UAE Embassy organizes ‘Ecothon 2023’ in Pakistan ahead of COP28

ISLAMABAD: The UAE Embassy, ​​in coordination with the Prime Minister’s Youth Program and other partners, organized an eco-friendly 10km marathon called “Ecothon 2023” in Islamabad to promote and highlight climate resilience.

This is the third consecutive year that the UAE Mission has organized the annual event in the federal capital. However, this year’s run is special because it is organized outside the diplomatic enclave and is open to the public.

Huge numbers of local and foreign athletes, officials, ambassadors and representatives of the diplomatic community took part in the healthy and environmentally friendly 10km run, with vehicles of all sizes off the road and banners with messages to mainstream sustainability and sustainable development. Climate resilience was installed along the route.

UAE Ambassador Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Al Zabi said during a brief chat with members of the media ahead of the race: “This is the third year we have organized this marathon in Islamabad and this is the first Held outside the diplomatic enclave.”

“As the UAE also hosts the UN Conference of the Parties COP28, the largest forum to discuss the various aspects and impacts of climate change this November, the UAE will focus on building bridges and driving international efforts to support the global South and countries most vulnerable to climate change , such as Pakistan,” the UAE envoy added.

We are looking for practical solutions to ensure energy security while reducing emissions in Pakistan and the rest of the world.

Regarding the marathon, he said that the extraordinary public participation reflected the long-standing brotherhood, partnership and shared values ​​between the two fraternal countries.

Ambassador Zaabi highlighted economic development and environmental protection as UAE focuses at COP28 on ensuring inclusive sustainable development to protect communities most affected by climate change, calling on civil society to play a role in driving ‘climate action’ in key sectors Make a difference to reduce emissions and build resilience.

He thanked the Government of Pakistan, Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, Islamabad Regional Administration and Gerry’s Visa for their coordination and facilitation for the successful organization of the event.