Coldplay band highlights commitment to Sustainable Development Goals at Expo Dubai 2020
The band Coldplay will perform at the Dubai World Expo 2020 on 15 February, combining an incredible musical experience in support of the Expo's People and Planet Programme and in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Coldplay prides itself on its commitment and responsibility to the environment and strives to keep its emissions as low as possible. As the first country in the region to announce a Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative, the UAE has gained global recognition for its commitment to a low-carbon world and sees climate action as an opportunity for sustainable economic growth, an approach that will gain global momentum as the country prepares to host the COP28 climate summit in Abu Dhabi in 2023.
As a city of the future built on sustainable principles, in collaboration with 192 nations around the world, Expo 2020 Dubai is a fitting partner for Coldplay as it seeks solutions to some of the world's biggest challenges, including preserving the planet for future generations. Through its People and Planet Programme, Expo 2020 Dubai is bringing together diverse global voices and generating new ideas among policy makers, businesses and people alike to chart a clear path towards immediate action.
Al-Wasl's on-site performance is part of Expo Dubai 2020's Infinite Nights series, uniting the shared goals of Coldplay and the UAE and will lead by example, inspiring climate awareness and galvanising action to preserve our planet with a magical and unforgettable concert, free to Expo visitors and streamed online worldwide.
"As a musical band, we always try to put togetherness and sustainability at the heart of everything we do. It is an honour to be invited to perform at Expo 2020 Dubai Infinite Nights for a special celebration of these two themes," said the members of Coldplay.
Sultan Ahmed al-Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Special Climate Envoy, said: "This initiative is a great example of how all sectors of society can make a significant contribution to a net zero emissions world, and aligns with the UAE's inclusive approach to its 'Net Zero by 2050' strategic initiative. With 90% of global economies now aiming for net zero, the UAE looks forward to collaborating with all willing partners in the run-up to COP 27 in Egypt and COP 28 in the UAE, which will represent a crucial stock-taking moment to measure climate progress in line with the Paris Agreement. I am delighted that Coldplay has chosen to use its considerable popularity to engage with its fan base to promote sustainable development and a brighter, lower carbon future.
The Paris Agreement is an international climate change treaty, adopted at the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) in Paris in 2015, which aims to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Reem al-Hashimy, UAE Minister of International Cooperation and CEO of Expo 2020 Dubai, said: "Expo 2020 Dubai is uniquely positioned as the largest global gathering of its time, demonstrating the best of humanity's quest for progress and opportunity for all. It represents what can be achieved when nations and organisations come together for people and planet.
"I warmly welcome Coldplay's mission to raise awareness and action and show how we all have the power to make a difference. This is true whether as a government, business or individual and in the 11 million visitors who have experienced Expo 2020 so far, we have witnessed a collective desire to move towards a cleaner, safer and healthier world for all."
In March 2022, the four-piece band, comprising vocalist and pianist Chris Martin; guitarist Jonny Buckland; bassist Guy Berryman; and drummer Will Champion, will embark on their 'Music of the Spheres World Tour'. The tour took two years of planning, with Coldplay working with a variety of environmental experts to incorporate initiatives that aim to reduce carbon emissions by up to 50 percent compared to the band's previous tours.
Coldplay's performance at Expo 2020 is the first exciting step towards a wider collaboration between the British band and the UAE, and the performance marks the beginning of a meaningful long-term relationship to drive action to create a cleaner, healthier world for all. Coldplay said they would "love to return to the UAE as part of the Music of the Spheres world tour".
Text, photos and video: Expo Dubai 2020
