HUDA AL TUNAIJI (ABU DHABI)
The General Women's Union (GWU) hosted a session titled "Sharing for Tomorrow for Safe and Sustainable Homes" at its headquarters in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.
The event aimed to deepen understanding of the challenges and opportunities in reducing the environmental footprint of daily practices to mitigate climate change impacts and ensure a sustainable environment.
Sustainability experts highlighted the critical need to increase public awareness about the culture of sustainable homes to ensure their safety. They emphasised adopting modern technologies to improve building quality, enhance performance, conserve energy, and promote behaviours that reduce environmental waste. These measures lead to a healthier, carbon-free lifestyle and positively influence individual behaviours, fostering an environmentally conscious society.
The session was organised under the slogan "Sharing for Tomorrow," announced by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the Mother of the Nation, Chairwoman of the GWU, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, on the occasion of Emirati Women's Day, to be held on August 28. The slogan reflects the participatory approach adopted by the state since its founding, involving all segments of society in achieving the state's vision.
Her Highness directed the GWU to enhance the concept of shared responsibility and role integration to achieve sustainability, requiring the concerted efforts of all, including Emirati women. Women play a strategic role in building bridges of sustainability, impacting sustainability culture within their families as role models and references, or by assuming leadership positions in environmental and sustainability fields and actively participating in related community initiatives.
The session provided an opportunity to raise awareness among women about the importance of environmental sustainability and its application in homes. Through learning and knowledge exchange, participants discussed improving home sustainability, from efficient resource use to waste reduction and recycling. This underscores the pivotal role women play in family management, significantly influencing the adoption of sustainable practices and contributing to achieving national and global environmental goals, such as reducing carbon footprints, conserving natural resources, and improving quality of life.
When women adopt sustainable practices, it contributes to building a more sustainable society by enhancing environmental awareness and actions at the family level, positively impacting the environment. The session also served as a platform for exchanging experiences and ideas among speakers and participants, enhancing the sharing of best practices and innovative solutions to home sustainability challenges.
Dr. Eng. Aishah Hassan Al Shehhi from the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure highlighted the environmental benefits of sustainable home design, emphasising the fundamental principles of creating homes that are both structurally and operationally sustainable without compromising on comfort and luxury, all at affordable costs.
Dr. Abubaker Musa Eltom, a dedicated Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) advocate and speaker, shared his personal journey in environmental awareness.
Kholoud Abdullah Al Kaabi from the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) highlighted that sustainability is not just a community responsibility but an individual one in daily practices.
Muna Mohammed Liradi, also from ADAFSA, discussed the impact of individual consumption behaviour on environmental sustainability.