Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Sustainability Group Discusses UAE Actions on Climate Change

The UAE stands to benefit from taking action to fight climate change, according to discussions hosted by the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Group (ADSG).

ADSG, a multi-stakeholder membership organisation promoting sustainable development in Abu Dhabi, hosted a Hiwar (meaning "dialogue" in Arabic) session on climate change and the UAE’s efforts in driving solutions, under the patronage and participation of the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This session, entitled ‘The Journey to Paris, COP21,’ shared the latest developments on the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP 21) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which will take place in December 2015. COP 21 is expected to reach a new global climate change agreement.

"The international community has a shared responsibility to address climate change to ensure a sustainable future," said Dr.

Thani Al-Zeyoudi, UAE Permanent Representative to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), and Director of Energy and Climate Change at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. "The UAE will continue our ambitious actions to reduce emissions through clean energy investment and to reduce the impacts of climate change, not just at home but also in support of other countries."

The Hiwar gathered ADSG member organizations, government entities, as well as private and non-governmental organizations, to discuss the implications of climate change for the UAE and the wider region. It is part of a series of events, which aim to raise awareness about climate change, and inform local organizations of how they can take part in the UAE’s climate initiatives.

"We look forward to the outcome of COP 21, and we hope for an outcome which will give clear signals to both the public and private sectors about the kinds of actions needed to curb dangerous levels of global warming," said Ms. Huda Al Houqani, Director of ADSG.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is keen on raising awareness on climate change issues by supporting multi-stakeholder dialogues such as this Hiwar, so that we can create solutions to benefit both the UAE and the world," said Dr. Al Zeyoudi.

The discussions today highlighted the importance for Abu Dhabi’s public and private sectors to continue working together to shift to a low-carbon economy," said Ms. Al Houqani.

ADSG is an initiative of the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi. It was launched in 2008 to promote sustainability management and reporting and facilitate dialogue among leading Abu Dhabi Emirate organisations.