Page 28 - SALIK PR REPORT DECEMBER 2024

12/9/24, 11:00 AM Over 8,300 volunteers take part in ‘Clean UAE’ campaign
Together, they collected 5,863 kg of waste including recyclables that were further segregated from
the general waste and sent to local recycling factories, thus contributing to significant environmental
benefits.

In her opening remarks, Habiba Al Mar’ashi, Co-Founder and Chairperson of the Emirates
Environmental Group, highlighted the importance of the “Clean UAE” campaign, held under the
patronage of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and in supported by Dubai
Municipality.

She described it as the largest community-driven environmental protection initiative in the UAE and a
key contributor to the “Year of Sustainability.”

Over the past 23 years, the campaign has played a pivotal role in raising awareness of environmental
issues and inspiring behavioural change across all sectors, engaging private, government, academic,
hospitality, families, and individuals of all ages, genders, nationalities, religions and social
backgrounds.

Al Mar’ashi emphasised the campaign’s longstanding slogan, “Together for a Better Environment,”
which has united people since 1991 in an unbiased and inclusive effort to protect the environment.

She explained that the campaign works to address the dangers of pollution and its impact on
environment and public health and also seeks to foster community engagement through active
participation in volunteer activities.

Al Mar’ashi further explained that EEG ensures its programmes are designed to align with global
objectives, embodying the principle of “Think globally, act locally.” The Clean UAE campaign is a
prime example of this approach, directly supporting several United Nations Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGs), including Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being, Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and
Communities, Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, Goal 13: Climate Action, Goal 15:
Life on Land, and Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Engineer Saeed Abdul Rahim Safar, Director of the Waste Operations Department at Dubai
Municipality, stated: “Our participation in this campaign aligns with the significant environmental

milestones the UAE is celebrating this year, beginning with the announcement by His Highness
Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, ‘may God protect him,’ designating
2024 as the Year of Sustainability under the theme ‘Today for Tomorrow.’”

“Dubai Municipality, represented by the Waste Operations Department, has provided comprehensive
logistical support for this initiative, reflecting its commitment to fostering community participation in
preserving the city’s cleanliness and aesthetic appeal.”

“This effort underscores the principle of partnership across private, governmental and civil sectors to
achieve shared goals.”

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