Today's Edition
ISIDORA CIRIC (ABU DHABI)
As the world intensifies its journey towards sustainability, the UAE has positioned itself as a forerunner in this global movement. The year 2023, proclaimed by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as the Year of Sustainability, has been a testament to the nation’s commitment to fostering a sustainable future. Eisa Al Subousi, Project Lead for the Year of Sustainability, told Aletihad that the journey aimed to cast light on how individual actions impact the environment.
“The UAE’s journey of sustainability is rooted in the resilience of our ancestors. Inspired by this legacy, the Year of Sustainability has invited all those who call the UAE home to come together and reflect on how our individual actions collectively impact the environment,” he said.
A pivotal highlight of this year-long endeavour was the UAE’s significant presence at the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), an event that not only showcased the nation’s sustainability journey but also set a global stage for impactful climate action.
UAE’s Commitment to Sustainability
The Year of Sustainability’s approach was multifaceted, targeting various aspects of everyday life to instigate meaningful change. “Throughout 2023, the Year of Sustainability has launched several activations to encourage individuals towards responsible consumption, conservation and climate action,” Al Subousi noted, highlighting the three main pillars of action.
By focusing on responsible consumption, the initiative encouraged individuals and businesses alike to reconsider their consumption patterns, aiming to reduce waste and promote a more circular economy. This focus extended beyond mere resource management to encompass a broader cultural shift towards sustainability.
In the realm of conservation, the Year of Sustainability emphasised the protection and preservation of the UAE’s unique natural heritage. This included promoting biodiversity, safeguarding ecosystems, and implementing measures to ensure the longevity and health of the nation’s environmental assets.
The third pillar, climate action, saw the UAE taking bold steps to address the global challenge of climate change. This involved not only policy changes and strategic investments in green technologies but also grassroots efforts to empower individuals to contribute to a larger environmental cause. It was a year that saw the UAE community, from government entities to private citizens, coming together in a concerted effort to forge a sustainable path forward, setting a precedent for the rest of the world to follow.
The UAE House of Sustainability at COP28
Central to the UAE’s participation at COP28 was the innovative UAE House of Sustainability, a dynamic platform demonstrating the country’s strides in sustainable practices. Meera Abdulla Almutawa, the Strategy and Guest Experience Lead, discussed with Aletihad the essence of the UAE House of Sustainability.
“As the host nation of COP28, the UAE’s House of Sustainability is a physical manifestation showcasing the efforts that the UAE has undertaken as we work together towards a net-zero future,” she remarked.
The UAE House of Sustainability was more than just an exhibition space; it was an immersive journey through the UAE’s sustainability story. Visitors were greeted with innovative interventions like “Dinner in 2050” and “Solving with Nature”, which offered a glimpse into the future of sustainable living. “Dinner in 2050” engaged visitors in a unique culinary experience, where they could choose their favourite dish and then discover a reimagined version made with sustainable ingredients.
Almutawa explained that through installations like Dinner in 2050, “the UAE House of Sustainability encouraged the public to reflect on the individual’s role in the larger equation of climate action”. Additionally, “Solving with Nature” highlighted the importance of local resilient plants such as Salicornia, demonstrating how indigenous resources could be harnessed for sustainable food sources.
“Immersive interventions at the UAE House of Sustainability, such as Dinner in 2050 and Solving with Nature, also invited guests to explore how transforming our choices today can strengthen food resiliency for all,” Almutawa added.
The UAE House of Sustainability also featured the Actionists’ Hub and daily PopCOP sessions, which were designed to engage the public in meaningful discussions about sustainability. “At COP28, we aimed for inclusive climate action by inviting the public to PopCOP sessions,” Al Subousi explained, adding that the Actionists’ Hub’s purpose was to engage the public and “inspire the next generation towards a more resilient future of our planet”.
These sessions provided a platform for exchange and collaboration, bringing together individuals from various backgrounds to share ideas and forge connections in the pursuit of a sustainable future. “The guest experience in the UAE House of Sustainability shares our journey of collective progress, beginning with the resiliency of our ancestors to our rapid transformation to the present day,” Almutawa said.
Sustaining Momentum Beyond COP28
The initiatives and insights gained during 2023 and at COP28 are not merely to be commemorated but serve as a springboard for continuous action and enduring change in the UAE’s approach to sustainability. Al Subousi encapsulated this forward-thinking approach: “As COP28 comes to a close, the UAE has showcased the importance of both macro-level, policy changes needed to impede climate change, and the collective impact of empowering individuals towards climate action.”
Looking ahead, the UAE is set to extend its sustainability efforts beyond 2023. “The UAE’s journey of sustainability extends far beyond the year, and we aim to continue our efforts through our legacy projects that encourage sustainability across all sectors,” Al Subousi added, highlighting the continuation of the Material Lab programme and the mangrove-planting drive, as well as the launch of a sustainable video game.
The Material Lab, launched earlier in November, is poised to continue driving sustainable production and design, encouraging businesses and creatives in the UAE to innovate with eco-friendly materials and processes. This collaborative model brings together UAE-based creatives, innovators, and businesses to rethink production processes, aiming to promote sustainable practices in the industry and empower local talent, blending cultural values with modern sustainability goals.
The sustainable video game, which is yet to be released, is expected to play a significant role in educating and engaging the younger generation on environmental issues in a format they find appealing and interactive.
The mangrove planting project across the UAE aims to plant 100 million mangrove trees by 2030, launching an open call for participation back in May. In line with the vision of the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the initiative seeks to restore and enhance the mangrove forests along the UAE’s coasts.
This initiative not only contributes to carbon sequestration but also enhances the country’s natural landscape, demonstrating a harmonious balance between development and environmental stewardship. In 2023, the UAE’s Year of Sustainability transcended beyond policy-making and infrastructural advancements to deeply engage the public in the sustainability dialogue.
This community-centric approach was pivotal in transforming the abstract concept of sustainability into tangible, everyday practices for individuals across the nation. As the UAE moves forward, the legacy of this year and the insights gained at COP28 will undoubtedly continue to influence the nation’s environmental policies and actions, setting a benchmark for what can be achieved with commitment, innovation, and collective effort in the realm of sustainability.
