Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, a member of the Supreme Council and the ruler of Ajman, His Highness Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman and Chairman of the Executive Council, inaugurated today, Monday, the "6th Ajman International Conference on the Environment." The opening ceremony was attended by Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Department of Tourism Development, Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Department of Municipality and Planning, His Excellency Dr. Sheikh Majid bin Saeed Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Ajman Amiri Diwan, and His Excellency Major General Sheikh Sultan bin Abdullah Al Nuaimi, Commander-in-Chief of Ajman Police, and His Excellency Shaukat Aziz, former Prime Minister of Pakistan.

His Highness Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman and Chairman of the Executive Council, affirmed that the "Ajman Environment Exhibition and Conference" is one of the most important environmental events in the region. Its sixth edition is considered a successful continuation of its previous editions, confirming the commitment of the Emirate of Ajman and the United Arab Emirates to preserving the environment. It also emphasizes the development and implementation of innovative solutions to protect it and ensure the sustainability of natural resources for future generations.

This came during his opening of the "6th Ajman International Environment Conference," held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, a member of the Supreme Council, the Ruler of Ajman. The event was attended by Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Department of Tourism Development, Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Municipality and Planning Department, His Excellency Dr. Sheikh Majid bin Saeed Al Nuaimi, Head of the Ajman Diwan, and His Excellency Sheikh Sultan bin Abdullah Al Nuaimi, Commander-in-Chief of Ajman Police, and His Excellency Shaukat Aziz, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan.

The opening was also attended by Her Excellency Aisha Al Abdooli, Assistant Undersecretary at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, as well as a number of members of the diplomatic corps accredited to the country and participating experts. Also present were the heads and directors of government departments and senior officials, along with a distinguished group of experts, specialists, and academics from leading institutions in the fields of sustainability and comprehensive development.

Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi affirmed that the "Ajman International Environment Conference and Exhibition" is one of the most important environmental events in the region. Its sixth edition serves as a successful continuation of its previous editions, reaffirming the commitment of the Emirate of Ajman and the United Arab Emirates to preserve the environment. It emphasizes the development and implementation of innovative solutions to protect it and ensure the sustainability of natural resources for future generations.

He pointed out His Highness's keenness and the wise leadership of Sheikh Hamid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, a member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Ajman, to enhance scientific conferences that contribute to advancing the comprehensive development and formulating a comprehensive plan to shape the future of environmental sustainability globally and in the United Arab Emirates.

He clarified that this year's International Environmental Conference aligns with the goals of "UAE Vision 2071," which includes a comprehensive plan to build the future of the UAE. The conference highlights the country's readiness in the field of sustainability, how to use intelligent innovation in the future, and the establishment of a societal culture as both a goal and a national objective.

He praised the level of preparations and the diligent efforts in organizing this event, which reflects the government's interest in translating its strategy and aspirations into implementing green economy pathways. This is achieved through collaboration with the private sector and local environmental companies in the emirate.

He acknowledged the achievements of the United Arab Emirates in the environmental field and the environmental projects and initiatives of the Municipality and Planning Department in Ajman. He appreciated the efforts made to place Ajman on the global environmental map through sustainable partnerships with environmental research centers worldwide. He expressed pride in the efforts of local departments and private companies in preserving natural resources.

The conference organized by the Municipality and Planning Department in Ajman, held over two days at the Sheikh Zayed Conference and Exhibition Center at Ajman University, kicked off under the theme "The Future of Environmental Sustainability." It aimed to discuss various environmental issues and emphasize the importance of adopting environmentally friendly practices, aligning with the UAE's 2071 Centennial Vision to build a more sustainable future for current and future generations.

The opening session commenced with a speech by Her Excellency Mariam bint Mohammed Saeed Hareb Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, delivered on her behalf by Her Excellency Aisha Al Abdooli, Assistant Undersecretary at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. In the speech, she affirmed that the consequences of climate change witnessed globally, including natural disasters and rising Earth temperatures, impacting millions of people worldwide, represent the most significant challenge. Addressing these impacts requires concerted efforts across various sectors to mitigate their effects.

She mentioned that addressing climate change requires working to reduce its main causes, such as the increase in greenhouse gas emissions, unsustainable consumption of environmental resources, greater reliance on clean and renewable energy sources, and raising global public awareness about the nature of climate change and the requirements for adapting to its consequences.

