According to a statement by U.A.E. Minister of State and managing director of Dubai’s Expo 2020 executive body, Reem Al Hashemi, Dubai is planning to deliver one of the most environmentally friendly World Expos ever.
We are committed to delivering one of the most green expos ever and are looking at how we can design a site and a mechanism that is sustainable,” she said at the opening of World Green Economy Summit.
Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, opened the World Green Economy Summit, which was held during the second day of Water, Energy, Technology and Exhibition 2014 (WETEX).
Operating under the name “Laying the Foundation for a Green Economy,” the World Green Economy Summit (WGES) is the very first event centered on improving and enhancing the productivity of sustainability practices, products, and services in the Middle East and North Africa region. The event looks to bring world leaders together who are united and passionate in developing a sustainable future and building global partnerships that will hopefully result in a green economy.
“Our aim is to make Dubai Expo 2020 a carbon neutral event by capitalising on available best practices and technologies,” said Al Hashemi.
Al Hashemi also revealed that sustainability has been a key focus in the design and development of the Dubai Expo 2020 project, even before their bid was submitted.
“We have developed detailed targets and strategies for the design of infrastructure and buildings, focusing on demand reduction, use of alternative sources, reuse and recycling of energy, water, waste materials and supplies. This will apply before, during and after the staging of Expo 2020. Expo will be a catalyst for new initiatives and investments in sustainability. It will help advance the UAE’s objective towards a green economy,” she said.
Al Hashemi also noted how Dubai is gearing itself toward becoming a world leader in green energy and efficiency.
“We have a strong hydrocarbon base, but relying on oil reserves has never been our strategy. 30 per cent of our country’s GDP is oil based, with less than five per cent in Dubai. The promise of a green, sustainable, and long-term form of energy has guided not just Irena but also the Expo campaign. To be able to do this, we need to start in advance, and we look to international partners to play their role. The legacy of our Expo site has to live beyond the six months of Dubai Expo 2020.”
Vice-Chairman of Emirates Global Aluminium, Saeed Al Tayer also expressed U.A.E’s desire and hopes in developing sustainable energy.
“According to Dubai 2021 energy strategy, we have to provide sustainable environment with comprehensive infrastructure to respond to the challenges of climate changes,” he said.
Al Tayer said that in order for the initiative to be successful, the country would need to adopt and implement cutting edge technology in order to effectively use renewable energy and preserve energy requirements for social and economic development within the coming years.
“The UAE Vision 2021 aims to achieve balanced growth through a package of renewable sources of energy, including alternative, renewable and nuclear energy. The World Green Economy Summit is an extremely important step towards driving the UAE’s development into a green economy, through investment, green partnerships and the creation of a global market for green products, technologies and services. This Summit will help us to achieve economic and social development as we seek to battle climate change, and form a road map towards a greener economy,” he said.