HE Dr. Rashid Ahmed Bin Fahad leads the UAE delegation at the United Nations Environment Programme Assembly taking place in Nairobi, Republic of Kenya from 23-27 of June 2014. The assembly witnessed the participation of 162 countries, 1200 participants and 100 Ministers to partake in high-level segments on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Post-2015 Development Agenda with the objective of generating a set of universally applicable goals that balances the environmental, social, and economic dimensions for sustainable Development.
Bin Fahad has attended the high-level segments along with Ministers and high-level representatives to exchange views, discuss ideas and recommendations that address an integrated approach that links all three dimensions to achieve the transformative change required to secure long-term human and environmental well-being. Furthermore HE partook in the high-level interactive dialogue during the (SDGs) and Post-2015 segment during which Bin Fahad discussed the UAE’s experience on the interlinkage between the dimensions, In addition HE highlighted the objectives of sustainable development and the post-2015 development plan, the opportunities offered by sustainable consumption and production to eradicate poverty by providing the means for a decent livelihood for all, while protecting the earth's natural resources.
During the session Bin Fahad also showcased the technologies to achieve the goals of sustainable development in various fields, to find alternative applications and practices to a more sustainable and less polluting technologies especially in the sectors of water, energy and food security. HE also emphasized on the impotence applying the concept of clean production by small and medium industries by efficient monitoring of natural resources and energy in addition to protecting and preserving the environment by the reduction of waste and emissions.
Bin Fahad reaffirmed in his statement “The UAE has clear efforts to expand the deployment of renewable energy technologies through MASDAR projects that the UAE initiated in several countries and its efforts in promoting capacity building and modern innovation though Zayed Future Energy Prize”. Bin Fahad also added “it is essential to mobilize all international efforts to promote scientific research that encourage and provide alternative technologies to all countries in equitable prices.
The session discussed social and economic benefits and environmental factors that can be achieved through increased investment in major sectors and green activities, such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, and ecological restoration, waste management and environmental innovations. In which HE showcased studies conducted by the UAE within execution framework of The UAE Green Development Strategy, he added “ The UAE has adapted Green Economy approach through it UAE Green Development Strategies though 6 paths to cover social, economic environmental aspects of life, Green Energy, Green Investment, Green Cities, Climate Change, Green life, Green technologies.”
Bin Fahad added that it is crucial to invest in the to invest in agriculture, fisheries, forestry and animal wealth sectors , which contribute to preserving and protecting jobs and economies in rural areas, and the ecosystem of these communities within them, while reducing migration from rural to urban areas. He also stressed, it is important to achieve a balanced between the development of both rural and urban areas through the development of policies that will promote innovation and the use of sustainable technologies.
It worth mentioning that the UAE has previously participated in the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development in June 2012, and confirmed its commitment to economically, socially environmentally sustainable future a sustainable future for the present and future generations and for our planet.