UAE Champions Technology, SDG Integration, and Circular Economy at IUCN World Conservation Congress

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) showcased the UAE’s commitment to a nature-positive future at the IUCN World Conservation Congress.

At the Ministerial Panel “From Vision to Execution: Leveraging Technology for Nature-Positive Outcomes,” leaders discussed how technological innovations, from AI to earth observation, can be harnessed to deliver measurable environmental impact.

Her Excellency Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, emphasized:

"The UAE is deeply committed to translating our vision for a nature-positive future into actionable strategies, leveraging the power of technology to drive measurable results.

"Collective investment, knowledge sharing, and robust networks connecting governments, innovators, and communities are key to biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable development."

The panel also featured ministers from Azerbaijan, Panama, and Senegal, promoting international collaboration and highlighting emerging global strategies for environmental stewardship.

Integrated SDG Action for Maximum Impact

Earlier, Mohammad Saeed Al Nuaimi, Undersecretary at MOCCAE, spoke on integrating water, climate, and biodiversity actions to accelerate SDG delivery.

He outlined the UAE’s Global SDG Council model, which fosters cross-sector dialogue to align efforts under SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

"Addressing the interconnected challenges of environmental degradation requires an integrated approach," stated Al Nuaimi. "Our initiatives, such as mangrove rehabilitation, create synergistic benefits for climate, marine, and terrestrial ecosystems, advancing the 2030 Agenda for people and nature alike."

Circular Economy and Living Rivers

Her Excellency Hiba Obaid Alshehhi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary of Biodiversity and Marine Life, presented on source-to-sea strategies and the role of circular economy in protecting freshwater ecosystems.

Highlighting partnerships like the UNDP project in Indonesia, she noted the removal of 5,000 tonnes of plastic from six river basins, emphasizing robust data, monitoring, and cross-sector collaboration.

"Targeted river clean-up and remediation efforts, combined with cooperation among governments, utilities, waste management companies, environmental organisations, and local communities, are essential for effective, sustainable solutions," Alshehhi said.

UAE Leadership in Global Environmental Action

Through these high-level panels, MOCCAE demonstrated the UAE’s pioneering role in combining technology, integrated SDG strategies, and circular economy principles to achieve measurable, nature-positive outcomes.

The engagements highlighted the importance of cross-sector collaboration and data-driven interventions in building sustainable ecosystems and resilient communities worldwide.