UAE team champions green growth, international collaboration in Korea

Dr Amna Bint Abdullah Al Dahak Al Shamsi, Minister of Climate Change and the Environment, concluded a successful visit to the Republic of Korea from 16th-19th October, 2024, leading a delegation of officials from the UAE.

The visit underscored the UAE’s commitment to advancing global green growth and fostering strategic partnerships to address shared environmental challenges. The visit was designed to build on existing cooperation between the two nations, including successful Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) such as one focused on cooperation in the field of smart farming research, an issue of particular interest for Al Dahak given her background in scientific research.

A cornerstone of the visit was Al Dahak’s participation in the 13th Session of the Assembly and 17th Session of the Council of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI). In her address, Al Dahak emphasised the UAE’s dedication to green growth, saying, “The UAE has long embraced green growth to address the most pressing challenges facing the world... We firmly believe that this approach can unlock vast economic and environmental development opportunities.”

Al Dahak highlighted the UAE’s achievements in meeting national and global climate commitments, including its pioneering role as the first country in the MENA region to commit to net zero by 2050. She explained, “Our partnership with the GGGI has been instrumental in developing crucial initiatives such as the UAE Green Growth National Strategy, the UAE Green Agenda 2015-2030, the National Climate Change Plan 2017-2050... and the UAE Sustainable Finance Framework 2021-2031.”

She also praised the transformative role of GGGI itself, describing it as “a catalyst”.

She continued, “It transforms dialogue into action, turning the shared vision of a greener future into tangible solutions for a healthier planet and more prosperous societies.”

The four-day visit also featured a series of high-level bilateral meetings, further solidifying the UAE’s commitment to international collaboration and strengthening existing cooperation between the UAE and the Republic of Korea.

Al Dahak met with key figures including Ban Ki-moon, GGGI Chairman, and discussed the UAE’s continued support for green growth and sustainable development. They reaffirmed the strong partnership, with the UAE committing $4 million for 2024-2025, and explored new ways to expand GGGI’s collaboration with key ministries and institutions, including the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi.

Al Dahak met Kim Wan-sup, Minister of Environment, Republic of Korea, and Kang Do Hyung, Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, Republic of Korea, discussing various issues including strengthening bilateral cooperation on environmental issues, maritime environmental protection, and prospective new partnerships.

Al Dahak also met Kwon Jaehan, Administrator of the Rural Development Administration (RDA), Republic of Korea, where their fruitful discussion focused on the importance of food security and sustainable agricultural systems, as well as the solutions offered by smart agricultural innovation and technology, including establishing joint efforts like the successful rice cultivation project in Al Dhaid, Sharjah.

In addition to these key meetings, Al Dahak held productive discussions with senior government representatives from Fiji and Zambia, focusing on shared challenges and potential collaborations in areas such as climate adaptation, sustainable agriculture, and renewable energy.

Speaking about the value of these bilateral meetings, Al Dahak said, “It is crucial to continue our journey towards green growth, reinforcing existing partnerships, and forging new ones to exchange experiences and achieve our common goals.” Her itinerary also included insightful site visits, providing first-hand exposure to Korea’s advancements in sustainable practices. As part of her programme, Al Dahak witnessed the transformation of Sudokwon Landfill into a model ecological park, showcasing innovative waste management solutions.

Al Dahak also visited Nongshim, Korea’s leading food company, where she learned about their cutting-edge smart farming technologies and innovative crop cultivation techniques, particularly how their vertical farming and research efforts are contributing to sustainable agriculture, focusing on crops like leafy vegetables, herbs, and strawberries.

Dr Amna Bint Abdullah Al Dahak’s visit to the Republic of Korea marked a significant step in strengthening bilateral ties and advancing the global green growth agenda. The UAE remains steadfast in its commitment to collaborating with international partners to build a more sustainable and prosperous future for all, and is contributing with financing support for the GGGI’s core funding for 2024 and 2025.

WAM