UAE Set To Host Eighth Edition of the World Green Economy Summit

Amid preparations to host COP28 gathering in 2023, the UAE has announced the dates for the 8th edition of the World Green Economy Summit. The summit which is set to take place on the 28th and the 29th of September this year will run concurrently with the 24th Water, Energy, Technology and Environment Exhibition and Dubai Solar Show scheduled from the 27th to the 29th of September.

In 2015, H.H Sheikh Mohammed introduced the nation to the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy which aims to produce 75 percent of its energy requirements from clean sources by 2050. The strategy also aims to make Dubai a global center of clean energy and a green economy. Moreover, the UAE Net Zero 2050 strategic initiative that aligns with the Paris Agreement calls citizens to contribute to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and be the first to do so in the MENA region. This summit falls in line with these efforts to promote sustainable development in line with economic growth.

"The summit contributes to boosting the country’s competitiveness and reaffirming its global leadership in building a green economy, said Mariam Al Mheiri, Minister of Climate Change and Environment. "As we gear up to host COP28 in 2023, we are keen to take meaningful steps in our climate action — most importantly, advancing the shift to a green economy," she further added.

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, MD & CEO of DEWA, and Chairman of the World Green Economy Summit noted that the WGES represents the "UAE and Dubai’s efforts to strengthen regional and international cooperation, achieve climate neutrality and accelerate the transition to a green economy."

“The WGES is a global platform that aims to promote partnerships, exchange experiences between decision-makers, and support collaboration among regional and international organizations from the public and private sectors. It provides a platform for experts and academics to discuss the latest plans and policies, shed light on the progress that the climate-neutral initiatives have achieved, promotes dialogue to implement the nationally defined contributions of climate action, and enhances the collaboration between government and private organizations to achieve the major KPIs. WGES is one of the most important initiatives of the UAE in general and Dubai in particular, to support the international community efforts towards sustainable green growth that meets current and future needs,” added Al Tayer.

The 7th WGES was held at the Expo 2020 Dubai, under the theme ‘Galvanising Action for a Sustainable Recovery.' WGES comprised high-level panel sessions and seminars on developing innovative sustainable solutions and promoting innovation to support sustainable development. This is through four main pillars: Youth; Innovation and Smart Technology; Green Economy Policies; and Green Finance.