Abu Dhabi, UAE – The president of United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has announced that 2023 will be the “Year of Sustainability”.
The country will also focus on environmental sustainability and showcasing the UAE’s commitment towards fostering a global collaboration in seeking innovative solutions to challenges, such as energy, climate change and other pressing issues.
The announcement follows the successful conclusion of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2023, which saw the participation of numerous state leaders and officials worldwide.
“Sustainability has been a fundamental principle in the United Arab Emirates since its unification. The nation continues to serve as an exceptional model for environmental conservation and resource management,” President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed said.. “The late Sheikh Zayed was a global leader in environmental and climate action, leaving behind a legacy that we continue to follow today.”
He added: “Today for Tomorrow embodies the UAE’s approach and commitment to sustainability and its responsibility to protect the future. By working, making efforts and initiating actions today, we are ensuring that we leave behind a legacy of stewardship for future generations, just as our ancestors did for us.”
The president also emphasised that the Year of Sustainability has particular significance as the UAE prepares to host the 28th United Nations climate change summit, Conference of Parties (COP28). He stated that the UAE is determined for COP28 to set a precedent in the collective global efforts to address climate change.
The year-long initiatives are being overseen by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court; and Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The UAE has always projected itself as the champion of clean energy and it has sought global partnerships to this end. The UAE-US Partnership for Accelerating Clean Energy (PACE), will catalyse US$100 billion in financing and other support in addition to deploying 100 new gigawatts (GW) of clean energy in the US, UAE and emerging economies around the world by 2035.