Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (WAM)
The UAE Year of Sustainability has launched the first activation of the "Plan to Action Majlis" – a series of on-ground events aimed at promoting environmental awareness and sustainable action through engaging storytelling, activities, and cultural education rooted in Emirati heritage.
Held at Majlis Mohammed Khalaf, Majalis Abu Dhabi, at the Citizens and Community Affairs Office of the Presidential Court on Wednesday, the first event in the series, titled "Ghaf Tales", was organised in collaboration with the social enterprise The Climate Tribe. The event brought together children and families with a shared commitment to sustainability.
Honouring the UAE’s national Ghaf tree, a symbol of resilience and sustainability, the event began with a poetry session led by renowned writer and researcher Sultan Al Ameemi. He highlighted Sheikh Zayed’s dedication to the Ghaf tree and recited selected poems from Emirati heritage that honour the tree. Attendees participated in a guided poetry-writing workshop, expressing their appreciation for the Ghaf tree, followed by an immersive storytelling session by writer Fatima Al Hammadi. Families and children were also given seeds to encourage tree planting, emphasising the family’s role in preserving the heritage of the Ghaf tree.
Commenting on the importance of fostering sustainable values, Eisa Alsubousi, Project Lead of the Year of Sustainability, said, "The Year of Sustainability aims to encourage people to begin their sustainability journey through simple, actionable steps starting from their homes. One of our focus areas this year is to encourage the public to plant wisely, and the traditional Ghaf tree is vital in preserving the UAE’s natural biodiversity. The Plan to Action Majlis not only promotes our inherited values of sustainability but also raises awareness about native ecosystems, uniting the public in a shared sense of responsibility to protect our environment. Ultimately, we want to inspire sustainable action as a lifelong commitment, beyond the Year of Sustainability."
The event also engaged key entities, including The Climate Tribe, a social enterprise dedicated to inspiring climate action through dynamic storytelling and community engagement. Aysha Hareb Al Dhaheri, Community Impact Director of The Climate Tribe, said, "Uniting our community for sustainable action sparks a powerful force for change. Together, we are creating a legacy of environmental stewardship that ensures a vibrant future for all."
The Plan to Action series will continue throughout the year.
