Business and industrial sectors key to achieve sustainable goals

Under the patronage and presence of Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of American University of Sharjah, the Sharjah Ramadan Majlis 2023 brought together business leaders, senior government officials, entrepreneurs and changemakers, providing them with a platform for dialogue and unifying visions and efforts that promote sustainability values and practices in various sectors and industries, and develop environmentally friendly and safe business options for the future of the world.

Held under the theme “The Winning Combination: Where Business Meets Sustainability”, the majlis was organised by Sharjah Development and Investment Authority (Shurooq), Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah), Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), and Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP). The majlis offered a vital dialogue space for thought leaders and changemakers to align multi-sectoral visions to deliver practical, innovative, and impactful solutions that can help mitigate the adverse impacts of environmental issues facing the UAE and the world today, and enhance sustainability across diverse sectors and industries.

The Majlis opened with a keynote address from Sheikha Bodour, who reminded the audience to be “careful not to think of sustainability as a trend, because it is not. The awareness and commitment to be mindful of our impact on the planet should extend far beyond COP28”.

“In Sharjah, we are working hard to bring more balance and harmony to our relationship with the land” she added, referring to various actions carried out by public and private entities as well as educational institutions in the emirate, such as the recent harvesting of toxin- and pesticide-free wheat from the Saba Sanabel project in Mleiha, which was witnessed by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the UAE Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, the ban on single-use plastic, the project to build the UAE’s first recycling facility for expired batteries from electric vehicles, and the development of innovative solutions such as apps that enable more efficient and environmentally friendly waste management.

“I am confident that with access to more technological advancement and research, we can be pioneers in shifting the conversation from achieving net zero goals to positive net outcomes that help us achieve a resilient and regenerative world”, President of American University of Sharjah asserted.

Speakers at the majlis included Majid Al Suwaidi, Director-General of COP28, Omar Al-Suwaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology، HE Khaled Al Huraimel, Group CEO of BEEAH GROUP, HE Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, CEO of Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), Mohamed Juma Al Musharrakh, CEO at Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah), Najla Al Midfa, CEO of Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), Hussain Al Mahmoudi, CEO of Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP), and a number of speakers from governmental and private bodies, including the office of the COP28 Conference of the Parties (UAE Climate Conference).

During his keynote speech, Majid Al Suwaidi, Director-General of COP28, shared his views on a global approach to sustainability, emphasising the need for collective responsibility beyond borders.

“His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the UAE Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, has been a champion in sustainability leading Sharjah for decades with various green initiatives and groundbreaking projects. Through his tireless efforts, the emirate has embraced a forward-thinking approach that has not only safeguarded the economy but also laid the groundwork for a sustainable future.

The UAE’s success as a nation lies in the spirit of our ambition and collective mission, and now we need to create sustainable jobs in sectors of tomorrow, we need to build on what we can thrive. We must look at COP28 as a launching pad to rally international organisations to collaboratively function to sustainable global agenda and make green transitions.

Finance is also a clear goal of COP28 as we need trillions to fund climate-tech initiatives such as artificial intelligence and agrotech to decarbonise the planet. We need to be resilient in the progress we are making and ensure we move together globally for the people and the planet. COP28 is the single best economic opportunity that we can seize, and if done right, we can create ample opportunities for our youth to pioneer and lead the world.”

Omar Al-Suwaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, affirmed that the UAE has been at the forefront of enacting legislation that focuses on consolidating sustainable business principles across various sectors.

He said: “By prioritising sustainability and committing to the net-zero goal, the UAE is laying the groundwork for a green transformation that will benefit both our environment and our economy. Through a holistic approach that includes decarbonisation, circular economy policies, and embracing new industrial opportunities and technologies such as green hydrogen, we can create a roadmap towards a greener future.”