UAE Accelerates Climate Actions And Water Innovation At World Green Economy Summit 2025

Abdulla Balalaa, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability Affairs, took part in two key ministerial sessions at the World Green Economy Summit (WGES) 2025 in Dubai. His participation underscored the UAE's leadership in climate and water sectors, aligning with efforts to build momentum before COP30 and the 2026 UN Water Conference.

During a session titled ‘On the Road to the 2026 UN Water Conference: Water at the Heart of Sustainable Development and the Green Economy’, Balalaa stressed water security as a global priority. He highlighted the UAE's leadership role in preparing for this conference alongside Senegal. The session focused on six UN-adopted Interactive Dialogue Themes that will guide the conference’s agenda.

At the Ministerial Roundtable themed ‘Delivering Climate Ambition by 2030 and Beyond’, Balalaa emphasised, "This is a critical moment where ambition must shift from agreements to the reality of accelerated actions. The choices we make now will define climate outcomes for decades and generations to come." This statement reflects the urgency of moving from planning to action.

The UAE submitted its updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) in November 2024. This update was shaped by insights from the Global Stocktake and UAE Consensus reached at COP28, aligning with their Net Zero by 2050 strategy. These efforts demonstrate a commitment to substantial climate action.

Balalaa outlined several initiatives led by the UAE, such as the US$30 billion Alterra Fund and AED 1 trillion sustainable finance initiative by the UAE Banks Federation. These initiatives aim to mobilise transformative investments globally. The Africa Green Investment Initiative targets 15 GW of clean energy in Africa by 2030, showcasing a commitment to sustainable development.

The UAE is advancing global platforms like Masdar, promoting clean energy across more than 40 countries. Through Alterra, UAE Banks Federation’s sustainable finance drive, and Global Climate Finance Centre, they are pioneering Green Sukuk (Islamic green bonds), blended finance, and other tools to unlock private capital for climate action worldwide.

Collaboration and Inclusivity

Balalaa emphasised collaboration through alliances like GAGE and WGEO. He highlighted engaging youth, women, and vulnerable groups as central to the UAE’s approach. This inclusive strategy aims to foster broad participation in addressing climate challenges.

In his concluding remarks, Balalaa stressed that only through collective innovation, investment, and inclusive partnerships can SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) be achieved. He noted that these efforts are crucial for ensuring prosperity and resilience globally.

With inputs from WAM