New UAE Governments Net Zero 2050 Charter a nod to collective climate action

The charter was signed on the sidelines of the UAE Cabinet meeting held on March 6

by Gulf Business

March 7, 2023

UAE Governments Net Zero 2050 Charter Dubai Media Office

The landmark UAE Governments Net Zero 2050 Charter was signed in the presence of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

This charter was signed on the sidelines of the UAE Cabinet meeting held on March 6.

The UAE Governments Net Zero 2050 Charter aims to enable the objectives of the National Net Zero by 2050 pathway, launched at the 27th Conference of the Parties (COP27) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, in line with the UAE Net Zero 2050 strategic initiative, according to a report published by the Dubai Media Office.

The UAE government, which was represented by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, and local governments of the seven emirates will collaborate and cooperate to carry out and monitor initiatives and measures to mitigate the effects of climate change on biodiversity, environment, biosecurity and public health, the report stated.

.@HHShkMohd witnesses the signing of the #UAE Governments Net Zero 2050 Charter. The charter comes to support the objectives of the National Net Zero by 2050 pathway.https://t.co/ZSJTVYvfpk pic.twitter.com/xDYRsNtHY5

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 6, 2023

The governments of the seven emirates assured their commitment to contribute to achieving the National Net Zero by 2050 Pathway, and the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) Report.

UAE Governments Net Zero 2050 Charter: Focused objectives

The charter underscores the development of action plans, policies and strategies aimed at climate action.

It relies on measuring and monitoring greenhouse gas emissions in each of the seven emirates, in addition to identifying the activities and procedures that generate those emissions.

Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and the Environment, said, “With the UAE hosting COP28 later this year and in line with the Year of Sustainability, we sign the ‘UAE Governments Net Zero 2050 Charter’, as part of our efforts towards achieving net zero by 2050, and contributing to global climate action in order to ensure a more sustainable future for humanity.”

Read: COP28 chief’s Sultan Al Jaber begins global tour

As part of the UAE Governments Net Zero 2050 Charter, local governments will be able to exchange experiences, practices, technologies and innovative solutions.

Governments will also be responsible for spreading knowledge and educating society on climate change issues, to engage them in addressing this global issue.

The charter will focus on areas and opportunities of the utmost importance in the National Net Zero 2050 Pathway, including the transport sector, construction, industry and other sectors.

Affirming support

Saif Saeed Ghobash, Secretary-General of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, said that the signing and adoption of the UAE Governments Net Zero by 2050 Charter “represents a milestone commitment to consolidating the efforts of all local and federal stakeholders to advance government climate action in the UAE”.

“This is not the beginning, but a continuation of our nation’s impactful efforts, regionally and globally, to tackling climate change, which is increasingly becoming a major obstacle to economic and social development around the world,” he added.

Abdulla Al Basti, secretary-general of The Executive Council of Dubai, noted, “The UAE has long been a pioneer in sustainability and in adopting environmentally conscious practices.

“It was the first country in the MENA region to commit to climate neutrality by 2050. By signing the Climate Neutral Governments Charter 2050 today, the UAE takes another significant stride towards securing a brighter future for the generations to come.”

Dr Saeed Saif Al Matrooshi, secretary-general of the Executive Council in Ajman, said: “The government of Ajman continues to work under the directives of its wise leadership to achieve the goal of transforming Ajman City into a sustainable, environmentally friendly city that preserves nature.”

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Dr Mohamed Abdullatif Khalifa, secretary-general of Ras Al Khaimah’s Executive Council, highlighted that the UAE model of integration and joint national actions represents a pioneering civilised approach whose fruits are evident in various aspects of the nation’s journey.

“Unifying our efforts, aligning our actions, and rallying around a common national path and ambitious strategy to deal with the challenges of carbon emissions is a strong indication of the country’s firm commitment to dealing with climate and environmental issues efficiently and competently,” added Dr Khalifa.

Highlighting the importance of the UAE Governments Net Zero 2050 Charter, Mohammed Saeed Al Dhanhani, director of Fujairah Emiri Court, said that the UAE has succeeded in establishing its position on the world map as an ideal destination for living and working.

He added that it has established advanced communities that contribute to achieving steady economic growth by continuing to search for and use new energy sources and invest in renewable energy in building cities in line with the UAE’s climate ambition.