The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), where the Ministry will provide strategic sponsorship for the Carbon Ambassadors Programme. The Programme was launched by DEWA, with support from the Dubai Carbon Centre of Excellence (Dubai Carbon), to involve youth in achieving the goals of sustainable development and the UAE Vision 2021, to make the UAE one of the best countries in the world by 2021.
The MoU was signed by HE Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al-Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, and HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA. According to the MoU, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment will supervise a team of carbon ambassadors to provide training, consultancy and expertise. The team will design and implement an innovative project according to the programme’s work mechanisms.
“Our wise leadership pays great attention to protecting the environment and reducing the impact of climate change to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for future generations. The UAE Energy Plan for 2050 aims to bring about a quality change in the culture of energy consumption in the UAE community and diversify sources of energy by doubling the contribution of clean energy and reducing consumption rates in homes and buildings by 40%,” said HE Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al-Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment.
“The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment supports initiatives that consolidate sustainable development and environmental conservation. As part of our strategy to engage the youth in these efforts, we are pleased to cooperate with DEWA to sponsor the Carbon Ambassadors Programme, which it launched to support creative potential. This will be done by involving young people in environmental and sustainability issues, and encouraging them to develop innovative solutions that reduce carbon emissions and support the UAE’s efforts in its transition to a green economy,” added Al-Zeyoudi.
HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA commended the role of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment in supporting green initiatives and innovative development projects, especially among the youth.
“At DEWA, we work in line with the vision and guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to enhance sustainable development. Sustainability is a priority in our strategic direction, initiatives, and projects, in partnership with government and private organisations and members of society. Environmental action is a shared responsibility. Since its inception, the Carbon Ambassadors Programme has been supported and sponsored by many leading organisations, and has achieved significant successes in many areas,” said Al Tayer.
“We value the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment’s joining the Carbon Ambassadors programme as a strategic partner to engage the youth in achieving sustainable development goals by encouraging them to develop innovative and practical solutions to environmental challenges. The youth are the driving force for building a brighter future that protects natural resources and the environment.
This will contribute to achieving the objectives of the UAE Centennial 2071, which is a long-term government plan to prepare the UAE and young Emiratis for the future, and the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, to make Dubai the city with the lowest carbon footprint in the world, and transform it into a global hub for clean energy and green economy,” added Al Tayer.
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment sponsored the Sustainable Agriculture Container, a project developed by the second batch of the Carbon Ambassadors Programme. The project transformed used service containers into sustainable agricultural containers, to spread environmental awareness, and encourage people to adopt an eco-friendly lifestyle.