Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, a member of the Supreme Council, Ruler of Ajman, the Department of Municipality and Planning in Ajman organizes the sixth edition of the Ajman International Environmental Conference, under the slogan 'Towards 2071, Shaping the Future of Environmental Sustainability.' The conference will take place on March 28 and 29 at the Sheikh Zayed Conference and Exhibition Centre - Ajman University Exhibition Center.
The conference discusses several key topics related to environmental sustainability as a significant goal for the United Arab Emirates, within the agenda of the UAE for the next fifty years. The conference focuses on discussing sustainability standards in urban residential areas, how to use smart innovation in the future and establish it as a societal culture and national goal to shape a better future in environmental management, clean energy, and sustainable cities.
The conference aims to achieve a set of goals, including: supporting sustainable development in the country, creating a roadmap for achieving carbon neutrality, and bringing together scientists, professionals, and policymakers from a diverse range of international and national organizations, as well as academic institutions, to exchange knowledge on building a smart and sustainable environment.
The conference also aims to showcase the latest artificial intelligence technologies that can be implemented in the region to achieve sustainable development. It explores key factors and practices for achieving green energy and air quality, in addition to shaping the future of sustainable cities and communities, and maintaining a long-term perspective on the Fourth Industrial Revolution and its future form.
Engineer Khaled Al Housani, the Executive Director of the Public Health and Environment Sector at the Department of Municipality and Planning in Ajman, said: 'In light of the continuous and advanced urban development we are witnessing, especially regarding the requirements of future construction in urban areas, it is essential to focus on sustainability standards. This is particularly true for sustainability standards in new urban residential areas, which is a key focal point to be discussed in the sixth edition of the Ajman International Environmental Conference.
Al Housani added that green spaces in cities and communities hold significant importance, whether aesthetically or functionally related to environmental or social aspects. This underscores the role of sustainable green economy in establishing new cities. The conference will also discuss the axis of optimal water consumption, as building consumption accounts for 1.71% of the potable water, necessitating conservation measures in drinking water consumption. It will explore alternative water resources and strategize how to reduce water consumption rates in the construction and operation of buildings, with a focus on utilizing non-potable water and reclaimed water from human consumption-related uses.
Al Housani emphasized the necessity of raising community awareness about environmental sustainability issues and the importance and value of modern planning. He highlighted the use and application of the best and latest technologies, contributing to the understanding and awareness of climate issues, construction materials, and development processes. This helps in preserving the environment and its resources to meet the needs of the community members and maintain a healthy and clean society.
The conference will be attended by officials, researchers, specialists, and academics, as well as governmental and non-governmental institutions involved in shaping environmental policies. National organizations concerned with environmental issues, along with environmental experts from the energy, oil and gas, manufacturing industries, municipalities, consulting firms, contracting companies, environmental agencies, and the private sector, will also participate. Graduates with bachelor's degrees or higher from universities are also encouraged to join.