UAE Wins Prestigious SIDS Partnerships Award for Renewable Energy Initiatives
Abu Dhabi, The Gulf Observer: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) underscored its steadfast commitment to the environment and sustainable development by securing a prestigious accolade at the 2024 Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Partnerships Awards. The SIDS Partnerships Awards recognize entities that have made significant contributions to the sustainable development of SIDS through innovative and impactful partnerships. The UAE was awarded first place in the Economic Category for the UAE Pacific Partnership Fund and UAE Caribbean Renewable Energy Fund.
The two sustainability initiatives, nominated in the Economic Category by the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), represent a strategic partnership between the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), ADFD, and Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar). These initiatives aim to accelerate the transition to renewable energy, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, enhance energy security, and mitigate the impacts of climate change in the Caribbean and Pacific regions.
Key Highlights of the UAE’s Renewable Energy Initiatives:
- Financial Mobilization: ADFD mobilized US$100 million to fund the projects.
- Cooperative Model: Involvement of three UAE entities, one university, and 26 governments from SIDS.
- Focus Areas: Development of solar, wind, and other renewable energy projects, improving access to energy, and promoting economic development.
- Additional Benefits: Stimulating local economies, nurturing innovation, creating jobs, empowering women, and enhancing climate resilience.
Leadership Remarks:
H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of ADFD, and Chairman of the Fund’s Executive Committee, expressed his sincere appreciation to President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his sustainability efforts. Sheikh Abdullah also commended His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of ADFD, for focusing on renewable energy projects in SIDS.
Sheikh Abdullah highlighted that the award reflects the UAE’s firm commitment to supporting sustainable development and environmental preservation globally. He emphasized the UAE’s role in addressing environmental challenges and implementing prominent development projects in SIDS and Caribbean countries.
Statements from UAE Representatives:
Omar Shehadeh, Envoy of the UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs, said, “The United Arab Emirates is delighted to receive this prestigious recognition at the 2024 Small Island Developing States Partnerships Awards. This accolade reflects our steadfast commitment to fostering sustainable development and environmental stewardship. The first-place win in the Economic Category for our UAE Pacific Partnership Fund and UAE Caribbean Renewable Energy Fund underscores our dedication to impactful and innovative collaborations that drive positive change.”
Shehadeh continued, “By mobilizing $100 million and fostering a unique cooperative model, we have been able to work alongside our partners to bring these transformative projects to life. We are proud of the positive impact these initiatives are making and remain committed to promoting sustainable development worldwide.”
Additional Awards:
The Awards’ Steering Committee also recognized winners in other categories:
- Environmental Category: Infrastructure for Resilient Island States (IRIS), nominated by The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) Secretariat.
- Social Category: Transcultura: Integrating Cuba, the Caribbean, and the European Union through Culture and Creativity, nominated by UNESCO.
Official Awards Ceremony:
The official Awards ceremony will take place during the annual Global Multi-Stakeholder SIDS Partnership Dialogue on July 10, 2024, coinciding with the 2024 High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development.
UAE’s Role in Climate Action:
The UAE’s pivotal role in climate action was recently highlighted by hosting the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) in Expo City Dubai from November 30 to December 12, 2023. The UAE’s leadership emphasized implementation over pledges, resulting in the historic “UAE Consensus” by 198 Parties to usher in a new era of climate action.
The UAE views climate action as an opportunity to contribute practical solutions to a global problem, while diversifying its economy and creating knowledge, skills, and jobs for future generations.
