Top dignitaries during the opening ceremony in Dubai on Wednesday.

Under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, inaugurated the 10th World Green Economy Summit (WGES) in Dubai. The summit, organised by the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, Dubai Water and Electricity Authority (DEWA) and WGEO, is being held under the theme ‘Empowering Global Action: Unlocking Opportunities and Advancing Progress’.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Surangel Whipps Jr, President of Palau; Sheikha Shamma Bint Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, President and CEO of the UAE Independent Climate Change Accelerators; Dr Amna Bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment; Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, MD & CEO of DEWA and Chairman of the World Green Economy Organization; and global officials and experts from various sectors, including the economy, energy, environment and sustainability, keen to explore ways to accelerate the transition to a sustainable green economy. This year’s summit takes place at the Dubai World Trade Centre and runs until Thursday, 3 October 2024.

Surangel Whipps Jr., President of the Republic of Palau, said: “Climate change is not a distant threat to us; it is a present, tangible danger that we live with every day. It compels us to act - collectively and with urgency. That is why we are here today: to explore how we can work together to combat this global crisis. The WGEO and this summit play a crucial role in this effort, serving as a hub for advancing the green economy and supporting countries like Palau in achieving our climate and sustainability goals. Sustainability has always been a way of life in Palau for generations, but climate change now threatens that very existence. Our ocean - our livelihood, heritage and future - is our largest carbon sink and strongest ally in the fight against climate change. Protecting it has never been more urgent.”

Dr Amna Bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said: “Under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE has embarked on a path to achieve net zero by 2050. Through pioneering policies, plans and initiatives the nation is set to transition into a green economy for a sustainable future. The UAE’s climate efforts extend beyond its borders as the nation continues to forge global partnerships and enhance co-operation to confront climate challenges and adapt to a changing environment. Aiming for a fair and equitable energy transition and sustainable development, the UAE is leading the charge in placing food systems transformation at the heart of the global climate agenda. The COP28 UAE Consensus and the COP28 Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems and Climate Action, which was endorsed by 160 countries, underscore the nation’s commitment to global climate action, keeping the 1.5 degrees Celsius goal alive.”