Sustainable Communities Represent the Core to Adapting to Climate Change: H.E Mariam Almheiri
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment held the fourth in a series of eight nationwide COP28 Changemakers Majlis sessions under the theme “Green and Sustainable Communities” at House of Wisdom in Sharjah.
The initiative held before the launch of the COP28 later this month in the UAE. The sessions bring together several climate leaders and experts from the government, the private sector, and other sectors.
The topic of the Majlis in Sharjah centred on innovations and challenges linked to designing, building, and championing greener, more sustainable communities in the UAE.
The Majlis was chaired by Her Excellency Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, and moderated by Eng. Aisha Al Abdooli, Director of the Green Development Department at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment.
The Majlis was attended by H.E Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, CEO, The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) and H.E Mohammed Juma’a Al Musharrakh, CEO of Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah).
The attendees also comprised representatives from the private sector, the research and academic sectors, entrepreneurs, and youth.
The event brought together climate leaders, experts, and government representatives, and focused on the importance of building greener, more resilient communities.
Attendees discussed how local governments and the private sector can collaborate to support communities across the United Arab Emirates, and how technology could be used to make change.
The Majlis focused on building green and sustainable communities that are more resilient and adaptable to climate change. The attendees discussed how local governments and the private sector work together to support UAE communities.
H.E Mariam Almheiri said the COP28 Changemakers Majlis reflects the UAE’s track record in bringing together all segments of the community to discuss the most crucial issues that affect our future.
She added that climate change and promoting sustainable communities concerns all members of the society and determines the future of the coming generations.
H.E added: “Protecting nature is core to our green transformation because by preserving nature, we can create sustainable communities and growth.
"We are following the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan to promote the concept of sustainability and preserve the environment and natural resources. Today, the UAE has many clean and renewable energy plants and follows sustainable economic and social practices.”
H.E said that UAE is the first to sign the Paris Climate Agreement and has recently submitted its Third Update to its Second Nationally Determined Contributions.
The UAE has committed to cutting emissions by 40% compared with "business as usual" scenario, and realising the Net Zero by 2050 targets.
She said: "The UAE is strengthening its position in global climate action by hosting COP28, with the aim of making it the most comprehensive conference that focuses on various aspects of sustainable practices besides energy, such as sustainable agricultural and food systems, waste management, construction, transportation, industry, and many more which are also focused on achieving the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 Strategy."
The Majlis addressed the need to promote effective communication between the Government, decision-makers, the private sector and the research and academic community, and to create an interactive networking network among all to bring about effective integration among all sectors, exchange services and facilitate access to potential partners to deliver sustainable projects.
