelerate decarbonization efforts in the sector.

“We also underline the substantial role for industry in this initiative’s work and will actively seek insights from all participants on pragmatic and effective pathways to reduce emissions within the sector.

“Canada and the United Arab Emirates believe that through innovation and deeper collaboration, the world can reach its goal of a global net-zero cement and concrete sector to help ensure a cleaner future for all.”