UAE committed to a sustainable future

abu dhabi — It is important to invest early in sustainable practices and green technology, experts at the Green Business Summit 2018 said on Tuesday.

Speaking at the event Khaleefa Salem Al Mansouri, undersecretary of Abu Dhabi’s Department of Economic Development (DED), noted that sometimes there is a clash between business objectives and maintaining and respecting the environment.

“However, over the past 10 years we have focused on achieving our economic objectives, while at the same time protecting the environment. It is always a challenge, but we are working to find the right formula for businesses and industries to grow while mitigating their impact on the environment. People used to ask me why Abu Dhabi was interested in sustainable technology such as solar power when we had such massive hydrocarbon reserves. Now, having started years ago, our investments in solar energy and other technologies are bearing fruit as we are becoming a hub for the development renewable technologies.”

The event brought together business leaders, policymakers, and investors to discuss the opportunities as well as challenges faced by players in the industry as they adopt sustainable development practices.

Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, secretary general, Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD), commented on her agency’s relationship with the business community: “I think we can do more with the private sector, which is why I am here today, it gives us at the Environment Agency a chance to better understand the needs and challenges faced by businesses. It is one thing when government agencies are the only ones responsible for safeguarding the environment, and it is another thing when the private sector shares responsibility for monitoring its impact.”