JESSI AMASON (DUBAI)
In a powerful move towards a greener future, the Family Care Authority (FCA) and the UAE Climate Change Independent Accelerators (UCCIA) have joined forces to launch a comprehensive community engagement programme. The initiative, set to begin in 2024, will see Abu Dhabi communities actively participate in climate action and environmental sustainability efforts through a diverse range of workshops, nature walks, educational sessions, and engaging activities.
This partnership, signed by Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan and H.E. Dr. Bushra Al Mulla at COP28, underscores the vital role that communities and the social sector play in driving meaningful climate action.
By empowering Family Care Authority beneficiaries to participate in climate-focused initiatives, this collaboration fosters a sense of shared responsibility and collective action towards a sustainable future.
Regarding the signing, Her Highness Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan said: "Through our history, the UAE's society has been rooted in the values of living in harmony and balance with our land, preserving our natural resources and ecosystems. At UICCA, we believe that every person can embody this legacy, contribute important ideas, and play an active role in shaping a more sustainable future. Educating, inspiring, and empowering our community is a vital aspect of the climate conversation. This collaborative initiative with the Family Care Authority will facilitate inclusive dialogue and awareness across all generations of society, encouraging Abu Dhabi\'s communities to take action and care for our environment, our planet, and each other."
Her Excellency Dr. Bushra Al Mulla, Director General of the FCA, stated: "We are proud to sign this partnership during the most important conference on climate change action, COP28. This partnership signifies a paradigm shift in how we approach family care services, weaving the principles of sustainability into the framework of family care and therapeutic initiatives."
Her Excellency added: "FCA is committed to exploring innovative ways to ensure that our beneficiaries are at the forefront of climate conversations, included in environmental practices, and are represented during and beyond COP28. AlongsideUICCA, we aim to pioneer innovative approaches that leverage Abu Dhabi's natural environment to create a unique and enriching experience for our beneficiaries. Our goal is to break away from conventional methods to best serve those under our care. Together we are sowing the seeds for a sustainable future, where the well-being of individuals, families, and the environment are interconnected.
"On the sidelines of the signing, Aletihad spoke with H.E. Dr. Bushra Al Mulla, who confirmed the critical role of community action in making tangible environmental change.
"Community engagement is crucial, in addition to creating initiatives and impacting climate action. Who else can make the change other than the communities and the people themselves?" Dr. Al Mulla emphasised. The initiative, being unveiled during COP28 is set to involve all beneficiaries actively, ensuring their voices are heard in the discourse on climate change, she said.
Dr. Al Mulla highlighted the significance of this collaboration between the social and environmental sectors, noting that the partnership aims to reshape the narrative around climate change by encouraging community participation.
Dr. Al Mulla stressed the importance of the social sector's presence in such initiatives, particularly for vulnerable groups such as youth, children, families, senior citizens, and people with disabilities.
Describing the partnership as "a major milestone" Dr. Al Mulla explained that the new intiative is coming up with innovative methods to combine principles of sustainability with social outreach programmes, such as sustainable therapy services.
"It's not only during COP, it's sustaining it even after COP; that's our commitment," Dr. Al Mulla stated.
Speaking about the initiative’s alignment with the broader UAE climate efforts, Dr. Al Mulla said, "I think as COP28 is happening in the UAE, that shows the commitment of the UAE towards the global agenda." Stressing that climate change affects the entire world, Dr. Al Mulla highlighted the crucial role of the social sector in fostering changes and initiatives that will shape the future.
"Climate change is not only for certain countries; it's the whole world that is affected and impacted. Therefore, the social sector and our role are crucial to foster those changes and initiatives to shape the future of the climate through those beneficiaries that should be included in those conversations," Dr. Al Mulla added. "So the inclusion of vulnerable groups is the crucial part that will change - maybe - the narrative of the world."