Global Green Summit Showcases UAE's Leadership In Smart Cities And Clean Technologies
The Global Green Summit (GPF Global) Abu Dhabi was inaugurated by H.H. Sheikha Dr Shamma bint Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan. She emphasised that adopting a Circular Economy is essential for combining environmental care with economic efficiency. The event, held at the Abu Dhabi Energy Center, marked the European-based GPF Global platform's debut in the Middle East, attracting over 600 participants.
During her keynote speech, Sheikha Shamma highlighted the need to shift consumption patterns from production and disposal to recovery and reuse. She stated, "The question is no longer how we dispose of waste, but how we harvest its value and transform it into economic, social, and health benefits." This approach aims to maximise resource efficiency.
Sheikha Shamma pointed out that the UAE serves as a practical example of turning environmental goals into development outcomes. She said that a Circular Economy aligns with the vision of UAE's leadership by converting energy into laws and innovation into growth. This model enhances competitiveness while promoting sustainability.
In addition to her speech, Sheikha Shamma introduced the Plan 90 initiative. This programme encourages individuals to measure their carbon footprint, reduce it over 90 days, and then reassess their progress. Simple actions like walking instead of driving short distances and using refillable containers were suggested as impactful measures.
The summit featured sessions on renewable energy, water management, circular value chains, and youth involvement in sustainability efforts. Experts shared insights on smart cities, clean technologies, desalination processes, and recycling initiatives within the UAE. These discussions aimed to foster knowledge exchange and inspire action towards sustainable practices.
Lebanese MP Paula Yacoubian addressed Lebanon’s waste management issues during the summit. As an environmental advocate, she stressed the importance of robust state intervention and legal frameworks to convert individual awareness into collective environmental impact. Her insights highlighted regional challenges in managing waste effectively.
Regional Cooperation for Green Transition
The summit concluded with calls for enhanced regional cooperation to advance green transitions and integrate circular economy principles into future development strategies. Participants recognised the importance of collaboration in achieving sustainable growth across the region.
Sheikha Shamma also remarked on resource management's dignity: "The most valuable thing we gain is the dignity of managing resources wisely and teaching our children that intelligence lies not only in consuming less but in circulating resources more efficiently." Her words underscored the importance of sustainable practices for future generations.
With inputs from WAM
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