Supreme Council For Motherhood And Childhood Showcases Youth Achievements In Sustainability At Global Zero Waste Forum

The Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, led by Al Reem Abdullah Al Falasi, took part in the Global Zero Waste Forum 2025 in Istanbul. The event was hosted under the patronage of Emine Erdoğan, spouse of Türkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Al Falasi spoke at a session titled "Inclusive Pathways to a Zero Waste Future," attended by representatives from 101 countries.

Al Falasi highlighted that the UAE’s Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, believed human progress should align with nature. He demonstrated this by transforming deserts into green landscapes through innovative irrigation and afforestation projects. This vision continues under President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who views environmental protection as a shared national and humanitarian duty.

Sustainability is central to the UAE’s future vision, aiming for climate neutrality by 2050. The country is expanding clean and renewable energy use. President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has consistently emphasized at international forums that safeguarding the planet is a universal moral obligation. The UAE’s dedication to sustainability is both longstanding and profound.

The UAE's environmental vision has evolved into a global leadership model. During COP28, the UAE brought together governments, sectors, and youth worldwide for an inclusive climate dialogue. A significant outcome was the "Waste to Zero" initiative launched by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and Tadweer (Abu Dhabi Waste Management Company). This initiative aims to decarbonise the waste sector and establish a circular economy platform.

The Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood believes in instilling sustainable values from an early age through daily practice. The Emirati Children's Parliament enables youth to discuss environmental policies, empowering them to shape their future society. In partnership with UNICEF, the Council launched the COP28 UAE Youth Climate Champion initiative, encouraging youth-led climate action campaigns.

Emirati children participated in COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh under the theme "The Child's Right to a Safe and Sustainable Environment." COP28 hosted the UAE-German Children’s Dialogue on Climate Change to exchange views and solutions. The Children Environment Award honours children proposing innovative solutions in renewable energy, waste reduction, and marine conservation.

Instilling Environmental Awareness

The Junior Masterclass programme teaches children practical ways to reduce waste and care for their surroundings. The Little Volunteer initiative introduces young children to community service, fostering empathy and social responsibility early on. Sustainability in the UAE is passed down through generations—rooted in awareness, education, and example—from leaders to citizens and parents to children.

Al Falasi noted that every child learning environmental protection today ensures a cleaner world tomorrow. She reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment through the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood to give children a voice in international forums on environmental issues shaping their future. She urged participating organisations to support this inclusive approach.

With inputs from WAM