H.E. Dr. Rashid Ahmed Bin Fahad, Minister of Environment and Water, emphasized on the importance of strengthening the roles of both federal and local authorities in achieving innovative development in the environmental sector according to the ‘National Key Performance Indicators’ of the UAE Vision 2021. The Ministry has developed an agenda that will help them pursue innovative programs and initiatives to help establish a new phase of environmental sustainability in the country.
Talking about the UAE Vision 2021, H.E. Bin Fahad said: “We are committed towards achieving the goals of UAE Vision 2021. The implementation of the fourth generation of government excellence system that was recently launched by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, will establish new perspectives and methods to be applied in the environmental sector, leading to its progress and development.”
H.E. Bin Fahad delivered this speech while heading the first meeting of the Supreme Environmental Coordination Committee that was held at the Ministry’s headquarters in Dubai. The Members of the Committee from the Ministry of Environment and Water attended the meeting alongside the Members of the Committee representing the UAE.
While welcoming the attendees, H.E. Bin Fahad praised their efforts towards the development of the environmental sector and emphasized that the formation of the Committee will ensure a sustainable environment. He said that the Ministry is committed towards the implementation of the fourth generation of government excellence system, which is the first of its kind in the world, through the Committee’s proposed plans and common policies that will promote the initiatives and environmental work in the country.
During the meeting, productive dialogue on the internal regulations of the Supreme Committee for Environmental Coordination took place. In addition, four sub-committees consistent with the ‘National Key Performance Indicators’ of UAE Vision 2021 were formed, namely; the National Committee for Biological Diversity, the National Committee for Education and Awareness, the National Committee for Air Quality, and the National Committee for Waste and Hazardous Materials Management. The attendees also reviewed the functions of the sub-committees and the suggested institutions and organizations that might join these committees.
The Members of the Committee were briefed on the preliminary results of the national indicators related to air quality and waste levels in the UAE. The members agreed on intensifying the efforts that foster and contribute to the achievement of the national indicators, taking advantage of previous practices and initiatives. The participants also emphasized the significance of upholding the necessary measures to achieve the targets in line with the UAE Vision 2021.
Lastly, H.E. Bin Fahad thanked the members of the Committee for their untiring efforts and bestowing their trust on the Committee with an aim to move forward diligently. This will also lay the foundation for the achievement of the vision of the UAE’s wise leadership.
The meeting was attended by members of the Supreme Committee for Environmental Coordination, including H.E. Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairman of the Sharjah Environment and Protected Areas Authority; H.E. Dr. Jaber Aidha Al Jaberi, Deputy Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Environment Agency; Eng. Salem Bin Mismar, Assistant Director-General of the Dubai Municipality’s Health, Safety and Environment Department; H.E. Dr. Saif Mohammed Al Ghais, Executive Director of the Ras Al Khaimah Environmental Protection and Development Authority; Eng. Khalid Muaeen Al Hosani, Executive Director of the Public Health and Environment of Ajman Municipality and Planning Department; Ms. Asila Abdullah Al Mualla, Director of Fujairah Municipality’s Public Services and Environment Department; and Salem Khalfan Director of Al Falaj Al Mualla Municipality, Umm Al Quwain.
His Excellency Abdul Rahim Al Hammadi, Assistant Undersecretary for Support Services, Ministry of Environment and Water, H.E. Sultan Alwan Acting Assistant Undersecretary of water resources and nature conservation were also present at the meeting.