ADFD Becomes First In MENA To Receive UN SIDS Partnership Award 2024

The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) has become the first institution in the MENA region to receive the United Nations Small Island Developing States Partnerships Award. This accolade was awarded to the UAE, which secured first place in the economic category due to ADFD's initiatives, including the UAE Pacific Partnership Fund and the UAE-Caribbean Renewable Energy Fund. Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of ADFD, accepted the award at the Annual Global Multi-Stakeholder SIDS Partnership Dialogue in New York.

One notable project funded by ADFD is a US$5.4 million wind farm in Samoa. This unique farm features cyclone-proof turbines that provide continuous energy to 75 percent of Samoa's population. The project saves 183,000 liters of diesel annually, reducing the country's carbon footprint by 506 tons. Similarly, a hurricane-resistant hybrid power plant in Antigua and Barbuda ensures a reliable electricity supply for the entire island population and supports the nation's goal of generating 86 percent of its electricity from renewables by 2030.

The initiative was nominated through submissions by ADFD, which allocated US$100 million to these projects. These initiatives represent strategic partnerships between the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), ADFD, Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar), a university, and 26 governments from Small Island Developing States (SIDS). They have been instrumental in accelerating renewable energy adoption, reducing fossil fuel reliance, enhancing energy security, and expanding climate action in Caribbean and Pacific regions.

In his acceptance speech, Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi emphasised the UAE’s commitment to sustainable development initiated by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and continued by current leadership. He stated: "Under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the Presidential Court, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, ADFD is committed to supporting the UAE’s mission to minimise the effects of climate change through the promotion of clean energy in Small Island Developing States and globally."

Another significant project is a 600 kW solar power plant in the Marshall Islands built on a reservoir near Majuro. This installation increases water storage capacity by over 20 percent while saving 236,000 litres of diesel annually and cutting CO2 emissions by 652 tonnes each year. Similar renewable energy projects have been implemented in Nauru, Solomon Island, Micronesia, Kiribati, Fiji, Tuvalu, and Tonga.

Commitment to Global Cooperation

Al Suwaidi also highlighted international cooperation as central to achieving global energy and sustainable development goals. He added: "International cooperation is central to our mission to achieve global energy and sustainable development goals, and we are grateful to all contributors for the recognition we have achieved in this field. We reaffirm our commitment to support island states on their journey towards a sustainable and resilient energy future."

The United Nations Small Island Developing States Partnerships Awards were established by UN Member States in 2021. These awards recognise genuine and durable partnerships that effectively implement SIDS Accelerated Modalities of Action (SAMOA Pathway). The awards aim to highlight best practices, increase visibility for SIDS partnerships frameworks, motivate new partnerships creation for SIDS.

This collaboration has focused on advancing solar, wind, and other renewable energy projects within SIDS. It has driven innovation while creating employment opportunities and promoting gender equality. Additionally, it has strengthened climate resilience across these regions.

The hurricane-resistant hybrid power plant in Antigua and Barbuda is designed to withstand extreme winds while providing sustainable electricity for all residents on the island. This plant helps reduce annual diesel consumption by 406,000 litres and cuts carbon dioxide emissions by over one million kilograms.

These initiatives have significantly contributed to economic development within these regions while enhancing their environmental sustainability efforts.

With inputs from WAM