Sheikh Shakhbout puts renewable energy in focus on Africa mission
Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan has his sights set on renewable energy and sustainability among the growth sectors to be explored during a five-day visit to Africa that starts today.
The Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation told The National he was keen on building partnerships based on historic ties with African nations.
“A big area of interest is sustainability, and that is why we are focusing on renewable energy,” he said after a visit to several of the Expo 2020 Dubai Africa pavilions.
“As we will look for more opportunities, this is on our agenda as we move away from fossil fuels.
“Clean energy is the only way forward for a more sustainable future and that is why our leadership is focusing on that sector.”
Sheikh Shakhbout said the UAE could be part of the transformation that was taking place in Africa.
The collaboration could be across areas from higher education to entrepreneurship.
His trip comes as world leaders prepare to descend on Glasgow, Scotland, for the Cop26 talks on keeping global temperature rises to 1.5°C.
Leading figures said there is a huge funding shortage for climate and development projects.
“The future is bright, and together we will create new and great stories, new experiences and new prospects,” Sheikh Shakhbout said.
The continued engagement with Africa in green energy serves to reinforce the UAE’s position as a climate leader contributing to positive global action.
The UAE’s announcement of a plan for net-zero emissions by 2050 made it the first country in the Middle East and North Africa region to take such a step towards a commitment on climate.
Sheikh Shakhbout said ties with African nations were based on the vision of the UAE’s Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed.
“We expand on the bridge that has been built by our Founding Father Sheikh Zayed and the senior leadership,” Sheikh Shakhbout said.
“Today, we are working sideby-side as true partners.
“We are transforming our societies towards a sustainable future for many generations to come.”
He said this would “open doors for more opportunities to come which have the potential to power and elevate us as nations and lay new foundations for shared future development”.
The minister was also appreciative of the large African diaspora living in the UAE.
During a visit to the Expo site yesterday, Sheikh Shakhbout spent time at several pavilions, including Rwanda, Tanzania, South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya and Angola.
He said the people-to-people interactions at Expo were important at a time of reliance on online meetings and technology to work safely during the coronavirus pandemic.
Sheikh Shakhbout spoke of how important it was to exchange knowledge and for representatives from visiting countries to express ways to deepen ties with the UAE.
“The UAE and Africa have strong ties based on principles of friendship and mutual respect,” he said.
“At Expo, this illustrates not only the strength of our relationship but the trust that has been built over the years and the opportunities ahead for both of us.”