The World Green Economy Organization (WGEO), recently held its first Platforms Council Meeting to review the successes and achievements of the Private Sector, Academia & Youth and Cities platforms. The meeting focused on the respective sectors’ strategic priorities, business plans and activities for 2021, aimed at further accelerating the green economy agenda in the coming period.
The Regional Collaboration Centre for Middle East, North Africa and South Asia based in Dubai (RCC Dubai), an organization established by the UN Climate Change (UNFCCC) Secretariat in partnership with WGEO, also presented its accomplishments and upcoming programs.
HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Chairman, WGEO, chaired the meeting in the presence of Waleed Salman, Vice Chairman, WGEO; Abdulrahim Sultan, Director-General, WGEO; Mohammad Abunayyan, Chairman, Private Sector Platform and Chairman of ACWA Power; Dr. Eesa Bastaki, Chairman, Academia & Youth Platform and President of the University of Dubai; Marwan Bin Haidar, Chairman, Cities Platform and Executive VP Innovation & The Future, DEWA ; James Grabert, Director, Mitigation Division, Acting Director, Communication and Engagement Division of UNFCCC Secretariat, and Muhammad Taimur, Regional Lead of RCC Dubai.
"The first Platforms Council meeting provided an update to the Governing Board of the World Green Economy Organization on achievements by the respective platforms and the key targets and activities they intend to implement and meet in the near future. It was clear in the discussion that there is an urgency to mobilize and support the private sector through action-oriented activities to facilitate the transition to a green economy, emphasizing the importance of key organizations stepping forward to engage in stronger collaborations that will advance climate action initiatives and lead to greater results supporting the Paris Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030. Most importantly, there is a strong need to act fast and be agile to increase the momentum for action and strengthen goal-oriented partnerships among forward-looking institutions, ensuring the best in class are brought to the table to provide insight and expertise," said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Chairman, WGEO.
During the meeting, Mohammad Abunayyan, highlighted the private sector’s role in working closely with governments in implementing a sustainable, competitive economy based on collaboration, expertise and diversity. "The Private Sector Platform remains focused on increasing the participation of private entities in accelerating the green economy agenda, while incorporating the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals into their business strategies."
Dr. Bastaki during his presentation discussed some of the Academia & Youth’s accomplishments during the period including the first Executive Training on Green Economy which was developed with six modules and delivered to 800 high-level officials from around the world, including at COP25. "We are proud of the progress of convening a dialogue for the youth which included two high-level meetings for the Green Economy Dialogues on Action for Youth Engagement and Empowerment (AGYLE) and are set for a major launch of the AGYLE program in partnership with RCC Dubai," Bastaki added.
For Cities Platform, Marwan Bin Haidar, talked about the strategic priorities for the platform to expand its reach and highlight the importance of cities in leading green economy agenda. "Cities play a critical role in the advancement of a green economy and we are keen to boost their involvement in the coming period and shore up their capabilities in implementing climate action and contribute to achieving the SDGs."
James Grabert of the UNFCCC Secretariat shed light on the work of the RCC Dubai during the session, particularly on the portfolio and its delivery model in coordination with WGEO, its host-partner, in the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia.
James Grabert commented: "The launch of WGEO’s Platforms, in combination with multi-stakeholder inclusive processes and concerted efforts will contribute to the acceleration of climate action and will be instrumental to supporting the implementation of the Paris Agreement."