Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Ajman, yesterday witnessed the commencement of the seventh Ajman International Environment Conference. The event, organized by the Ajman Municipality and Planning Department under the theme "Climate-Neutral City 2050," was inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman and Chairman of the Executive Council. The conference is being held for two days at the Sheikh Zayed Center for Conferences and Exhibitions at Ajman University.
During the conference's proceedings, His Highness Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman, honored the four winners of the second edition of the Hamid bin Rashid International Award for Sustainability. The ceremony was attended by Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Ajman Municipality and Planning Department. The awards were bestowed upon: - Her Excellency Maryam bint Mohammed Al Mheiri, Head of the International Cooperation Office at the UAE Presidential Palace (Environmental Personality Shield). - The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, recognized for its first-place position in sustainability practices, initiatives, and research (Best Institution Implementing Green and Sustainable Practices). - The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, specifically its Biodiversity and Marine Life Sector, for its research on the relationship between mangrove plants and climate change impacts (Best Environmental Research). - Marsilin Jerome from Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi, awarded for the best environmental research poster on carbon capture related to paper waste (Best Environmental Research Poster). These accolades underscore their significant contributions to advancing sustainability practices and environmental research in the UAE.
The conference attracts participation from international experts, academics, and environmental specialists from sectors including energy, oil and gas, manufacturing, municipalities, consulting and contracting companies, environmental agencies, and the private sector, representing 15 countries. This provides a significant opportunity for networking, expanding research relationships, and exchanging ideas and experiences. These interactions are integral to the agenda of the international conference, which includes a diverse range of important topics aimed at addressing environmental challenges.
On behalf of Her Excellency Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahhak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, Marwan Abdullah Al Zaabi, Assistant Undersecretary for Regions Sector at the Ministry, delivered the conference address. He stated that human-induced impacts over decades have transitioned societies from primitive to modern and civilized stages. However, amidst this progress, environmental damage and climate change have escalated to a critical point, particularly with the global temperature rise. Today, the world is engaged in a new race to prevent such disasters due to their immense impact on human life and the future.
In turn, His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Chairman of the World Green Economy Organization, delivered a keynote address as a guest of honor. He affirmed that the conference aims to enhance innovative initiatives in Ajman and discuss issues of common interest, including carbon-neutral cities, the future of AI adaptation, climate change, renewable energy, and carbon neutrality. These discussions support the country's efforts to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.
During the conference, Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Ajman Municipality and Planning Department, and His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Chairman of the World Green Economy Organization, witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) focused on environmental sustainability. The MoU was signed between the Ajman Municipality and Planning Department and the World Green Economy Organization on the sidelines of the conference.
The memorandum aims to facilitate the Ajman Municipality and Planning Department's accession to the World Green Economy Organization as a member of its public sector platform.