President calls for commitment on National Environment Day

Sheikh Khalifa, the President, has called on society to contribute towards preserving the environment.

As part of Wednesday’s National Environment Day celebrations, Sheikh Khalifa said: “National Environment Day, organised by the UAE for the 18th year in a row, is an important occasion when the UAE’s Government and people renew their national and moral commitment to preserve our environmental resources.”

Sheikh Khalifa also called on public officials to reform economic policies and legislation to help monitor human, urban and industrial activities that lead to an increase of carbon emissions and pollution, while promoting economic activities that restrict global warming and do not threaten the UAE’s biodiversity.

“This call is aimed to support the UAE’s national initiative, launched in 2012, to make our country a pioneer in the green economy field and a hub for export and re-export of green products and technologies.”

The slogan on National Environment Day is “Green Economy Innovation and Sustainability”.

Managing the economy in a sustainable manner aims to preserve environmental resources, protect personal health, and protect the rights of future generations, said Sheikh Khalifa.

Dr Rashid Ahmed bin Fahad, Minister of Environment and Water, emphasised the role of innovation in achieving sustainability and a “Green Economy”.

He also spoke of his ministry’s contribution, by promoting renewable and clean energy, green buildings, sustainable transport and the efficient use of resources.

“The Green Economy is an innovative concept whose success largely depends on the use of innovative tools, practices and solutions to overcome the world’s growing environmental and economic challenges,” he said.