Day Ten of COP29 in the UAE focused on critical themes of the built environment, gender, and humanitarianism, emphasizing the intersection of lives, livelihoods, and climate action.
Razan Al Mubarak, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion at COP29, opened the day with the Alliance for Gender Responsive Climate Finance, stressing that “climate impact is not gender neutral.” Former Irish President Mary Robinson echoed this, highlighting that grassroots women leaders are key to accelerating climate solutions. The session emphasized integrating gender equality and climate finance to foster a resilient global economy.
The UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI) unveiled the UAE 3D Digital Twin in collaboration with Spotnik Technologies. This groundbreaking platform, described by Naseibah Abdulla Almarzooqi as “a digital replica of UAE infrastructure,” uses AI to enhance sustainability and livability in urban planning.
Discussions on urban transformation continued with "Redefining Mobility in a Planetary Urban Sprawl" and "Innovating the Future: UAE's Path to Sustainable, Circular, and Cognitive Cities." Pooja Ganatra of Buro Happold outlined the circular economy as a system where materials are perpetually reused, citing Masdar’s initiative to recycle nine million plastics.
The session “Strengthening Climate Action in Countries Affected by Armed Conflict” highlighted the UAE’s leadership in integrating climate action into foreign policy. Sheikha Dr. Moza bint Tahnoun Al Nahyan and other leaders emphasized humanitarian responses, which have constituted 35% of UAE development aid in the past decade.
The day concluded with initiatives like the National Green Home Loans Program, promoting sustainable construction through affordable financing. These discussions underscored the UAE’s commitment to innovative, inclusive, and practical climate solutions.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
