UAE urges pragmatic climate solutions
MOHAMMAD SAYS ADSW REFLECTS COUNTRY’S COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
The UAE is making intensive efforts to find feasible and pragmatic solutions to climate change issues, President His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan said yesterday at the opening ceremony of this year’s Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) which is being attended by a number of world leaders.
He stressed that ADSW is a global platform, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to convening the international community and ensuring collaboration in driving sustainable economic and social development.
He stated that ADSW this year is an essential step towards the UAE hosting the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28).
The inauguration, which was held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (Adnec), was also attended by Yoon Suk Yeol, President of the Republic of Korea, and Ilham Aliyev, President of Azerbaijan among other international state heads.
Collective commitment
The UAE and the Republic of Korea yesterday in a joint declaration on climate action affirmed that climate change is one of the most important challenges facing the world today, as a result of its negative repercussions on the economic, environmental, social and security aspects.
The two countries underscored that collective commitment to confronting climate change should not be affected by geopolitical challenges, energy and food crisis, and the repercussions of the global pandemic.
Strategic partnership
President Yoon said if the special strategic partnership between Korea and the UAE further extends to cooperation in achieving carbon neutrality, the two countries will be able to enhance their leadership in the international community and create more opportunities for economic cooperation.
“If our countries join efforts in clean energy development ranging from renewable energy, hydrogen, in addition to our existing cooperation area of nuclear power, which is symbolic of our friendship, it will not only enhance our two countries’ energy security but also contribute to improving the global energy market’s stability,” he said.
Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan stated that ADSW this year is an essential step towards the UAE hosting the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28).
Investing in the future
COP 28 President-Designate, Dr Sultan Al Jaber underscored the need for transformational, game-changing partnerships and solidarity to drive climate action for all. Talking about the future and investing in innovation, Dr Al Jaber noted, “Before anyone in this region saw a future in renewables, the UAE saw them as the future. When people questioned our ability to deliver on the promise of Masdar, we focused and stayed the course.”