Amna Al Dahak asserts UAE’s commitment to global environmental and climate obligations

UAE’s Commitment to Environmental Responsibility: Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak Al Shamsi Speaks at UNEA-6

Nairobi, 5th March, 2024 : Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak Al Shamsi, Minister of Climate Change and the Environment, delivered a compelling address on behalf of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the sixth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6) in Nairobi, Kenya. Her speech underscored the UAE’s unwavering dedication to fulfilling international environmental and climate responsibilities through collaborative efforts, particularly in addressing pressing global climate challenges.

The UNEA-6 session, hosted at the United Nations Environment Programme headquarters, centered on exploring how multilateralism can effectively tackle the triple planetary crisis encompassing climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste.

Dr. Al Dahak highlighted the pivotal role played by the UAE on the global stage during COP28 in Dubai in late 2023. This conference, marked by the historic ‘UAE Consensus,’ represented a turning point in averting the rise of global temperatures and ensuring the equitable distribution of energy resources.

Of particular note was the emphasis on food as a priority for climate action at COP28, a first in the history of such conferences. The UAE’s efforts received recognition from 159 countries, who endorsed the “COP28 UAE Declaration on Resilient Food Systems, Sustainable Agriculture and Climate Action.” Dr. Al Dahak also highlighted increased participation in UAE-launched initiatives, including the “Mangrove Alliance for Climate” and the Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate (AIM for Climate).

The Minister emphasized the launch of the “Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative,” an initiative spearheaded under the directives of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Dr. Al Dahak, serving as a board member, expressed privilege in contributing to an initiative aimed at improving collaboration among global partners and stakeholders. The initiative focuses on accelerating technological innovation to address water scarcity and broadening international cooperation while encouraging investments.

Furthermore, Dr. Al Dahak reiterated the UAE’s commitment to leveraging the outcomes of its climate and environmental achievements. She stressed the nation’s belief that cooperation stands as the key to achieving global climate action goals.

Expressing gratitude to the Asian and Pacific Group, the Minister acknowledged their support for the Sultanate of Oman’s candidacy for the presidency of the United Nations General Assembly during its seventh session, also congratulating Oman on gaining this confidence.

As the highest decision-making body on the environment, the United Nations Environment Assembly strives to restore equilibrium between human societies and the natural world, enhancing the well-being of marginalized and vulnerable populations globally.

During the COP28 in Dubai, an agreement on the Loss and Damage Fund was announced, aiming to provide financing to countries vulnerable to severe impacts of climate change. UNEA-6 dedicated a day to discuss this achievement and other successful endeavors, exploring collective governmental action to implement ratified multilateral agreements. The session focused on securing adequate financing and establishing new commitments while fulfilling existing obligations.