WGES 2023 highlights forward-looking solutions

The activities of the first day of the 9th World Green Economy Summit (WGES) included several high-level panels and a ministerial panel discussion, to shed light on forward-looking solutions for a swift and equitable transition to a truly integrated global green economy. The event is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

The Dubai Supreme Council of Energy (DSCE), Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), and the World Green Economy Organisation (WGEO) are organising the 9th WGES on 28-29 November 2023 at Madinat Jumeirah Conference Centre in Dubai. Several local and international figures, officials, decision-makers, experts, speakers, government officials, media professionals, and academicians are participating.

In the first panel discussion, titled ‘Bridging the Global North and South and the Public and Private Sectors,’, Raad Al Saady, Vice Chairman and MD of ACWA Power, gave the keynote remarks. In addition, Ingvild Solvang, Deputy Director and Head of Climate Action and Inclusive Development at Global Green Growth Initiative; Roberta Danelon Leonhardt, Partner at Machado Meyer; and James Keeley, Associate at The Policy Practice, shared their valuable insights during the discussion. The panel shed light on the necessity for developing a multi-stakeholder approach to ensure a smooth transition towards a green economy. The speakers urged for a comprehensive global effort to create an international and intersectoral collaboration between developed and developing countries as well as the public and private sectors to ensure a sustainable economy. John Defterios, Professor of Practice in Business at NYU Abu Dhabi, moderated the session.

“At Global Green Growth Institute, we firmly believe that stimulating global cooperation would pave the way for tackling climate challenges and fostering sustainability. We also believe that the outcome of COP28 must prioritise multilateralism in addition to channelling worldwide efforts and enhancing global unity. It is also significant to bridge climate gaps and fulfil the commitments made by developed nations to fund climate mitigation plans globally. Furthermore, increased funding for nature-based solutions, adaptation strategies, and loss and damage mitigation is also essential,” said Solvang in the session.

The panel discussion titled ‘Accelerating the Green Economy by Empowering Innovation and Entrepreneurship Ecosystems’ reviewed the key role of innovation and entrepreneurship in accelerating green economy transition and promoting sustainability.

During the session, speakers highlighted the prospects of leveraging technology, innovation and entrepreneurship for environmental conservation, job creation and economic growth. The key speakers at the panel were Professor Saifur Rahman, IEEE President and CEO, Director, Advanced Research Institute at Virginia Tech; Dr. Eesa Mohammed Al Bastaki, President of University of Dubai and Chairman at Academia and Youth Platforms at WGEO; Dr. Aaesha Alnuaimi, Director of the Innovation Centre at DEWA; and Massamba Thioye, Project Executive UNFCCC Global Innovation Hub at UN Climate Change Secretariat. The panel was moderated by Dr. Saeed Al Dhaheri, Director of Center for Futures Studies at University of Dubai.

The Ministerial panel discussion was themed ‘COP28 Major Milestone: The Global Stocktake to Promote the Green Economy Transition’. Steven Victor, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Environment at Palau National Government; Pohamba Penomwenyo Shifeta, Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT), Republic of Namibia; and Ovais Sarmad, Former Deputy Executive Secretary of UNFCCC, participated, with the session moderated by Naoufer Ramoul, Senior TV Presenter at Dubai Media.

The first day of the summit also witnessed a presentation held by Dr. Stelios Grafakos, Principal Economist at Global Green Growth Institute, under the theme ‘Today’s Global Climate Policy: Local Implementation for Global Outcomes.’ The presentation shed light on latest global environmental policies and evaluated its possibilities for local implementation. The session helped attendees gain insights on recent developments in the field, to adjust their strategies and operation plans.

In addition, the summit witnessed a panel discussion titled, ‘National and Corporate Approaches to the Green Economy Transition’, which highlighted the key role of both national government and corporations in curating and implementing strategies for green economy transition.

WAM