In line with the UAE's signing of the Paris Agreement at the Climate Conference COP21, the latest edition of Dubai Green Leadership Series (GLS) organized by Dubai Science Park and Dubai Green Economy Partnership discussed ways to unite public and private sector efforts in achieving a low-carbon resilient development in the UAE.

"As global citizens, we are obliged to make sure our planet can sustain future generations, which is only possible if we make fundamental changes at the grass root level. The UAE has been a driving force to make this global initiative a resounding success, and today we examine our efforts towards achieving a green economy and deliberate on how public-private partnership can help achieve green economy goals. It is an inevitable fact that both the public and private sector share the responsibility to take action to meet COP21 goals," commented Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, in his keynote speech.

This year's discussions, themed "COP21 Outcomes and Effects on the Public-Private Sectors", was Chaired by Marwan Abdulaziz Janahi, Executive Director of Dubai Science Park, with participation from Ministry of Energy (MoE), Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), Dubai Supreme Council of Energy (DSCE), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Dubai Municipality and Suqia.

In his welcome speech, Ahmed Buti Al Muhairbi, Secretary General of Dubai GEP, and Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, said, "How we manage our natural resources is the key to meeting the objectives of the Paris Agreement. To achieve set goals, the UAE government needs the support of the private sector. The discussions at GLS will help the integration of public and private efforts as well as create a roadmap for Public -Private partnerships. We are here to support the UAE's economic growth through sustainable energy supply and promote efficient energy use to meet green objectives.

"We want to help create a more sustainable and self-sufficient future that maximizes the use of indigenous resources and talent. Supporting innovation and promoting the use of cutting-edge technologies and information by companies to foster green growth is vital to achieving the Paris Climate Agreement goals. At Dubai Science Park , we aim to play a significant part in Dubai's own Vision 2021 goals, by facilitating a future that is less reliant on natural resources through our business partner's work in the science sector," said Marwan Abdulaziz Janahi, Executive Director of Dubai Science Park .

All 196 participating countries at the COP21 signed the Paris Agreement adopting a universal accord on climate change agreeing to keep global temperature rise well below 2 degrees Celsius. As per the agreement, all signatories will submit a climate action plan every five years from 2020, reflecting different national circumstances, as well as review progress every five years starting 2023.

Source :WAM