The 8th World Green Economy Summit (WGES) will explore ways to improve global food security, sustainability of the food systems and the contribution of the agriculture and food production sectors to achieve a net zero future.

WGES 2022 will be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, on 28-29 September, 2022, at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

The Summit, which is organised by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and the World Green Economy Organization (WGEO), will draw attention to the rapid global changes that create the need for practical solutions to the entire food value chain. WGES brings together local and international VIPs and global decision-makers and influencers to share their successful experiences and case studies to mitigate global food crises and find practical solutions to meet the needs of current and future generations.

“The Summit supports the forward-looking vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE; and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to transform the UAE into a global hub for food security based on innovation, as well as to achieve the objectives of the UAE’s National Food Security Strategy 2051 to develop an integrated, national sustainable food production system. The Summit strengthens the UAE’s role in supplying sustainable international solutions that improve people’s lives worldwide,” said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, MD & CEO of DEWA and Chairman of the WGEO.

“The Summit also supports the UAE’s efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030, including the ‘Zero Hunger’ goal. It discusses ways to make current food systems more sustainable, using Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies, climate-smart agriculture, transforming into a green and circular economy and fostering innovation,” added Al Tayer.

The UAE plays a crucial role in addressing the issues relating to global food security and is regarded as a leading donor to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. The leadership’s proactive vision has played a pivotal role in preserving the welfare of UAE citizens and residents and ensuring their access to high-quality food. WGES adds to the UAE’s initiatives and projects that aim to build constructive partnerships to overcome common obstacles and activate the digital revolution in the management of a sustainable food system. The most prominent of these projects are the Food Tech Valley project in Dubai; the national initiative ‘Naama’ to reduce food loss and waste in the UAE, and the global FoodTech Challenge.

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority and the World Green Economy Organisation recently announced that the theme of the 8th World Green Economy Summit (WGES) is “Climate Action Leadership through Collaboration: The Roadmap to Net-zero.”

The theme reflects the UAE’s vision of advancing climate action, strengthening partnerships and international efforts to achieve climate goals.

The Summit will discuss cooperation and exchange of knowledge and experience among stakeholders and international and regional organisations from the public and private sectors, with the aim of accelerating climate initiatives and ensuring a smooth transition towards a green economy.

WGES 2022 supports preparations to host the 27th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Climate Change (COP27) which will be held in Egypt in November this year and COP28 which will be held in the UAE next year, strengthening the UAE’s leadership in climate action.

“The World Green Economy Summit continues its role as an ideal platform to exchange experiences, strengthen cooperation, align initiatives and coordinate regional and global efforts to pave the path for a sustainable future and achieve net zero emissions. The Summit will bring together prominent global decision-makers and experts to discuss the current and future needs to consolidate the foundations of a green economy. It also supports the UAE’s efforts in adopting the best practices for sustainability and green innovations, which will help balance economic growth and protect natural resources, while focusing on renewable and clean energy solutions,” Al Tayer said.

WGES will also focus on developing investment partnerships in green projects and financing. It will promote investment and employment opportunities provided by the green economy.

During the Summit, several local and global high-profile participants, including heads of states and governments, as well as prominent global speakers, official dignitaries from government organisations, academia, experts and the media, will discuss promising opportunities and investments for the public and private sectors. These opportunities would enable them to find innovative solutions and financial tools that promote clean and renewable energy projects, sustain growth and drive the global economy towards greater prosperity.

WGES 2022 supports the UAE’s efforts to increase green investment. This is through gathering decision-makers and investors in one place on the land of the UAE. This supports the UAE’s endeavour in enhancing green funding. The UAE is the first country to develop the Green Key Performance Indicators.

WAM