Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and the Environment, underscored the importance and inevitability of facing the challenge of climate change and its repercussions that affect public health, the availability of food, water, air, wildlife and biodiversity with the participation of all components and sectors of society, led by the governments of the seven emirates of the UAE.
On the occasion of the signing of the UAE Governments Net Zero 2050 Charter, Almheiri stated,
“With the UAE hosting COP28 later this year and in line with the Year of Sustainability, we are adopting innovative solutions and the latest available technologies in the actual implementation of the initiative.
"With the signing of the UAE Governments Net Zero 2050 Charter, we are working hard to realise the country’s goals towards achieving net zero by 2050, and we are committed to moving forward in taking the necessary measures to contribute to global climate action in order to ensure a more sustainable future.”
Saif Saeed Ghobash, Secretary-General of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, said that the signing and adoption of the UAE Governments Net Zero by 2050 Charter on the side-lines of today’s cabinet meeting, reflects the leadership’s unbounded commitment to supporting climate action and to strengthening efforts to tackle the causes of climate change by pooling the efforts of local and federal entities to achieve the goals of the UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategic Initiative.
Through the new charter, we will accelerate our work across local governments to help find innovative, long-term solutions to reducing carbon emissions across every sphere, he added.
"As we prepare to host the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP28) from 30th November to 12th December 2023, this charter represents a milestone commitment to consolidating the efforts of all local and federal stakeholders to advance government climate action in the UAE. This is not the beginning, but a continuation of our nation’s impactful efforts, regionally and globally, to tackling climate change, which is increasingly becoming a major obstacle to economic and social development around the world.
“The UAE Governments Net Zero by 2050 Charter marks the next phase of our commitment - building on an established track record of achievements in tackling climate change, to continue driving sustainable economic growth and build a secure future for current and future generations,”
he explained.
Abdulla Al Basti, Secretary-General of The Executive Council of Dubai, noted,
“The UAE has long been a pioneer in sustainability and in adopting environmentally conscious practices. It was the first country in the MENA region to commit to climate neutrality by 2050. By signing the Climate Neutral Governments Charter 2050 today, the UAE takes another significant stride towards securing a brighter future for the generations to come. This milestone reaffirms the UAE's commitment to global sustainability and a responsible member of the international community committed to achieving climate neutrality, which will be prominently showcased when the country hosts COP28 in November at Expo City Dubai”.
Al Basti added,
“Dubai continues its affirmation and commitment to achieving the goals of the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative, proactively implementing measures and programmes aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of climate change on biodiversity, the environment, and public health, to actively contribute to social and economic prosperity, which will ensure a sustainable and promising future for all.”
Dr. Saeed Saif Al Matrooshi, Secretary-General of the Executive Council in Ajman, said that the signing of the “UAE Net Zero 2050” reflects the UAE's commitment to achieving sustainable development and a green economy, establishing more prosperous societies, and enjoying a better future, stressing that it also strengthens the UAE's position as a global leading model in tackling effective actions regarding climate changes, in order to achieve the government’s goals to serve all mankind.
“The UAE Net Zero 2050 confirms the guarantee of integration on a national level, with the participation of all local and federal governments within the UAE, in order to make the cities of the UAE an ideal destination for living and stability, and becoming a business centre for work and investment opportunities.”
he added.
Dr. Al Matrooshi emphasised that
“the government of Ajman continues to work under the directives of its wise leadership to achieve the goal of transforming Ajman City into a sustainable, environmentally friendly city that preserves nature, achieving a balance between economic ambitions and societal aspirations, according to the highest levels of quality for current and future generations.”
For his part, Dr. Mohamed Abdullatif Khalifa, Secretary-General of Ras Al Khaimah's Executive Council, highlighted that the UAE model of integration and joint national actions represents a pioneering civilized approach whose fruits are evident in various aspects of the nation’s journey.
He said,
“The Net Zero Charter is a unique path whose principles are inspired by this model. This charter reflects the insightful leadership vision in building strategies and responding to humanitarian and global issues. The pursuit of a world where the requirements of prosperity available to humanity is not a response to the current developments and challenges highlighted by the media, but a strong conviction founded by the UAE's Founding Father and which has been translated by the government, thanks to the wise leadership directions, to initiatives, programmes, institutions and innovations in realisation that the future of the world is a common destiny that requires concerted efforts and mobilisation of resources for the benefit of humanity.”
“Unifying our efforts, aligning our actions, and rallying around a common national path and ambitious strategy to deal with the challenges of carbon emissions is a strong indication of the country's firm commitment to dealing with climate and environmental issues efficiently and competently.”
Mohammed Saeed Al Dhanhani, Director of Fujairah Emiri Court, said that the UAE has succeeded in establishing its position on the world map as an ideal destination for living and working, and has established advanced communities that contribute to achieving steady economic growth by continuing to search for and use new energy sources and invest in renewable energy in building cities in line with the UAE’s climate ambition.
Al Dhanhani also stressed that the emirate of Fujairah, under the directives of H.H. Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah, and the supervision of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, is working to harness all the capabilities and efforts of local entities to achieve the targeted ambition of Fujairah in mitigating the climate change repercussions and enhancing capabilities for adapting to it, in order to reach global and regional leadership and implement the UAE Net Zero by 2050 strategic vision.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
