The UAE, represented by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, is participating in the second session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA -2) held in Nairobi, Kenya from May 23 to 27, 2016. The UAE’s delegation is headed by H.E. Dr. Thani Bin Ahmed Alzeyoudi, minister of climate change and environment, who emphasized that the country’s participation stems from its support of international concerted efforts that aim to tackle global environmental challenges.
The assembly, held under the theme “Delivering on the environmental dimension of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” and attended by representatives of more than 193 UN member countries and by representatives of international government and civil organizations, is one of the most important international environmental events.
H.E. Dr Alzeyoudi said that the UAE’s participation aims at continuing the accomplishments of the last quarter of 2015 after the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Climate Change agreement. He stressed the importance of a joined global cooperation to attain the desired results for a better future and a more sustainable world.
“By taking part in these meetings, the UAE demonstrates its keenness in strengthening its relationship with the various UN entities and in exchanging experiences with other nations with regards to global environmental concerns. These include the green economy, financing, illegal trade, the blue economy and the Montreal protocol,” H.E. Dr. Alzeyoudi said.
The timing of this assembly is considered crucial since it is the first main assembly after the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Climate Change agreement. During the meetings, attendees will agree on a collective vision towards the future through the adoption of environmental policies related to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Attendees will also be introduced to the new UNEP Executive Director and they will also approve the organization’s strategic plan from 2018 – 2021. In addition, attendees will discuss the work plan for 2018 – 2019 and will approve 25 resolutions that pertain to specific regional and global environmental issues.
Through its participation in various events on the sidelines of the assembly, the UAE’s delegation will present the environmental initiatives and projects that were recently launched in the country as well as the green development legislations and policies, best practices for green buildings, trash management and development projects based on innovation and research.