She affirmed that thanks to the wise leadership of the United Arab Emirates, the past years have witnessed more positive transformations in the field of addressing the challenge of climate change. These include the launch of the UAE Energy Strategy, the National Climate Change Plan, and the National Program for Climate Change Adaptation. These initiatives collectively form a comprehensive, long-term national roadmap and a crucial starting point in our journey towards the UAE Centennial, as well as the hosting of the "COP 28" climate conference.

She explained that the United Arab Emirates has been and continues to be proactive in investing in these opportunities. It has worked on adopting a package of advanced policies that ensure competitive advantages on the economic level, as well as shared benefits on the social and environmental levels. At the forefront of these policies is the strategy to diversify energy sources. She stated, "Within the framework of this policy, we have embraced the option of clean and renewable energy, enhancing its contribution to the national energy mix to reach 27% by 2021 and 50% by 2050."

Al-Abdouli extended her thanks to the Department of Municipality and Planning in Ajman for its efforts in hosting and organizing this significant conference. The conference serves as a key platform that translates our efforts to align with the principles of the fifty and achieve the goals of the UAE Centennial 2071, ensuring a more sustainable future for current and future generations.

Former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shaukat Aziz, praised the UAE's experience and outstanding efforts on both regional and global levels in supporting environmental initiatives to preserve sustainability and natural resources. He discussed ways to benefit from the UAE's leading experience in achieving sustainability in this field and addressing the impacts of climate change.

In conclusion of the opening ceremony, His Highness Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi honored Her Excellency Mariam bint Mohammed Saeed Hareb Almheiri, the Minister of Climate Change and Environment, with the "Honorary Shield" for the Hamid bin Rashid International Sustainability Award. The shield was received on her behalf by Her Excellency Aisha Al Abdooli, Assistant Undersecretary at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. This recognition is a tribute to Her Excellency's role and the ministry's efforts in preserving the environment, introducing numerous initiatives related to climate change, and working on implementing appropriate solutions for climate challenges.

He also honored His Excellency Shaukat Aziz, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, while receiving the "Conference Shield" from Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, the Chairman of the Department of Municipality and Planning, on behalf of the conference and its participants, in appreciation for his distinguished presence and attendance at the opening ceremony.

He also honored the winners of the Hamid bin Rashid International Sustainability Award in its first edition. Securing the first place in the category dedicated to honoring environmental figures with an impact on environmental conservation, Saadat Dawood Al Hajri, the Director General of Dubai Municipality, was awarded. In the second category, which includes the award for the best research on sustainable cities, Dr. Mohamed Al-Eissawi from Tanta University in Egypt emerged as the winner.

The second place was awarded to Dr. Mona Salama and Ahmed Muheeb Ouda from Ajman University, while the third place went to Zemzem Ali Al Rashidi and Anitha Kumar from the Environment Agency in Abu Dhabi.

In the third category, which includes the best institution adopting the best practices for environmental protection, Al Ain Municipality secured the first place, Dubai Municipality took the second place, and Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (SEWA) claimed the third place.

Sheikh Rashid bin Hameed Al Nuaimi, the Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Planning in Ajman and the head of the conference's higher committee, stated that the environment is one of the most important natural resources, and preserving it is a duty and responsibility. He emphasized that the United Arab Emirates has become a home to environmental diversity, hosting natural reserves and supporting leading efforts in this field.

He highlighted that the United Arab Emirates is a pioneer in environmental conservation. The late founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, "may God have mercy on him," was concerned with protecting the environment and all its resources. Today, the wise leadership continues this successful journey, marked by achievements, to ensure sustainable development.

He affirmed that the Municipality Department aligns with the wise leadership's strategy and vision. Therefore, it has sought to support outstanding ideas and projects in the environmental field, inaugurating the Hamid bin Rashid International Sustainability Award in its first edition. He expressed his gratitude to all organizers and everyone who contributed to the success of the award's objectives, congratulated the winners, and wished success to everyone in the upcoming edition of the award.

The conference serves as a vital platform for bringing together world experts in research and industry to showcase their experiences alongside giant bio-projects, modern technologies, and environmental solutions. The goal is to build a more sustainable future by presenting innovative ideas for utilizing artificial intelligence in all dimensions of sustainability. This includes dealing with the vast amount of information, predicting the consequences of climate change, and utilizing artificial intelligence applications to limit and reduce these changes towards the creation of sustainable cities in alignment with the UAE's Vision 2071.