President Sheikh Mohamed declares 2023 the 'Year of Sustainability'

Sheikh Mohamed posted a message online to say the Emirates will continue to support innovation in the field of sustainability

President Sheikh Mohamed said effective climate action requires a shared vision and collective will. Photo: Presidential Court

President Sheikh Mohamed has declared 2023 the “Year of Sustainability”.

Posting online, the UAE leader said that by hosting Cop28, the nation will keep supporting innovation in the sustainability sector.

“2023 is the Year of Sustainability in the UAE,” said Sheikh Mohamed.

“Effective climate action requires a shared vision and collective will.

“As host of Cop28, we are committed to fulfilling our role as a global convener and will continue to support action and innovation in the field of sustainability.”

Cop28 President-designate and the UAE's special envoy on climate change Dr Sultan Al Jaber said on Friday that the declaration reflects the UAE's commitment to promote sustainability.

“The UAE has long maintained that the principles of sustainability must be incorporated into every sector of the economy,” he said in a statement.

“The country’s commitment to sustainability was led by its founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and this commitment remains a guiding light for the current leadership.”

The ‘Year of Sustainability’ will culminate in Cop28, the climate event of the year, which will take place at Expo City Dubai from November 30 to December 12.

“The UAE will strive to make Cop28 one of solidarity and action,” said Dr Sultan.

“It will listen, engage, and build partnerships with all parties who seek to play a constructive role in the clean energy transition. It will bridge the global north and south and include public and private sectors, scientists and civil society, women and youth. And it will raise ambitions and move from goals to concrete action.”

The declaration comes one day after the end of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, which brought together heads of state, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, senior policymakers and young people to discuss sustainability initiatives and climate action around the world.

The week of events set the stage for the Cop28 climate conference, which aims to bring about decisive action to create a net-zero future.

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