World Green Economy Organization announces that 86 countries have joined the Global Alliance on Green Economy

11 December, 2023

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Chairman of the World Green Economy Organization (WGEO), announced that 86 countries have joined the Global Alliance on Green Economy (GAGE).

Al Tayer made the announcement during his speech today (Monday, 11 December), at a session held at Al Waha Theatre in the Blue Zone at COP28. The session was attended by representatives of WGEO member states, UN agencies, public and private organisations, financial institutions, non-governmental organisations, and the civil society, among others.

“It’s my pleasure to welcome you to this session at COP28. First of All, I am honoured to congratulate His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on organising COP 28, which the UAE is currently hosting in Expo City Dubai and is the most successful global environmental conference. At the World Green Economy Organization, we proudly announce that 86 countries have joined ‘The Global Alliance on Green Economy’ which aims to mobilise the efforts of participating countries to achieve the green economy goals, our highest priority. This global partnership will contribute to achieving sustainable development,” said Al Tayer.

“This achievement reflects our commitment to leading the global transition towards an environmentally friendly economy. In this regard, we thank His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and COP28 President, and the UNFCCC Secretariat for their prominent role in raising global awareness of climate change, and we affirm our commitment to providing support to member states in the green economy journey and goals. We look forward to laying the foundations for close partnerships among all stakeholders globally, enhancing international cooperation, and exchanging the best global practices and technologies. Through the alliance, we will contribute to providing solutions to climate challenges and strengthening the green economy through cooperation between public and private sectors,” added Al Tayer.

“In the ‘The Global Alliance on Green Economy,’ we have moved from attracting member states and building partnerships to starting to study the needs and priorities of each country to present the appropriate action plans for them in 2024. We also thank the member states and our partners in the sustainable development process, and we call on non-participating countries to join and fulfill their environmental obligations,” said Al Tayer.

“Together we will build a sustainable future that achieves a balance between economic development and environmental protection. I would like to express the gratitude and appreciation of the World Green Economy Organization for the efforts made by all partners,” concluded Al Tayer.

The joining of 86 countries to ‘The Global Alliance on Green Economy’ is a new milestone achieved by the Alliance, which WGEO launched at the ministerial meeting held at the World Green Economy Summit 2022.

The announcement of 86 countries joining the coalition comes at a time when urgent action is needed to limit the effects of climate change and facilitate a rapid transition towards an environmentally friendly global economy, as current global economic policies and strategies will increase the Earth’s temperature by 2.8 degrees Celsius by the end of this century. The importance of the Alliance lies in providing a platform to unify global efforts, especially in the current period in which climate pressures are escalating, and the need for integrated efforts of all countries is increasing. This Alliance demonstrates its significance as a framework that enables global cooperation and coordination, especially in light of the current escalation of climate challenges.

The shift towards a green economy requires strengthening international cooperation, laying the foundations for close partnerships between all stakeholders globally, and adopting a new approach and more efficient work mechanisms. The success of these endeavours also requires alignment and linkage between climate planning and financing on the one hand, and the goals of the Paris Agreement and the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development on the other hand.

WGEO, United Cities and Local Governments of Africa sign (MoU)

29 November, 2023

In a move towards fostering sustainable development and green initiatives across the African continent, the World Green Economy Organization (WGEO) and the United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLG Africa) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the World Green Economy Summit 2023, held in Dubai, The United Arab Emirates.

The MoU, signed by His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Chairman of WGEO, and Mr. Jean Pierre Elong Mbassi, Secretary General of UCLG Africa, marks a significant milestone in collaborative efforts towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined in the 2030 agenda.

“I am pleased to announce the signing of this pivotal Memorandum of Understanding between (WGEO) and (UCLG Africa) during the World Green Economy Summit 2023. This collaboration symbolizes our shared commitment to a sustainable future, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals and amplifying our efforts in achieving Goal 7 on affordable and clean energy for all. This supports the UAE hosting the largest international climate event, which is the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 28) in Dubai Expo City. Together, we embark on a journey to empower cities, promote green economies, and make lasting contributions to the well-being of our planet. This alliance represents a powerful stride towards a greener, more resilient future for the African continent and beyond,” said His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer.

