UAE reinforces global leadership in sustainability, climate resilience

A UAE delegation led by Dr Amna Bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, participated in the seventh session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. The Assembly took place from 8th to 12th December 2025 under the theme ‘Advancing sustainable solutions for a resilient planet’.

Delivering the UAE National Statement at the Assembly, Al Dahak said, “We are proud to adopt a pioneering developmental legacy based on sustainability, ensuring that humans and nature remain partners in progress. This vision, inculcated in us by our Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, underpins our nation’s unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship. We understand that confronting global climate challenges demands not just ambition, but tangible action and significant investment. This is precisely why we launched the $30 billion ALTÉRRA investment fund in 2023, a critical step to bridge the global climate finance gap and accelerate transformative change.

“Our dedication is also evident in our leadership in nature-based solutions, such as the Mangrove Alliance for Climate, in partnership with Indonesia. We advocate for strengthening UNEA’s ability to tackle these issues with comprehensive scientific insights and balanced decisions. Let us unite our efforts to leave a legacy worthy of future generations, keeping the flame of international cooperation alive as the fuel for humanity’s journey toward sustainability”.

The UAE delegation participating in the meetings comprised a distinguished group of leaders and experts. The participants included Mohammed Saeed Al Nuaimi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE); Dr Alanoud Alhaj, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Green Development and Climate Change sector at MOCCAE; and Engineer Aisha Al Abdooli, Director of the Green Development Department at MOCCAE. The delegation also benefited from high-level diplomatic support during the visit, and was accompanied by Dr Salim Ibrahim Bin Ahmed Mohammed Al Naqbi, UAE Ambassador to the Republic of Kenya. Dr Al Naqbi played a pivotal role in facilitating the delegation’s engagements and strengthening diplomatic coordination throughout the event.

During “Friends of 2026 High-Level Meeting – Water in Multilateral Processes”, the UAE reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to strengthening global water security and advancing innovative solutions to support the sustainable management of water resources.

Commenting on the goals of the 2026 UN Water Conference, Dr Al Dahak stated, “The UAE is actively contributing to global efforts to enhance water security through practical solutions, most notably the Mohamed Bin Zayed Water Initiative. We look forward to welcoming the international community next year to the 2026 UN Water Conference, which we will host in collaboration with the Republic of Senegal. The conference will address the urgent global challenge of water scarcity by fostering cooperation, supporting innovative technologies and elevating water issues on the international agenda.”

She noted that the UAE’s commitment to water security is reflected in its financial pledges and national strategies, including a $150 million pledge announced at COP28 to support solutions addressing water scarcity, as well as the Clean Rivers programme, which has committed up to US$60 million to address waste and water-related challenges in Indonesia, the Philippines, and Brazil. At the national level, the UAE Water Security Strategy 2036 provides a comprehensive framework guiding the national approach.

Mohammed Saeed Al Nuaimi addressed the High-Level Event on Universal Ratification of the Kigali Amendment during UNEA-7, underscoring the urgent need to phase down climate warming hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and affirming the UAE’s support to the global agreement.

In a statement, he underlined the UAE’s strategic focus on environmental protection and showcased how the nation was implementing economy-wide carbon emission reduction target of Net Zero by 2050. Driven by the critical need to limit global warming, the nation is actively phasing out hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) by 2047 through Federal laws requiring stringent reporting and permissions for HFC-related activities. He urged all nations to collaborate in reducing climate-warming HFCs and actively contribute to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

During a discussion on The Importance of Supporting a Stable Global Financial System, Al Nuaimi outlined the UAE’s comprehensive approach, which integrates economic, environmental, and financial planning. He added that the country’s success lies in fostering a resilient ecosystem that embeds sustainability within financial regulation, industrial development, and investment strategies, thereby establishing clear pathways for transformation across high-impact sectors.

WAM