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ABU DHABI, 12th May, 2023 (WAM) — The Abu Dhabi Sustainable Development Group, ADSG, with the support of the Abu Dhabi Environment Agency, EAD, held a knowledge sharing session on ‘Journey to Dubai – The Road’ Conference to COP28″.
Held recently in Abu Dhabi, members and stakeholders of the conference met again in person for the first time in three years to share best practice and thought leadership on the latest innovations and practical toolkits to advance decarbonization efforts. The aim is to identify the immediate and practical actions needed to keep the Paris Agreement on track to achieve the 1.5°C target.
Over the past few decades, climate change has become a top priority in the UAE, with a focus on technological advancements in renewable and clean energy. As we move towards the end of 2023, the UAE has been designated as the host country for the upcoming 28th Conference of the Parties (COP), reaffirming the country’s unwavering commitment to advancing climate action and mobilizing practical and innovative solutions to address this global crisis.
The event was moderated by a dynamic panel of experts who discussed how nature-based solutions can be used to address the climate and biodiversity loss crises, and explored how the private sector and business can move from being part of the problem to leading the solution and addressing this global challenge.
Hiwar conferences are attended by local and regional sustainability professionals, including ADSG member organizations, sustainability experts, thought leaders, and practitioners from the government, private, and not-for-profit sectors.
“At COP28, we work closely with businesses across the globe and expect them to be ambitious, transparent and accountable for their commitments,” said Hanan Sakr, Head of Private Sector Engagement at COP28, at the event.
Derek John Gliddon, Director of Environmental Research and Innovation at Abu Dhabi Environment Agency, highlighted the important role of the private sector in addressing the triple global crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.
“It is critical for businesses to assess the impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss on their value chains, taking into account short-, medium- and long-term impacts. What companies do to address these challenges will determine their success. Long-term planning, nature-based solutions And consideration of social, economic and environmental interdependence is an essential strategy for prosperity in this situation,” he added.
Ashraf Abdelkhalek, Head of Sustainability (Gulf Cluster), Schneider Electric, said: “Partnerships for sustainable development are critical and UN SDG 17 sets clear targets for a strong multi-stakeholder coalition to mobilize and sharing knowledge, technology and financial resources.
COP28 represents the implementation of this growing collaboration between governments and the private sector. Active participation from implementation to decision-making is critical to creating the infrastructure and framework we need to make meaningful change in our actions this decade. At Schneider Electric, we work with governments and society to ensure that innovation and technology drive and enable a sustainable future for all. “
Joseph Harris-Confino, Director of Communications, Capitals Coalition London, said: “We cannot fight climate change at the expense of nature – we must focus on both to bring about real and much-needed change for a sustainable future. Biodiversity Sexuality is a key issue that must be addressed in every company’s sustainability agenda.”
Cedric Bachellerie, Sustainamics Managing Director and Session Moderator, said it was exciting to witness how shifting the climate conversation from a ‘problem’ to a ‘solution’ led to greater accountability and positive energy.
The session concluded with a closing statement from ADSG Director, Huda Al Houqani, who said: “The UAE has always been a leader in demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, and is committed to working with other countries to foster international cooperation to advance the goals of the Paris Agreement and Nature Positive implementation.”
ADSG is an initiative of Abu Dhabi Environment Agency. Launched in 2008, it aims to advocate for sustainable development and facilitate dialogue among the UAE’s leading organizations.
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