Dubai is further consolidating its position as a pioneer and leader in transitioning to a green economy to support the efforts of the UAE and the rest of the world in fighting the devastating consequences of climate change.

Following the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to pave the way for the city’s transformation into a carbon-neutral economy in the next three decades, Dubai, in October 2021, through the Dubai Future Council on Energy, launched an in-depth study that outlined how the Emirate can achieve carbon neutrality (net zero emissions) by 2050.

“The framework for achieving our net zero targets has now been set and will help to strengthen Dubai’s position as a leading enabler of green initiatives that will help combat climate change and create a seamless path towards realising our vision of economic prosperity that goes hand in hand with environmental sustainability,” said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Chairman of the Dubai Future Council on Energy, MD and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa), and Chairman of the Green Economy organisation (WGEO).

According to Al Tayer, the study is part of Dubai’s efforts to achieve its sustainability goals as outlined in the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050 to provide 100% of the energy production capacity from clean energy sources by 2050, in addition to a Green Hydrogen strategy that is being developed. These efforts will help combat climate change and create opportunities for a more sustainable economy.

The World Green Economy Summit (WGES) 2022 will highlight ongoing global efforts, discuss sustainable action plans to fight the ill-effects of changing climatic conditions and support collaborative initiatives to help the world achieve future sustainability by transitioning into a green economy.

WGES is organised by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa), the World Green Economy organisation (WGEO), and the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, in partnership with international organisations on 28-29 September 2022 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

The Summit will convene prominent thought leaders and experts to share the latest insights on climate change initiatives, covering a wide range of sectors — transport and mobility, green technology, smart cities and urban planning, youth involvement, investments and finance.

The event will help delegates collect key takeaways from case study presentations and discussions on success stories of governments, big businesses and other organisations currently leading efforts to fight climate change. An essential highlight of the summit will be the release of the 8th Dubai Declaration, which will embody new commitments shaping future strategies and action plans to support climate action and green economy initiatives. WGES 2022 focuses on empowering youth to play an influential role in building a sustainable future, accelerating the transition to renewable energy, and creating positive change in society. Discussions on youth form one of the thematic pillars at the Summit, in addition to energy, finance, and food security.

The Summit is an ideal platform for youth to express their opinions about shaping their future and share their views with decision-makers. This is achieved through the active participation of youth in high-level discussions with experts and thought leaders about the green economy and climate change. Youth can also contribute in providing policymaking recommendations at the local, national, and international levels, and in envisioning plans and strategies to raise climate action and green goals of the next generation.

Additionally, WGES 2022 prioritises spreading awareness to the youth about environmental and sustainability issues and encourages them to launch eco-friendly small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The Summit also enhances the role of young entrepreneurs by improving their capabilities to find innovative and sustainable solutions and fast-track green growth worldwide to achieve sustainable development.

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer highlighted that the Summit gives special attention to youth and their role in developing sustainable solutions. WGES is aligned with the country’s pioneering efforts to empower youth, strengthen their role in the country’s development, and use their talents and creativity to build a more robust national and international economy. The Summit also presents the UAE’s future generation as pioneers who will fulfil the country’s ambitious strategies and increase the UAE’s global competitiveness in all fields.

“In the UAE, we believe that the youth implement the nation’s strategies and ambitious plans. We harness their advanced knowledge in the latest technologies to increase their contribution in anticipating a sustainable future. This supports the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to make Dubai a global hub for clean energy and green economy, and to achieve the UAE Centennial 2071; to make the UAE the world’s leading nation, as well as the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Emissions Strategy 2050 to provide 100% of the energy production capacity from clean energy sources by 2050,” added Al Tayer.

WAM