Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA) | MENA Climate Week tackles creating a sustainable future on its third day

30 March 2022

MENA Climate Week tackles creating a sustainable future on its third day

MENA Climate Week tackles creating a sustainable future on its third day

On its third day, the MENA Climate Week organised 32 panel discussions featuring high-profile officials from region and around the world. The panel discussions covered various topics including carbon neutrality, sustainable cities, clean and renewable energy, and green economy.

Climate week partners held several discussions on mobilising the fund from major markets to counter climate change in the region. They also covered food security, mobility, building sustainable cities, and fostering peace through a sustainable water future. The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and the World Green Economy Organization (WGEO), the Regional Collaboration Centre for MENA and SA, and the UN General Secretariat for climate change participated in a workshop on Action for Climate Empowerment (ACE). The Ministry also hosted a specialised session on climate change research network.

The Economic and Social Commission for Eastern Asia (ESCWA) participated in a panel discussion on sustainable green economy in the Arab region. The World Health Organization’s Regional Centre for Environmental Health Action discussed the resilience and preparedness of health systems to fight climate change, disasters, and emergencies. The International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) talked about climate-ready agrifood systems.

The UAE Ministry of Education and Scientific Research presented a panel discussion on the role of higher education, research, and innovation for environmental change management in Mediterranean countries. The panel discussion by C40 cities highlighted the importance of climate action in global cities. The REN21 explained methods to achieve urban climate resilience in the Middle East and North Africa. The LCIPP-UNFCCC also held a panel discussion on integrating environmental systems through collective management of nature and strengthening climate action.

The UNFCCC secretariat gave its first assessment of the Paris Climate Agreement to assess global progress towards the agreement’s purpose and long-term objectives. Participants talked about the importance of working with young people and providing them with the opportunities to participate in climate change strategies and plans.

The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction discussed the importance of adopting an integrated and comprehensive risk management approach. This aims to adapt to climate change and reduce the risks of natural disasters in the Middle East and North Africa, by using partnerships, advocacy, and building closer ties with stakeholders.

International experts shared their experiences and observations on the impact of climate change on livelihoods and ecosystems in the region. They talked about the importance of strengthening broad and equitable partnership between people, communities, parties, and global organisations to design and implement comprehensive policies and actions to address climate change.

The COP27 presidency reviewed recommendations on capacity building to adapt to climate change and improve climate action in the region. The UNICEF and Stockholm International Water Institute focused in their panel discussion on strengthening and empowering the environment to face water scarcity and achieve climate resilience. An array of panel discussions covered topics such as digital innovation for an inclusive UNFCCC process, environmental education, Net Zero Cement industry, and transparency in climate action.

The MENA Climate Week concludes tomorrow at Atlantis the Palm, Dubai. It is hosted by the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment in the UAE, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), the WGEO and the UNFCCC.