UAE commits to boosting collaboration among MENA countries to enhance climate ambitions

Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, He affirmed that the UAE is committed to boosting collaboration between Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries to enhance their climate ambitions to reduce carbon emissions, boost their climate adaptation, and reallocate climate finance and investments to support this goal and push. sustainable development.

He did this during his participation, as part of a delegation from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, in it Middle East and North Africa Climate Week (MENACW 2023), held from October 8 to 12 in Riyadh.

The event is organized by the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and organized by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

At the beginning of the week, Almheiri participated in a high-level GCC ministerial meeting, which included HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, Minister of Energy of Saudi Arabia; Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and President-designate of COP28; Jassem Al Budaiwi, Secretary General of the GCC; Salim Al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals of Oman; Sameh Shoukry, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Egypt and President-designate of COP27.

During his speech, Almheiri said that he MENA Climate Week It comes at a critical time, with just 53 days left until COP28 begins in the United Arab Emirates, and aims to share visions and solutions, paving the way for future deliberations during the conference, which will include the first global stocktake.

“MENA countries share many of the dangers posed by the consequences of climate change, which requires quickly finding solutions that are more effective in increasing their capacity to confront and adapt to these changes. “The UAE’s view is that we must take swift action to lead a just and equitable energy transition for countries in the region by replacing traditional energy systems with clean and renewable alternatives, while ensuring future energy security.”

She explained.

Almheiri aggregate,

“Through the COP28 Agriculture and Food Systems Agenda, we see these systems as a safe haven for many of the countries in our region and the world, as they are among the most vital climate adaptation and resilience solutions that also They help reduce global CO2 emissions. We have accelerated our efforts in this area by launching the Emirates Declaration on Resilient Food Systems, Sustainable Agriculture and Climate Action last July. And last month, we presented an initial draft of the declaration to agriculture ministers around the world for feedback, and the final declaration will be presented for world leaders to sign.”

He UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment called on all GCC agriculture ministers to support the Emirates Declaration on Resilient Food Systems, Sustainable Agriculture and Climate Action by ratifying it, and invited them to join the ‘Agricultural innovation for the climate‘, launched in collaboration with the United States, and the ‘Mangrove Alliance for Climate’launched in collaboration with Indonesia, to develop solutions to combat climate change and drive climate adaptation.

Almheiri He also participated in a Ministerial Panel titled “Towards a global adaptation goal that adapts to a 1.5 degree world”, attended by Dr. Rola Dashti, Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA); Adel bin Ahmad Al-Jubeir, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Climate Envoy of Saudi Arabia; Yasmine Fouad, Minister of the Environment of Egypt; Aminath Shauna, Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Technology of the Maldives; and Leila Chikhaoui, Minister of the Environment of Tunisia.

During the panel, he explained that the consequences of climate change are unjust and unjust, disproportionately impacting some communities more than others. This only emphasizes the need for inclusivity in our collective response to the climate crisis. He noted that the UAE is determined to ensure that no one is left behind and that all voices are heard.

“During COP28, we plan to use this platform to generate further debate on international cooperation, capacity building and what additional steps are needed to support developing countries and the most vulnerable among us.”

Almheiri he continued saying.

He indicated that technology and financing are the cornerstone to achieving that goal by sharing technological solutions and ensuring their large-scale implementation, while creating flexible and streamlined financial systems that developing countries have easy access to.

Almheiri He affirmed that supporting the countries most affected by climate change is essential to strengthen their collective adaptation capacities, considering the situation of each country. He also called on all those involved to engage in dialogue and true cooperation to ensure that climate action and environmental conservation goals are achieved.

He MENA Climate Week Dr Nawal Al Hosany, Acting Deputy Undersecretary for Green Development and Climate Change Sector at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, was also seen participating in a panel organized by Tadweer (Abu Dhabi Waste Management Company) on regional efforts towards the decrabonization of waste. management industry.

Al-Hosany highlighted ‘Zero Waste’a global initiative launched by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment in partnership with Tadweer, to mobilize and promote waste decarbonization efforts and establish a circular economy platform.

He stressed the importance of decarbonizing this sector, responsible for approximately 3% to 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, adding that the initiative will help limit pollution, since around 50% of solid waste in the world they are disposed of illegally or in a way that wastes their recyclability value.

“The main objective of the Waste to Zero initiative is to unite strategic partners, waste management companies, waste producers, non-governmental organizations and academics to activate viable solutions to decarbonize the waste management value chain. “This aligns with our drive to reduce emissions across the sector, in line with the Paris Agreement and efforts to establish a circular economy.”

She explained.

Tomorrow, Mohammad Saeed Al Nuaimi, Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, He is scheduled to participate in the Arab League Ministerial Meeting, where he will showcase the key climate challenges facing the region and the role of COP28 in reaching practical solutions to these challenges by ensuring an organized, fair and responsible energy transition.

Al-Nuaimi It will also highlight the importance of reaching agreement during COP28 on the adoption of a comprehensive and fair framework to achieve the global adaptation goal and improve the capacity of communities to combat climate change and limit its impact.

He Middle East and North Africa Climate Week (MENACW 2023) is one of four Regional Climate Weeks organized this year by the UNFCCC in collaboration with global partners the United Nations Development Programme, the United Nations Environment Programme, and the World Bank Group. .

News source: Emirates News Agency