WGES Highlights Importance of Green Urban Environment

The 8th World Green Economy Summit (WGES) discusses green urbanism, and the importance of designing cities to be smarter and more sustainable in dealing with climate change.

It also addressed the importance of promoting the resilience and competitiveness of cities to enhance their capacity in dealing with climate risks and advance the quality, welfare, and happiness of individuals.

WGES 2022 is held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of UAE, organised by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and the World Green Economy Organization (WGEO) on 28 and 29 September 2022 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

WGES attracts annually local and international VIPs, including presidents and government leaders, in addition to a large number of speakers, officials, representatives of government organisations, media professionals, experts, and academics.

55% of the global population live in cities and this number is expected to reach 70% in 2050, which means that 2.5 billion more individuals will live in urban areas in the future.

The convening of the WGES in Dubai is an opportunity to take a closer look at the inspiring model established by the Emirate in adapting to climate.

In 2021, Dubai was ranked first globally for its resilience and recognised as a role model for sustainability by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction. The award is given to the best cities in the efficiency of their measures to enhance resilience and reduce risks.

WGES 2022 to Encourage Investment Partnerships in Green Projects

H.E. Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Chairman of WGES, noted that sound planning based on meticulous data analysis and full resilience in keeping pace with changes have helped the UAE become a global leader in several areas.

Al Tayer said that the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan outlines an integrated future map for sustainable urban development. Various government and private organisations cooperate to help Dubai reduce carbon emissions significantly.

Net carbon emissions in Dubai decreased by 22% during 2019 and 33% in 2020, exceeding the target percentage in the Dubai Carbon Abatement Strategy to reduce emissions by 16% by 2021.

In 2019, Dubai received the Platinum Rating in the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) for Cities certification awarded by the US Green Building Council (USGBC).

"As part of our efforts to achieve the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050 to provide 100% of Dubai’s total power capacity from clean energy sources by 2050, we have world-leading projects in clean and renewable energy," he said.

"We are implementing the ‘Dubai Mountain Peak’ and the ‘Hatta Sustainable Waterfalls’ projects according to the highest international environmental standards, leveraging state-of-the-art technology and considering the unique geology of the Hatta region,” added Al Tayer.

H.E. Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and Environment said: “Pursuing sustainable economic development and building a better future for the current and next generations are strategic priorities of the UAE.

"We seek to achieve these goals through establishing an integrated legislative framework, coupled with initiatives and programs that promote the transition to an inclusive green economy.

"Mainstreaming green urbanism practices and designing resilient cities are key enablers of our climate change mitigation and adaptation drive and will contribute to achieving the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative."

H.E. Abdulla Mohammed Al Basti, Secretary-General of the Executive Council of Dubai said: "This vision has strengthened the UAE’s global position as one of the leaders in green economy.

“That Dubai adopts an organised urban approach, where nature reserves represent 31% of the Emirate’s area. It also seizes opportunities to invest in various vital sectors related to the circular and sustainable economy to enhance the happiness of the population,” added Al Basti.

Read More: WGES 2022 Focuses on Sustainability, Funding, Food Security and Youth