UAE actively engaged in transition to green economy

The UAE is now actively engaged in ensuring its transition into a green economy so as to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations (UN) and address key climate change challenges, experts said at a press conference ahead of the World Green Economy Summit (WGES 2019).
WGES 2019 will be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center on October 20-21, 2019. The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) is organising the summit in collaboration with the World Green Economy Organization (WGEO) under the theme 'Innovative Technologies for a Sustainable Economy'. The event will focus on three key pillars - Sustainable Development Mechanisms; International Cooperation to support the Green Economy System; and Adoption of Green Innovative Solutions.
"The UAE actively pursues the transition to a green economy through a host of legislations, initiatives, and projects that strike a balance between economic growth and preserving its environment and natural resources. This is the cornerstone of the green economy. The shift is projected to boost the UAE's GDP by 4-5.5 per cent and create 169,000 new jobs by 2030," said Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment. "Since its inception five years ago, WGES has facilitated the exchange of knowledge and successful experiences in sustainability, and highlighted the UAE's efforts in driving green economic growth. Through its annual Dubai Declaration, WGES established a springboard for green finance."
"While our wise leadership is keen to build a more sustainable environment, we aim to find long term solutions that address the challenges in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030, and the transition to green economy to ensure a sustainable future for us and generations to come," said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, vice chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy in Dubai, MD and CEO of Dewa, and chairman of WGES. "In the past five editions, WGES has played a vital role in formulating effective responses to the damaging impact of environmental degradation and the use of the earth's finite natural resources to support our economic system. Humanity is already suffering the consequences of these unsustainable practices and there is an urgent need to reinforce the green economy systems around the world."
"Transformational projects such as the creation of solar power plants, adoption of electric cars, digitisation, supporting infrastructure as well as the construction of sustainable, low-carbon urban communities across the UAE demonstrate how we can continue to achieve progress while at the same time protecting the environment and conserving natural resources for generations to come," he explained.
Al Tayer also revealed that the sixth edition of the summit will be graced by a number of presidents and influential global leaders, including Ban Ki Moon, former secretary general of the United Nations; François Hollande, former president of France; Felipe Calderón, former president of Mexico; Juan Manuel Santos, former president of Colombia; and Julia Gillard, former prime minister of Australia.
- rohma@khaleejtimes.com