UAE official elected Chair of WWF’s Asia Pacific Growth Strategy – News

Laila Mostafa Abdullatif to lead coalition to steer philanthropy to maximize conservation efforts

The UAE’s Laila Mostafa Abdullatif, Director-General of Emirates Nature-WWF, has been elected to chair WWF’s Asia Pacific Growth Strategy (APGS), a coalition of 25 WWF offices across the Asia Pacific region, to enable growth and innovation opportunities that deliver conservation conservation influences.

“On behalf of MOCCAE, we congratulate Laila Mostafa Abdullatif on her recent appointment as WWF Asia Pacific Strategy Chair. With COP28 just around the corner, this new remit will help expand our efforts to mitigate climate in the wider region and the biodiversity our planet is facing crisis,” said Mariam AlMheiri, Minister of Climate Change and Environment.

“Laila effectively spearheaded and transformed Emirates Natural WWF into a forward-looking environmental NGO aimed at mobilizing civil society across all sectors of the UAE. We are confident she will bring the same commitment, creativity to APGS and a sense of collaboration as we embark on our journey to COP28,” said Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, Managing Director and Treasurer of the Emirates Foundation for Nature Board of Directors and President of IUCN.

“After working closely with Leila for many years, her appointment as APGS Chair comes at the right time as we begin the execution phase of our strategy, where we will jointly create and develop transformative climate solutions on a global scale Bringing new opportunities. Livia Esterhazy, CEO of WWF New Zealand and former chair of WWF APGS, said:

Abdullatif will lead the coalition in the next phase, channeling substantial philanthropy and investment to maximise conservation efforts while engaging deeply with environmental supporters. This shift in APGS focus seeks to explore opportunities in a variety of emerging industries and technologies, including embracing digital transformation and leveraging Web 3.0 technologies to build different forms of engagement. This will ultimately encourage people to contribute to WWF’s global net-zero efforts to promote sustainable economic and social development.

“I am very honoured and enthusiastic to accept the appointment of WWF Asia Pacific Growth Strategy Chair. In the UAE, driven by the country’s leadership, my aim is to implement ideas with a proven track record and make them scalable solutions Solutions bring innovation to countries to address climate and biodiversity challenges. The UAE’s close relationship with the Asia-Pacific region and the collective foundational knowledge and experience shared by leaders of WWF APGS offices over the decades provide us with an opportunity to collaborate Large-scale solutions for transformative impact,” said Leila Mustafa Abdullatif, Director General of Emirates Nature-World Wide Fund for Nature.

Abdullatif began her career in the environment 13 years ago at Emirates Nature-WWF, an international NGO in partnership with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), where she led efforts for conservation, sustainable Develop initiatives that provide high-impact science-based solutions, and a green economy at a regional scale, implementing a vision to raise public awareness of the vital links between nature and people.

APGS was established in 2008 on the principles of partnership and respect for cultural diversity in the Asia-Pacific region. By promoting knowledge sharing, capacity building and internal investment in growth opportunities, the strategy group fosters cooperation and bilateral agreements between countries. These countries include China, India, Malaysia, Australia, Japan, South Korea and key markets in 25 countries including the United Arab Emirates. APGS enables WWF offices to inspire millions of people to actively participate in conservation programs in the Asia-Pacific region, and to receive vital grants from the region’s public, businesses, government agencies and philanthropists.

The goal of APGS is to enable countries to find innovative ways to encourage support and collaboration to achieve climate action through nature-based solutions and zero extinction goals that identify and protect key species by reversing threats such as plastic pollution and ecosystem destruction free from extinction. The appointment is for a two-year period, during which Abdullatif aims to expand its efforts across the region, including the UAE, through innovative exploration with key partners. Through these partnerships across sectors, the relevant entities will encourage a shift in thinking to tackle the climate and biodiversity crises.

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With the UAE set to host COP28 in November 2023, there is now a unique opportunity to drive key strategies to redouble efforts to combat climate change, reduce environmental threats and ensure people live in harmony with nature. This was underlined recently at the Leaders Meeting of the Major Economies Energy and Climate Forum. As countries invest in energy transitions and projects to address climate concerns, WWF must continue to be a trusted, capable partner to governments and businesses to help deliver positive outcomes for nature and people.

The new APGS Chair, who will formally succeed WWF New Zealand CEO Livia Esterhazy on 1 July 2022, hopes to further strengthen the engagement of all offices and leadership’s commitment to working together through a clear work plan. Emirates Wildlife Fund – WWF fully supports Laila Mustafa Abdullatif’s additional mandate as a real example of international cooperation and leadership of change in global sustainable development.