The IGCF concludes on a highnote.

Imran Mojib, Special Correspondent

SHARJAH: Thani Ahmed Alzeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, called upon the media persons to highlight climate challenge. Speaking at the IGCF 2019, he said that the role of individuals and media is no less important than that of government or private entities.

“Your participation is the key solution to climate change. Ignoring the accumulative impact of the disregard of the environment isn’t going to help us,” he remarked. Change of human behaviour is the key to the participation in national development. Excessive consumption and non-responsible behaviours are impacting environment in an unprecedented fashion. Floods, storms, heat waves, etc. – these changes have swept civilisations like Maya, and South Africa has recently turned around from announcing a drought. We need to learn from such experiences.” The minister also said that the UAE is an example of championing the principles of sustainability, which was started by its Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan, and is continued by the current leadership.

“We have several strategies as reflected in the UAE Vision 2021 that aim at achievement balance between human consumption and environment protection,” he added.

He recounted several initiatives in the UAE like strong environmental legislations, awareness efforts like the National Environment Day was celebrated in February, the UAE’s national plan of sustainable production and consumption, tree planting initiatives, the earth hour, school and university campaigns, and the launch of the strategy of the Arab youth for the environment.

Earlier, delivering the opening address, Director of Sharjah Government Media Bureau Tariq Saeed Allay said that the Sharjah Ruler inspires us to pursue human development.

He also highlighted the role of IGCF in fuelling the emirate’s efforts to build a new integrated system of participatory governance, by supplying entities both at regional and international levels a wealth of latest information and expertise.

“For the past eight years, the Forum has been bringing regional and international expertise in government communication on one platform, and has highlighted the crucial role played by the media in linking the interests of government and citizens. The past editions have offered a basis for stronger government communication protocol in Sharjah and the region, and we hope this edition comes up with actionable recommendations to be adopted by government entities working in all sectors of human and national development,” he said.