“In addition to this collaboration, WGEO introduces the Carbon Neutral Cities initiative, building on the success of last year’s Global Alliance on Green Economy (GAGE). This initiative, supported by 85 countries, provides practical solutions for creating eco-friendly and resilient urban frameworks. The Carbon Neutral Cities Initiative demonstrates our firm commitment to a sustainable future, where cities thrive while caring for the environment” emphasized H.E Saeed Al Tayer.“

“The initiative serves as a dynamic platform, empowering cities to measure, report, and monitor carbon emissions comprehensively. With this data, cities can develop targeted carbon-neutral plans in line with the Paris Agreement and access climate finance through data and Article 6 of the Paris Agreement,” said Mr. Jean Pierre Elong Mbassi, Secretary General of UCLG Africa.

“UCLG AFRICA values the signing of the MoU with WGEO as a determining headway and milestone on the race towards net zero and resilient African cities and territories.  We will not survive in a divided world with developed countries going on emitting CO2 and developing countries bearing the consequences of unsustainable development path. We need a just transition, with massive investments in renewable energy particularly in African cities and territories, and compensation for carbon sinking and biodiversity conservation services rendered for example by the Congo basin forest. Through their partnership, WGEO and UCLG Africa wish to lead the way towards going green in Africa, to avoid repeating the unbearable production and consumption pattern followed so far,” added Jean Pierre Elong Mbassi.

UCLG AFRICA, representing 51 national associations of local governments and over 2000 cities across the continent, recognizes the need for global collaboration in addressing climate change. The organization advocates for equitable transitions, with developed nations reducing CO2 emissions and investing in renewable energy for African cities, accompanied by fair compensation for essential carbon-sinking and biodiversity conservation services.

The partnership between WGEO and UCLG AFRICA includes provisions for joint initiatives, workshops, and events to enhance the effectiveness of their sustainable development efforts.

As part of this transformative initiative, WGEO and UCLG AFRICA urge stakeholders to join the platform dedicated to achieving Carbon Neutral Cities—a crucial step on the journey towards Net Zero. Together, they aspire to create a sustainable and resilient future for African cities and territories.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the World Green Economy Organization (WGEO) and United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLG Africa) emphasizes key areas of collaboration. It highlights a commitment to aligning their initiatives with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly focusing on Goal 7 for ensuring sustainable energy for all. The MoU also outlines plans to integrate UCLG Africa into the WGEO’s “CITIES” platform, fostering collaboration among cities for sustainable development. Both organizations pledge to support the Global Alliance on Green Economy (GAGE) and the Green Economy Accelerators (GEAs) in African countries. The agreement includes provisions for joint workshops, seminars, conferences, and events to enhance the effectiveness of their developmental efforts through collaborative initiatives.

UCLG Africa, headquartered in the City of Rabat, is the umbrella organization for African local governments, representing 44 national associations of local governments and over 2000 cities across the continent. The organization is dedicated to building African unity and driving development at the grassroots level.

This strategic partnership between WGEO and UCLG Africa signifies a shared commitment to advancing sustainable development, green initiatives, and grassroots-driven progress across the African continent. Through joint efforts, the organizations aspire to make significant strides towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.

WGES 2023 begins tomorrow to support galvanising efforts for a global transition to a sustainable green economy

27 November 2023

Under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the 9th World Green Economy Summit (WGES) starts tomorrow (Tuesday, 28 November) under the theme ‘Bridging the Gap to the Future: Advancing the Global Green Economy’.

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy (DSCE), and the World Green Economy Organization (WGEO) are organising the 9th WGES on 28-29 November 2023 at Madinat Jumeirah Conference Centre in Dubai. Several local and international figures, officials, decision-makers, experts, speakers, government officials, media professionals, and academicians will participate.

“The World Green Economy Summit contributes to enhancing the UAE’s leadership of the global efforts to transitions to a green economy that is capable of adapting to climate change and reducing its risks, losses, and damage. The drastic climate events and the steady accumulation of scientific evidence demonstrate the importance of managing greenhouse gas emissions, reducing carbon, and enhancing resource efficiency, as well as directing sustainable investments to underfinanced economies and empowering developing regions. Galvanising efforts, inclusion, and encouraging global cooperation and public-private partnerships present the only viable path forward to achieve progress in climate action, reach carbon neutrality, and enhance the quality of life,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, MD&CEO of DEWA, and Chairman of WGEO.

The high-level events, seminars, and panel discussions held during WGES will discuss green policy, green finance, green technology and innovation, green energy, and green partnerships. These pillars are aligned with the UAE’s priority areas for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28), to be hosted by the UAE at Expo City Dubai from 30 November to 12 December 2023.