COP28: Mariam Almheiri says creating green communities at core of economic and climate change
COP28 Changemakers Majlis sessions at the House of Wisdom in Sharjah discusses creating greener, more sustainable communities within the UAE
In a significant move towards promoting green and sustainable communities, the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment held the fourth of eight nationwide COP28 Changemakers Majlis sessions at the House of Wisdom in Sharjah. The session, themed “Green and Sustainable Communities,” comes ahead of the much-anticipated COP28 event in the UAE.
Chaired by Her Excellency Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, the UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, and moderated by Eng. Aisha Al Abdooli, the Majlis convened climate leaders and experts from various sectors. Discussions centered on innovations and challenges in creating greener, more sustainable communities within the UAE.
The event was attended by notable figures including H.E. Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer of The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), H.E. Mohammed Juma’a Al Musharrakh of the Sharjah FDI Office, along with other senior officials and representatives from the private, academic, and entrepreneurial sectors.
The Majlis underscored the importance of building resilient communities adaptable to climate change. Attendees deliberated on collaborations between local governments and the private sector to support these initiatives across the UAE. Technology’s role in facilitating this change was a significant point of discussion.
H.E. Mariam Almheiri emphasized the UAE’s commitment to sustainability and the preservation of nature, in line with the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. She highlighted the UAE’s strides in clean and renewable energy and its commitment to reducing emissions by 40% and achieving Net Zero by 2050.
Discussions at the Majlis also covered sustainable projects like the Sharjah Sustainable City and the need for community awareness in adopting sustainable behaviors. The importance of developing laws to support sustainable investments and practices, such as banning single-use plastic bags, was also stressed.
The Majlis addressed the necessity of integrating knowledge about the green economy and circular economy into educational curriculums, promoting sustainable practices among individuals, and the role of effective communication between government, private sector, and academic institutions in achieving sustainability goals.
The UAE government’s collaboration with private businesses in driving sustainability was evident in various initiatives, such as developing green hydrogen projects, carbon capture and storage, local sourcing of produce, and the establishment of the Rebound Plastic Exchange for trading recycled materials.
On the sidelines of the Majlis, H.E. Mariam Almheiri toured the House of Wisdom, highlighting the facility’s contribution to sustainability and cultural advancement. The House of Wisdom reflects the UAE’s rich heritage and commitment to a sustainable future.
This session of the COP28 Changemakers Majlis marks a significant step in the UAE’s journey towards environmental sustainability and the development of green communities, reinforcing its role as a global leader in climate action.
