H.E. Dr. Rashid Ahmed Bin Fahad, Minister of Environment and Water, has stressed the importance of cooperation among all concerned local entities for a successful transition to a ‘green’ economy during the 3rd meeting of the Emirates Green Development Council at the Grand Hyatt Dubai. A green economic framework is the foundation towards achieving the global sustainable development goals and the pillar in the wise leaders’ vision of making the UAE one of the most progressive countries in the world by 2021.
The Ministry of Environment and Water held the third meeting for 2015 as part of its strategic green development approach to help build a low-carbon national economy.
During the meeting, the attendees discussed the latest developments in the implementation of various programs of the UAE Strategy for Green Development. The Council has developed a portfolio of pioneering projects and initiatives in line with the Green Agenda. The portfolio includes 96 different initiatives covering all basic programs of the UAE Strategy for Green Development which are attainable through cooperation among all entities involved in the National Commissions of the Council. Some of these programs are green industry initiatives, energy-producing housing projects, integrated management legislations and proper disposal of some materials, integrated management of water and energy, and sustainable transportation through introduction of eco-friendly alternatives.
The meeting also focused on the proposed green public procurement policy to help the public sector lead transforming the market into low carbon green by adopting environmentally friendly products and commodities. Under the policy, general frameworks for procurement will be developed in accordance with the country’s sustainable goals and the sustainable development goals of the United Nations. It will highlight the leading role of the government sector in the adoption of sustainable policies to demonstrate its green economy commitment. It will also emphasize the contributions of goods and green services in terms of reducing harmful environmental effects, countering the impact of climate change, preventing the depletion of energy and water resources, lessening pollutions, and lowering costs and financial burdens. Despite the increasing capital value of some environment-friendly products, green products remain less expensive if evaluated with the total lifecycle costs. Some available eco-friendly items are cost-effective such as papers, publications, lighting fixtures, and water conservation tools. The purchasing power of consumers will enable the private sector to develop more green products.
The Emirates Green Development Council also discussed its comprehensive media plan such as media coverage. The plan also includes the roles of all members in the ongoing implementation of various initiatives as well as the activation of communication channels with the public to get their feedback and ensure continuous improvement processes. The members were also briefed about the latest updates on media identity and the Emirates Green Development Council documents.
The attendees included Dr. Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Director of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Saeed Saif Al Matrooshi, the Secretary –General of executive council at Ajman; Dr. Matar Al Neyadi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Energy; Eng. Mohammed Saif Al Afkham, Director of Fujairah Municipality; Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairman of the Environment and Natural Reserves in Sharjah; Ahmed Al Mehairbi, Secretary General of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy; Saeed Rashid Al Yateem, Assistant Undersecretary for Resources and Budget Sector at MoF; Eng. Zahra Al Aboudi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Public Works; Salman Khalfan Bin Hussein, Acting Director of Falaj Al Mualla Municipality; and Eng. Essa Al Hashmi, Director of Green Development Department, Ministry of Environment and Water.