The President, Sheikh Khalifa, said yesterday that the UAE can become an “international leader” in creating a green economy.
The comments were made in celebration of the country’s 17th National Environment Day, which takes place on Tuesday.
The topic for this year’s event, Green Economy: Innovation and Sustainability, also gained its organisers praise from Sheikh Khalifa, state news agency Wam said.
In the address made on his behalf, Sheikh Khalifa said the aim of the event was to make the UAE a world leader in energy efficiency and environmental safety.
“Green Economy is a key component of the State’s strategic thinking, which is clearly stated in the UAE Vision 2021,” said the statement. Country-wide initiatives begun as far back as the beginning of 2012, “when the UAE launched a national long-term initiative to make our country one of the international leaders in the green economy and a centre for export and re-export of green economy products and technologies”, Sheikh Khalifa said. During the address the country was called upon to promote a green economy.
“There is a need for public awareness, along with government effort, to promote production and deployment of renewable energy.”
This can be carried out by encouraging “investment in green economy” as well as facilitating the “production, import, export and re-export of green products and technologies”.
Other ways include promoting the use of environmentally-friendly modes of transport, helping reduce carbon dioxide emissions, the promotion of organic farming, preservation of biodiversity and creating an ecological balance.
The UAE is on track to complete its goals in this area, said Dr Rashid bin Fahad, Minister of Environment and Water.
“The Day is an important, national event in which we recall the remarkable achievements of the late founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, whose far-sighted vision, firm commitment and relentless efforts towards the sustainability of natural resources had earned the UAE a prominent place regionally and internationally.
“Adoption of the green economy is yet another important step towards the UAE Vision 2021.”
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