UAE Delegation Highlights Commitment To Sustainability And Climate Resilience At UNEA-7

The UAE delegation, led by Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, attended the seventh session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) in Nairobi, Kenya. The event, held from 8th to 12th December 2025, focused on 'Advancing sustainable solutions for a resilient planet'. Dr. Al Dahak delivered the UAE National Statement, emphasising the country's commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Dr. Al Dahak highlighted the UAE's dedication to addressing global climate challenges through tangible actions and investments. "We are proud to adopt a pioneering developmental legacy based on sustainability, ensuring that humans and nature remain partners in progress," she stated. This commitment is reflected in initiatives like the US$30 billion ALTÉRRA investment fund launched in 2023.

During the "Friends of 2026 High-Level Meeting – Water in Multilateral Processes," the UAE reaffirmed its commitment to global water security. Dr. Al Dahak mentioned that the UAE actively contributes to enhancing water security through initiatives like the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative. The upcoming 2026 UN Water Conference will address water scarcity challenges by fostering cooperation and supporting innovative technologies.

The UAE has pledged US$150 million at COP28 to tackle water scarcity issues and committed up to US$60 million for the Clean Rivers programme in Indonesia, the Philippines, and Brazil. The UAE Water Security Strategy 2036 guides national efforts towards sustainable water management.

Mohammed Saeed Al Nuaimi addressed UNEA-7's High-Level Event on Universal Ratification of the Kigali Amendment, stressing the need to phase down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). He highlighted the UAE's strategic focus on environmental protection and its goal of achieving Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050 through stringent regulations on HFCs.

Al Nuaimi discussed the UAE's comprehensive approach integrating economic, environmental, and financial planning. He noted that Emirati financial institutions actively participate in key United Nations initiatives like UNEP Finance Initiative and Net-Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA). The UAE Banks Federation has pledged over AED 1 trillion for sustainable finance by 2030.

Pioneering Environmental Commitments

Dr. Alanoud Alhaj participated in dialogues on Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEA), highlighting how the UAE aligns international commitments with national policies like 'We the UAE 2031' vision and 'Net Zero 2050 Strategy'. She emphasised engaging all societal segments for effective implementation, citing youth involvement through Youth Councils.

In another MEA dialogue session focusing on Sustainable Development Goals, Dr. Alhaj stressed that environmental action is a catalyst for economic and social development. She highlighted integrated solutions such as renewable energy projects creating green jobs and waste-to-energy initiatives supporting circular economy goals.

Air Quality Initiatives

At the CCAC Ministerial meeting, Dr. Alhaj welcomed UNEP's steps towards regional cooperation on air pollution. She highlighted investments in air-quality monitoring systems across the UAE and introduced the National Air Quality Agenda 2031 with measurable targets for ambient air quality.

The Emirati youth played a significant role during preparatory meetings leading up to UNEA-7 events. Engineer Aisha Al Abdouli led a team of young negotiators who influenced final UN resolutions addressing critical negotiation tracks.

Resolutions Adopted

The Assembly adopted resolutions promoting responsible management of minerals, metals, chemicals, and waste for digital sustainability and innovation. Resolutions also addressed ecosystem protection with measures for coral reefs preservation, glacier safeguarding, wildfire response enhancement, and sargassum algae bloom management.

In health and society fields, resolutions focused on antimicrobial resistance's environmental dimensions, youth participation in environmental processes, and sports as a tool for sustainability enhancement were adopted.

The Assembly concluded with an announcement that Jamaica will host UNEA-8 in December 2027 to build upon these outcomes.

With inputs from WAM