H.E. Dr. Rashid Ahmed Bin Fahad, Minister of Environment and Water, confirmed that the United Arab Emirates is working hard to achieve sustainability through the National Agenda and the strategic plan of the government as part of UAE Vision 2021. The UAE has come a long way in this regard by adopting innovative strategies towards promoting green economy, renewable energy and green architecture. The country has also implemented initiatives towards establishing an environmentally conscious transportation system and a more comprehensive water management system, along with other programs aimed to address central issues in marine environment and waste management.

H.E. Bin Fahad explained in a press release during the global ‘Earth Day’ celebrations that the growing challenges faced by the world today, especially climate change, should drive the community to look for innovative tools and employ unified international efforts to achieve sustainable development on a global level.  He emphasized that the adoption of the green economy approach through the UAE Strategy is the most important tool for achieving sustainable development as the initiative aims to transform the national economy to a green economy. Doing so would help maintain the country’s environmental resources for future generations to come. The program also aims to enhance the country’s leadership and global competitive advantage over green products. 

 H.E. added that since its launching in 1970, ‘Earth Day’ has been successful in drawing attention to the pressures and challenges being faced by our planet as well as all the underlying material and human risks. Also, he said that it is time to consolidate individual efforts on a global scale to fight the exploitation of the Earth’s natural resources by unsustainable human activities and irresponsible use. The theme of this year, ‘Our Role in the Change,’ underlines the strength of individuals and their ability to make the required change through sensible use of resources and ecosystems to guarantee their sustainability as long as possible.

 The UAE has always given particular importance to the issue of awareness and environmental education and understands the need to enable the members of the community to understand the complex relationships between the environment and various developmental activities and the impact of environmental changes on the health and well-being of society. The Ministry designed the National Strategy for Awareness and Environmental Education to raise environmental awareness among individuals and groups through developed programs and actionable plans. The goal of the ministry is to ensure the participation of the community in supporting the efforts of the government to provide all Nationals and residents with a safe, healthy and sound environment.

 H.E. Bin Fahad concluded by encouraging all members of society to care more about the preservation and responsible consumption of environmental resources, especially water and energy, reduce emissions and waste, as well as pay more attention to reuse and recycling issues. He said that through these positive and civilised practises and behaviours, the country can achieve the desired level of progress and prosperity.