UAE Year of Sustainability: Activations being planned for a healthier and more sustainable food culture in country

Youngsters in the UAE are being encouraged to form lasting sustainable habits, as part of the country’s Year of Sustainability (YOS) initiative. They are also being encouraged to take an active leadership role to spearhead changes in the country to build an eco-friendlier future. That is according to a spokesperson from the YOS team.

“We are working with UAE-based experts and we're engaging youth through social media platforms to encourage sustainable initiative, inspiring them with anecdotes from our ancestors and encouraging them to learn from our rich heritage of sustainability,” said Rauda Al Falasi, Year of Sustainability Working Team.

Last week, the group conducted a majlis titled Youth Clicks in Al Ain where sustainability and responsible consumption were discussed. The event was in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA) Youth Council, the National Experts Program and Al Ain Youth Council.

Collective action

The discussion was supported by UAE’s Year of Sustainability: Today For Tomorrow initiative, announced earlier this year by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The year-long initiative aims to inspire collective action towards a sustainable future of the UAE.

“Sustainability is as much about climate change as it is about individual practices, as our everyday habits collectively impact the environment,” said Rauda.

“As we advance, the Year of Sustainability will focus on initiatives to conserve UAE's biodiversity. It will also maintain and restore habitats and enhance ecosystems, and focus on reducing carbon emissions.”

According to her, the Year of Sustainability has planned upcoming activations to promote responsible food consumption, reduce food waste, portion food responsibly, promote plant-based diets for a healthier and more sustainable food culture in the UAE.

“In addition to this we want to encourage the public to switch to slow fashion and support more eco-friendly products,” Rauda said.

The event featured opening remarks by Mariam Almeraikhi, introducing three experts from the Year of Sustainability’s Experts Network, including Abdulla Al Remeithi, Ali Al Shimmari and Maitha Al Hameli.

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