Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), in cooperation with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, has organised a workshop on sustainability and climate change in the UAE, for the third Carbon Ambassadors Programme. The programme was launched by DEWA, with the support of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and in cooperation with the Dubai Carbon Centre of Excellence (Dubai Carbon). This is a continuation of DEWA’s efforts to drive sustainability and sustainable development in Dubai and the UAE, and to prepare the younger generations to work for a brighter and more sustainable future.
The workshop was held as an essential requirement of the programme, at the Sustainable Building in Al Quoz. A presentation was given by a specialised lecturer from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. It included a number of climatic and environmental issues, including the UN negotiations on climate change and the 21st session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 21) at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Paris in December, 2015, as well as the participation of the State at the 22nd session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 22) at the Marrakech Climate Change Conference. This supports the framework of international cooperation to face environmental challenges and reduce carbon emissions, which is the main cause of global warming, as well as a detailed presentation of national strategic plans, and the efforts of the State in addressing the effects of climate change and the preservation of the environment and natural resources.
“The Carbon Ambassadors Programme is one of the leading programmes in promoting the role of youth in environmental awareness. We are committed to contributing to the achievement of the vision of our wise leadership, and the objectives of the UAE Vision 2021 to achieve a sustainable environment and integrated infrastructure. This can only happen through various national projects focusing on the environment and clean energy to build a sustainable and a better future, in line with our celebration of the Golden Jubilee of our Union. These projects include quantitative and qualitative projects, recently launched by DEWA, which work to enhance economic growth, such as the transition to clean and efficient alternative energy sources, such as solar power,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA.
“The workshop contributed to training young Emiratis, to prepare the younger generation to be aware of environmental issues, and to raise awareness on the importance of tackling climate issues, as well as the contribution of the UAE to the spread of clean energy and its use of it as a sustainable alternative to traditional energy. This comes in line with its international agreements to reduce climate change, which obliges all parties to define their responsibilities and activate their role through international cooperation. HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, once said, “The unity of nations and people in addressing the challenges of Climate Change is the best and shortest path in maintaining the Earth’s environment. Sustaining our environment remains a fundamental principle in our development programs, national projects and governmental policies,”” added Al Tayer.
In April 2017, Al Tayer announced the launch of the 3rd Carbon Ambassadors programme, building on the success of the first two programmes. Forty students joined the first batch of the programme, doubling to 80 in the second batch. They have shown promising capabilities, and proved their ability to bear the leading responsibilities entrusted to them, and lead the efforts of Dubai and the UAE to build a green and sustainable economy.
“The workshop aims to empower future generations. Participation in the workshop is a key condition in the completion of the third Carbon Ambassadors Programme, which was launched by DEWA. The programme aims to prepare youth to face climate change, by minimising risk, increasing adaptability, and conserving biodiversity and economy, to ensure a brighter future for our beloved country,” said Dr Yousef Al Akraf, Executive Vice President of Business Support and Human Resources at DEWA.