Under the Patronage of H. E. Engineer Sheikh Salem Bin Sultan Bin Saqr Al-Qasimi, Chairman of the Ras Al Khaimah Civil Aviation Department and a Member of the Government of Ras Al Khaimah Executive Council, and an honorary member of Emirates Environmental Group (EEG), EEG hosted and commended its collaborative partners during its Annual Gala Dinner which witnessed an immense gathering of members of the Diplomatic Corps, Corporate heads, Government representatives and International delegates and the Media.
In her speech at the Gala Dinner, Mrs. Habiba Al Mar’ashi, Co-Founder and Chairperson of EEG said “ I am sincerely grateful to all of you for being here and for supporting us to work for a greener environment and a more sustainable future, the benefits of which can be enjoyed by all the species that inhabit our beloved planet Earth.” She further elaborated that “The call to action has been sounded around the world, and across local, regional and global platforms. I am proud to stand before you today as a citizen of a country whose size may be small, but whose ambitions are big, and whose astute founding and subsequent leadership have always advocated for a green and sustainable UAE.
The UAE Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative is a national drive to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, making the UAE the 1st Middle East and North Africa (MENA) nation to do so. For us, 2023 is the official Year of Sustainability, and this year our country plays host to the Climate Change Conference to be held as the 28th Conference of Parties or COP 28 towards the month of November.”
In her speech, Mrs. Habiba Al Mar’ashi expressed her sincere gratitude to EEGs’ partners and sponsors of the event, namely, McDonald’s UAE – Platinum Sponsor, Wasl Properties – Special Sponsor, Farnek – Carbon Neutral Partner, and Arabia CSR Network – Sustainability Partner.
To show the immense efforts of the group and the successful results of their campaigns, projects, workshops and discussion during 2022 and the overall results since inception. Clean UAE campaign rolled out in 2002 collected 1,604,1588 kg of waste, with the participation of more than 907,742 individuals; EEG’s recycling programmes have mitigated 92,445 metric tonnes of CO2e and its urban afforestation programmes have been successful in planting 2,114,316 native trees in the UAE.
In addition to this, EEG’s educational programmes, educated and engaged 704,840 students from thousands of schools and universities, across the region since inception in 2001; and the group has also conducted over 200 panel discussions since 1992.
The chairperson also explained to the audience why the theme for this year was chosen; to showcase the impact that EEG has towards achieving sustainable development goals. She elucidated that “I am delighted to share with you that EEG will be a part of COP 28, and we look forward to play an effective and active role in the preparation for this mega event. Therefore our theme today is, “Carrying the Sustainable Beacon, Rallying to a Carbon Neutral Society”. We have and will continue to shine the sustainability beacon and rally everyone under the banner of a carbon-neutral world.”
Furthermore, she continued “ We have engaged all the key sectors of society in a host of activities that are geared to educate, motivate, inspire and engage. Our projects and programmes have been running successfully for decades, and I will not shy away from the fact that this speaks volumes about our dedication, perseverance and ability to sustain amidst past economic, societal, health and other challenges that we have all faced. EEG has withstood the test of time, thanks to the strength of our convictions and the valuable support of our friends and partners. I thank you all for standing by and collaborating with us”.
The Patron of the Annual Corporate Gala Dinner – H.E. Sheikh Eng. Salem Bin Sultan Bin Saqr Al Qasimi stated: “Our rapid advancement towards Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development depends on our collective action undoubtedly. Now, more than ever, collaboration incubates progress. It is indeed a delightful moment for me to watch esteemed representatives from different professional domains unite on this wonderful evening to celebrate and further augment their determination in chasing our far-flung but uncompromisable vision of a sustainable future.”
The Gala Dinner captivated its attendees through a mesmerising musical performances from a violinist; all the while appreciating the deep impact that collaborations and cooperations between entities that are paving the way towards a sustainable future. EEG recognised and falicitated 55 entities from the government, the private sector and the civil societies during the gala event.