High-profile representatives from 60 countries recently gathered in Dubai to attend a preparatory conference organized to discuss the World Green Economy Organization (WGEO) and its relevance in the global shift to a green economic framework.

During the high-level sessions at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, the Minister-level heads and their contingents engaged in in-depth analyses of the overarching green economy agenda of WGEO within the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication.

WGEO Chairman H.E. Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer officially opened the conference by delivering a speech formally welcoming the delegates to the event during which he thanked the countries that expressed interest in joining the association. H.E. Al Tayer also extended his appreciation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the UAE for their continuous support. After his speech, the WGEO Chairman was followed by keynote speakers who brought forth proposals ensuring future global prosperity amid pressing challenges and vital opportunities.

The conference took place in light of the UAE’s intensive efforts to address environmental challenges and effects of climate change. To balance economic growth and sustainability of natural and environmental resources, the UAE has been at the forefront of utilizing clean and renewable energy technologies, most specifically solar power, and deploying green growth plans in line with Sustainable Development Goals 2030 of the United Nations.

Several sessions took place during the gathering, with their topics mainly revolving around the WGEO’s evolution and its holistic catalytical support to promote the green economy agenda as well as the organization’s strategic outlook and plan of action towards a sustainable future.

One catalytical support being provided by WGEO is facilitating access to green financing and blended products to allow sharing of targeted knowledge and successful experiences. The organization also provides tools aimed at mitigating climate change-related investment risks as part of its efforts to transform itself into a source of innovation, technology, and finance hub.

“The preparatory conference was held at a time when more and more states around the world have already begun recognizing the importance of the green economy. WGEO has played a key role in this widespread acceptance as it continues to gain headway in its pursuit of linking financing, technology, capacity-building, and all other elements essential to building a favourable atmosphere for the green economy. Ultimately, through all these efforts, we hope to make a huge leap in our initiatives to achieve a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy by promoting energy efficiency and sustainable use of water and natural resources in the UAE and the rest of the world,” said H.E. Al Tayer.

Moreover, the preparatory conference also saw the attendees revisiting the provisions of the draft agreement establishing the organization renowned for its global importance. A moderated question-and-answer session took place before H.E. Al Tayer wrapped up the discussions with a summary of all points made and the proposed steps forward.

“The ideas exchanged during the conference were both highly inspiring and critical to the organization’s core mission in light of heightened awareness of the impact of human activities on the environment. Through this gathering, we were able to make another important step towards building a sustainable future for all,” he added.

The UAE Government represented by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, partnered with the United Nations Development Programme to officially launch the WGEO in Dubai in 2016. The organization provides an international platform dedicated to facilitating public and private sectors partnerships, promoting international cooperation and knowledge-sharing towards increased adoption of green economy.

As an action-driven, private-sector-centric, and multi-stakeholder group, it seeks to coordinate all efforts and actions of its multiple stakeholders towards an inclusive, interconnected and innovative world economy aimed at better addressing the challenges of climate change and environmental degradation with a view of supporting and facilitating the transition towards a global green economy.

The organization seeks to drive the implementation of profitable and sustainable green economy solutions worldwide by supporting public-private partnerships. It also provides technical assistance in support of developing countries’ efforts to implement green economy policies.

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