The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) have partnered to enhance green growth efforts in Abu Dhabi and the UAE.

Based on the expertise that both parties provide in the fields of climate action and green development, the partnership will enhance efforts aimed at confronting climate change and environment-related challenges in Abu Dhabi and beyond.

The partnership aims to establish a framework for cooperation between EAD and the GGGI, based on projects and programmes that support relevant national plans and strategies in the UAE and Abu Dhabi.

The partnership will work to advance national ambitions that help strengthen the UAE’s global agreements and commitments.

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In addition, the circular economy, a concept that includes the sustainable use of resources and their management based on reuse and renewal of production, is one of the areas that will be addressed through this cooperation.

The agreement was signed on behalf of Her Excellency Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of EAD, by Ahmed Baharoon, Executive Director, Environmental Information, Science and Outreach Management at EAD, and Ahmed Al Amra, representative of the GGGI in the UAE.

The signing of the agreement coincides with the start of the implementation of Abu Dhabi’s climate change strategy, which was recently launched, and commitments to working with its main partners to achieve the target of effective climate action at various levels in line with the UAE’s strategic initiative that aims to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.

Her Excellency Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of EAD, said: “The vision of EAD is to achieve a better and more sustainable future in Abu Dhabi, and to move forward towards this vision, we are constantly striving to build effective partnerships to enhance the local, regional and global position of Abu Dhabi in this field.

"We aim to protect the environment and foster sustainable development by building partnerships with local and international institutions and bodies to enhance cooperation, exchange experiences and best practices.

"The signing of this memorandum with the Global Green Growth Institute is as an important step to enhance our joint efforts to confront the challenges facing us in the field of climate change.

“The signing of the agreement coincides with the UAE's preparations to host the COP28, which constitutes a strong motivation locally for all sectors to adopt climate action as a starting point for development, where the principles of cleaner production and work towards the economy are adopted.

“In this context, the authority is working to strengthen its efforts in the field of climate action with its strategic partners at the national and global levels to achieve a balance between economic development and leadership in the field of environmental protection.”

Ahmed Al Amra, representative of the GGGI in UAE, said: “It is crucial at this point in time to unify all the efforts to address the tremendous challenges that are putting increasing pressure on the world, especially climate crisis.

"The UAE, as part of this world, has its share of challenges and promising opportunities, so building partnerships and cementing collaboration ties is the best approach to face these challenges and harness promises for a greener and more resilient future.”

EAD and GGGI’s partnership also aims to focus on engaging stakeholders from different sectors, to ensure strategies are developed through a scientific and participatory approach.

As a founding member of GGGI, the UAE first partnered with the organisation in 2011, and since the partnership the GGGI has been supporting the UAE’s transition toward a greener economy. GGGI successfully supported the development of key, national green growth-related strategies and plans and supported the UAE’s international collaborations with other neighbouring countries in the field of green development and climate change.

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