Dubai outlines goals for World Green Economy Summit 2015

Strengthening Dubai's position as an example of a green economy is key.

DUBAI // The World Green Economy Summit in 2015 will focus on the transformation towards global green economies and strengthening Dubai’s position as an example of a green economy and sustainable development, said Saeed Al Tayer, managing director and chief executive of the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa).

Dewa will host the summit on April 22 and 23. It will build on the Dubai Declaration, an outline drafted at the 2014 summit detailing the commitments for Dubai in its progress towards a green economy.

The goals for the summit included promoting the summit as an internationally recognised platform for the green economy innovation and the means of monitoring the goals set in the Dubai Declaration.

Mr Al Tayer stressed that a secondary goal was to promote an international discussion on sustainable development, and the transformation of developing economies into green ones.

Participants will include Arnold Schwarzenegger, former governor of California; and Kandeh Yumkella, the United Nations special representative of the Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy.

Speaking on Wednesday, Waleed Salman, executive vice president for strategy and business development at Dewa, announced the launch of The State of the Green Economy Report, a summit-published report showcasing Dubai’s green economy through analysis of private companies, public entities, international best practices and the UN’s latest research and trends.

“Authored by recognised experts, the report will present a comprehensive overview and outlook on the progress and innovation on green economic development initiatives such as smart cities and living, lifestyle and consumer choices, tourism, and finance and investments,” Mr Salman said.