UAE a shining model of sustainability: Minister

The United Arab Emirates concluded its participation in the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) by emphasising the importance of strengthening international cooperation to develop practical solutions for halting desertification and addressing drought.

The UAE also underlined the importance of the active involvement of all community groups, with a focus on enhancing the role of women in global sustainable land management.

COP16 was held in Riyadh from December 2 to 13 under the theme “Our Land. Our Future.”

The conference aimed to explore strategies for transforming land degradation into renewal. The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) serves as the global advocate for bringing together governments, businesses, and civil society to address challenges and collaboratively shape a sustainable future for land. Dr. Amna Bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, who led the UAE delegation at the conference, said that with support of its visionary leadership, the UAE serves as an inspiring model for advancing sustainability within the country and globally.

She highlighted the UAE’s pioneering efforts and initiatives, which have contributed to the development of several communities in various nations.

Dr. Al Dahak said: “COP16 on combating desertification marked a new chapter in the UAE’s achievements to address the global drought crisis and halting land degradation. Through effective contributions to global efforts, the UAE has strengthened sustainable agriculture and food systems, and leveraged innovation to develop solutions to the global water crisis, particularly through the ‘Mohammed Bin Zayed Water Initiative’ and other efforts.”

She added: “The participation of the Emirati work teams, representing relevant authorities in the country, exemplified our collaboration and unity in pursuing shared goals. Our goals include addressing national challenges, expanding innovation-driven agriculture and food systems, promoting sustainable water management, and maximising the benefits derived from natural resources while preventing waste. Additionally, our teams played an active role in rallying global efforts in this regard.”

Dr. Al Dahak thanked the members of the UAE delegation, and said they embodied the country’s commitment to nurturing a generation with the expertise needed to lead the sustainability journey. She highlighted their role in reinforcing the UAE’s position as a global capital of sustainability and a leader in shaping the future.

Interactive Engagements During his participation in a session titled “Strengthening the Environmental Dimension of Food Systems Amid a Polycrisis in the Arab Region,” Mohammed Saeed Al Nuaimi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, emphasised that water scarcity is a significant challenge for the Arab region.

As one of the most arid places in the world, the Arab region faces immense pressure on its limited freshwater resources especially for agriculture.

Al Nuaimi said: “We must invest in climate-smart land solutions to mitigate the impacts of climate change and enhance climate resilience across the Arab region. The success of these efforts hinges on cooperation, as the active participation and coordination among the various stakeholders is urgently needed to achieve the shared goals of our Arab nations.”

He said that tackling the challenges of climate change, water scarcity, land degradation, and desertification calls for concerted regional efforts. These include leveraging advanced technologies, strengthening resource management, and enhancing international cooperation. He said:

“During our Presidency of COP28, we highlighted the critical role of agri-food systems in addressing these challenges and prioritised placing food systems at the heart of the climate action agenda,” Al Nuaimi added.

He also highlighted the “Plant the Emirates” National Programme, which aims to empower local communities in achieving sustainable food security in the UAE by encouraging their participation in agricultural practices.

WAM