HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), has emphasised the key role that the media plays in highlighting environmentally-friendly practices that contribute to achieving sustainable development and the acceleration of the shift to a green economy. Al Tayer made these remarks during DEWA’s participation as Sustainability Partner in the 17th Arab Media Forum (AMF), organised by Dubai Press Club, under the theme ‘Impactful Media Trends’.
“DEWA gives great importance to environmental sustainability and the shift towards renewable and clean energy. This supports the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, which was launched by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to provide 75% of Dubai’s energy from clean energy sources by 2050. DEWA participated as the Sustainability Partner in the Arab Media Forum, building on the strong ties between DEWA and Dubai Press Club, and out of appreciation for the role of the media in raising awareness on the issues that affect people’s lives. Sustainability is a key issue that contributes to enhancing social, economic and environmental development. The forum is an opportunity to connect with Arab and international media organisations. It also provides an interactive platform for media professionals to spread meaningful messages that address sustainability, for which our wise leadership attaches great importance,” added Al Tayer.
“The media plays a key role in supporting and enhancing sustainability and spreading a culture of the rational use and conservation of natural resources. This is done by introducing society members to the principles of responsible and sustainable consumption of resources, and spreading awareness on the best eco-friendly practices, and the importance of conservation of energy and water to make conservation an essential part of people’s daily lives,” said Al Tayer.
Many sessions were organised at the ‘Beta Stage – DEWA’ hall at AMF. These included ‘The Transformational Arm of Regional Media’, presented by Dr. Ali Al-Nuaimi, Editor-in-Chief of Al Ain news portal; ‘Facebook: Changing the Media Landscape’ presented by Patrick Walker, Director of Media Partnerships, EMEA at Facebook; ‘Building a Stronger Future for News’ by Carlo Biondo, President, EMEA Strategic Partnerships at Google; ‘Engaging the Audience in a Digital Era’ presented by Peter Greenberger, Global Director of News Partnerships at Twitter; ‘Vision of Media in a New Middle East’ presented by Dr. Mamoun Fandy, Director of London Global Strategy Institute; ‘Defining Soft Power in the Arab Media’ presented by Dr. Fawaz Gerges, Professor of International Relations at London School of Economics & Political Science; ‘Media and the Fear of Change’ presented by Sultan Al Qhtani, Editor in Chief of Riyadh Post, and ‘Quality Digital Journalism’ presented by Matt Cooke, Head of Google News Lab International.