This panel discussion will focus on addressing the critical role of innovation and entrepreneurship in driving the green economy and promoting sustainability. It will provide valuable insights into how technology, innovation and entrepreneurship can contribute to environmental conservation, job creation and economic growth. This panel will bring together experts, entrepreneurs, policymakers, investors, and innovators to share their experiences, insights and success stories related to green tech innovation and entrepreneurship. It will inspire and inform the audience about the potential of green tech to accelerate the green economy and promote sustainable development.

Speakers

Prof. Saifur Rahman

IEEE President & CEO, Director, Advanced Research Institute at Virginia Tech

Dr. Eesa Mohammed Al Bastaki

President, University of Dubai & Chairman, Academia and Youth Platform, WGEO

Dr. Aaesha Alnuaimi

Director of the Innovation Center, DEWA

Massamba Thioye

Project Executive UNFCCC Global Innovation Hub at UN Climate Change Secretariat

Moderator

Dr. Saeed Al Dhaheri

Director, Center for Futures Studies, University of Dubai

This high-level panel will highlight the key expectations envisioning from Global Stoketake outcome.

Speakers

H.E Lalya A. Kamara

Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development, Mauritania

H.E. Steven Victor

Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Environment at Palau National Government

H.E. Pohamba Penomwenyo Shifeta

Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT), Republic of Namibia

Ovais Sarmad

Former Deputy Executive Secretary, UNFCCC

Moderator

Naoufer Ramoul

Senior TV Presenter, Dubai Media

The World Green Economy Organization (WGEO) with United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLG AFRICA)

Signatories

H.E. Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer

Chairman, World Green Economy Organization

Jean Pierre Elong Mbassi

Secretary General of United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLG AFRICA)

This high-level panel discussion will set the stage for the WGES 2023 by focusing on redesigning international financial architecture to fit for purpose in addressing the adverse impact of climate change and sustainable development. This session calls for a new narrative for international cooperation to develop a Marshall Plan for climate action to enhance the implementation and transition to a more sustainable economic model.

Speakers

H. E. Luis Alfonso de Alba Góngora

Ambassador of Mexico in UAE

H.E. Diann Black-Layne

Director/Ambassador at Government of Antigua and Barbuda

Christian Deseglise

Global Head of Sustainable Infrastructure and Innovation, HSBC

Lina Osman

Managing Director and Head of Sustainable Finance, West at Standard Chartered Bank

Moderator

Naoufer Ramoul

Senior TV Presenter, Dubai Media

This presentation will cover

• The essential elements currently being formulated to support the regional and global low-carbon economies.
• The regional transformation trend to integrate new fuel technologies including renewable and hydrogen.
• Dubai’s transition journey to achieve security of supply while attracting major-private investors under the Public Private Partnership (PPP).

Speaker

Taher Diab

Senior Consultant – Strategy & Planning, Dubai Supreme Council of Energy

To raise climate ambition for the most vulnerable countries, it is imperative to ensure that they receive new, adequate, and predictable financing, gain access to environmentally sound technologies, and develop local capacities. Additionally, we will explore how the Global Alliance on Green Economy (GAGE) can serve as an instrumental tool to enhance climate action from now and beyond 2030. In this Fireside Chat, the President of Palau will share his perspectives on these critical areas.

Speaker

H.E. Surangel Whipps Jr.

President, Republic of Palau

Moderator

Naoufer Ramoul

Senior TV Presenter, Dubai Media

This panel discussion highlights the vital role that urban areas play in addressing environmental challenges, promoting sustainability, and mitigating climate change. Cities are often at the forefront of innovative practices and policies aimed at building a greener and more resilient future. This panel will cover various aspects, including urban planning, renewable energy adoption, sustainable transportation, waste management, and the involvement of local government, businesses and communities in driving climate action.

Speakers

Jean Pierre Elong Mbassi

Secretary General of United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLG AFRICA)

Nadia Verjee

Executive Director, Expo City Group

Dr. Samir Hamrouni

CEO, World Free Zones Organization

Dr. Mahamadou Tounkara

Regional Director Middle East & North Africa Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI)

Moderator

Saeed Al Abbar

Chief Executive Officer at AESG

This session will share experiences and best practices in operationalizing the initiatives launched under Marrakesh Partnership in enhancing the implementation of the low-emissions and climate resilient pathways. The session will also highlight the role of the High-Level Champions in engaging the non-state actors in enhanced climate action.

Speakers

H.E. Mahmoud Mohieldin

UN Climate Change Highlevel Champion for COP27, Egypt

Raad Al Saady

Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Acwa Power

James Grabert

Director Mitigation Division, UNFCCC

Gonzalo Muñoz

UN Climate Change Highlevel Champion for COP25, Chile

Moderator

Cecilia Kinuthia Njenga

Director Intergovernmental Support, UNFCCC

In this session, Heads of States and Honorable Ministers will participate in a Ministerial Roundtable on Green Economy to discuss the policy issues to meet the challenges of Paris Agreement and advance the transition to Green Economy. The Ministerial Roundtable on Green Economy will be organized by the World Green Economy Organization (WGEO) in collaboration and under the guidance of the Government of the United Arab Emirates. During this session, the Global Alliance on Green Economy (GAGE) will present its biennium 2024–2025 portfolio and flagship programs for the countries. Additionally, Ministers from around the globe and other high-level officials will discuss the strategic partnerships on green economy action and investments.

The session will be closed to public but open to the Heads of States, Ministers, Heads of Foreign Missions in UAE and invited VIPs from non-state actors.

President

H.E. Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer

Chairman, World Green Economy Organization

Speaker

Jerome Auchere

Senior Director, World Green Economy Organization

The World Green Economy Organization (WGEO) in collaboration with the UNFCCC Regional Collaboration Center (RCC) for the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia will conduct this capacity building workshop. This workshop aims to enhance the understanding and readiness of private sector stakeholders to participate in Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. It's a unique opportunity to explore the essential aspects of Article 6 and its implications for private sector engagement in achieving climate goals.

Speakers

Perumal Arumugam

Manager, Intergovernmental Negotiations & Stakeholder Interaction, Mitigation division, UNFCCC

Umamaheswaran Krishnan

Article 6 and Carbon Pricing Regional Expert, RCC MENA and South Asia