The Abu Dhabi Sustainability Group (ADSG), with the support of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) held a knowledge sharing session on the ‘Journey to Dubai – the Road to COP28’.

The session was held on 3rd May, 2023 in Abu Dhabi and saw members and stakeholders of the Group reconvene in person for the first time in three years, to share best practice and thought leadership on the latest innovations and practical toolkits to drive decarbonization efforts. The aim of the session was to define what are the practical and immediate actions that need to be taken to keep the goals of the Paris Agreement of delivering 1.5 degrees Celsius within reach.

In the past few decades, climate change has become a top priority for the UAE with a strong focus on technological advancements in the renewable and clean energy arena. As we move towards the end of 2023, the UAE has been designated as the host nation for the upcoming Conference of Parties (COP) 28, reaffirming the country’s unwavering commitment to advance climate action and mobilize practical and innovative solutions to solve this global crisis.

Along with setting the scene in the run up to COP28 as well as the aims and vision of the Emirates, this event was headlined by a dynamic panel of experts who discussed how to harness nature-based solutions to solve the climate and biodiversity loss crisis as well as explore how the private sector and businesses can shift from being part of the problem into leading solutions and solving this global challenge.

The Hiwar session was attended by local and regional sustainability professionals which included ADSG member organisations, sustainability experts, thought leaders and practitioners from the government, private and non-profit sector.

Speaking at the event, Hanan Sakr, Head, Private Sector Engagements, COP28 said: “At COP28, we work closely with businesses from around the globe and expect them to be ambitious, transparent, and accountable with their commitments.”

Derek John Gliddon, Director,Environmental Research Innovation Division at Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi,emphasized the vital role of the private sector in addressing the triple planetary crisis of Climate Change, Biodiversity Loss, and Pollution. “It is crucial for businesses to assess the impacts of Climate Change and Biodiversity Loss on their value chains, considering short-, medium-, and long-term effects. The actions taken by businesses in response to these challenges will determine their success or failure. Long-term planning, nature-based solutions and consideration of social, economic, and environmental interdependencies are essential strategies for thriving in this context.”

Ashraf Abdelkhalek, Sustainability Leader (Gulf Countries Cluster) at Schneider Electric, said: “Partnerships for sustainable development are vital and UN SDG 17 has set clear targets for robust multi-stakeholder alliances to mobilize and share knowledge, technology and financial resources.

“COP28 represents the implementation of this ever-growing collaboration between government and the private sector. Active engagement – from implementation to policymaking – is essential to create the infrastructure and framework we need to make meaningful change during this decade of action.

“At Schneider Electric, we partner with governments and society to ensure that innovation and technology drives and enables a sustainable future for all. We are pleased to work with like-minded partners such as ADSG and EAD on this journey and extend our thanks for their active role in bringing stakeholders together.”

Joseph Harris-Confino, Communications Director at Capitals Coalition London, said: “We can’t tackle climate change at the expense of nature – we must focus on both to bring about the real and much-needed change toward a sustainable future. Biodiversity is a key material issue that has to be on every company’s sustainability agenda.”

Cedric Bachellerie, Managing Director at Sustainamics, Session Moderator,said:  “I was happy to witness how changing the conversation on climate from ‘problem’ to ‘solutions’ leads to greater accountability and positive energy.”

The session concluded with a closing note from Huda Al Houqani, Director of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Group (ADSG), who said: “The UAE has always been a lead in demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility and pledged to partner with other countries to promote international cooperation and facilitate the implementation of the Paris Agreement and Nature Positive Targets”.

The ADSG is an initiative of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi. It was launched in 2008 to champion sustainability and facilitate dialogue among leading organisations in the Emirates.