Page 31 - WGEO PR REPORT - November-December 2022

minimise climate change and its effects while also addressing the regional challenges,
such as air, water, and soil pollution, as well as stressed on the value of social inclusion,
the role of international collaboration, social innovation, and the private sector in
advancing the development of nature-based solutions.
Al Tayer delivered the opening remarks for the session. The session was moderated by
David Ramos – Senior Sustainability Manager, HSBC Bank Middle East; along with
other prominent members including Hussein Makhlouf, local Administration and
Environment Minister of the Syrian Arab Republic, Ahmed Buti Al Muhairbi, Secretary-
General of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, Dr. Mostafa Foda – National Focal
Point for Convention of Biodiversity in Egypt, Waleed Salman, Vice Chairman of WGEO
and Abdulrahim Sultan, Director-General of WGEO.
Al Tayer, in his speech said: “The world is witnessing major crises across all sectors
due to climate change, which has caused natural disasters in various regions
worldwide. Europe experienced its worst drought in at least 500 years, shrinking water
levels in key rivers. One third of Pakistan was completely and deeply flooded with
rainwater bringing widespread destruction and misery. The Sixth Assessment Report of
the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change indicates that climate change will
impact water quality and availability. Globally, 800 million to 3 billion people are
projected to experience chronic water scarcity due to droughts at 2°C warming. This
calls for climate action at all levels, to protect economies, livelihoods, and ecosystems.”
Al Tayer further stated, “What is needed today is solutions that address several
challenges at once. Transitioning to a green economy as well as resorting to nature-
based solutions will contribute to enhancing food and water security, address climate
change and biodiversity loss, and strengthen the response to disasters. Climate-smart
agriculture, forestation, and natural ecosystems restoration are multi-faceted, serving
the economy, people and the climate response. Platforms like COP 27 not only allow
global stakeholders to have their voices heard, but also provide a forum to address
climate change, share best practices and build commitments. Most significantly, such
platforms make sure that all stakeholders are fully committed to and involved in all
measures intended to curtail climate change. This will help the society and wildlife in
successfully adapting and ensure preservation of the ecosystem on planet Earth.”
“The UAE attaches great importance to adopting the principles and practices of green
economy to achieve sustainable development and combat the repercussions of climate
change. The UAE is leading this effort by setting a framework for achieving net-zero
emissions, launching green initiatives, and ambitious national strategies and policies
that will help reduce carbon emissions and adapt to climate change, as well as find a
smooth path towards achieving economic prosperity that goes in parallel with
environmental sustainability. To support the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the
Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050 to provide 100% of the total power
production capacity from clean energy sources by 2050, Dubai launched major strategic
initiatives and development projects.
These projects, built through Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), include the
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the world’s largest single-site solar park

https://totaluae.com/news/emirates-news-agency-al-tayer-underlines-wgeos-collaboration-with-global-
stakeholders-to-discuss-role-of-green-economy-in-nature-based-solutions-at-cop27/