Abu Dhabi: Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) conducted a special edition of Clean UAE to usher in the “Year of Sustainability”, which was recently announced by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, The President of the UAE.
It was held on 4th February 2023 to commemorate the UAE National Environment Day. The campaign continued the effective partnership between the Ministry of Climate Change & Environment (MOCCAE) and the Ministry of Community Development (MOCD), witnessed previously at the 21st cycle of Clean UAE held in December 2022.
The event witnessed the presence and participation of Ms. Mariam bint Mohammed Saeed Hareb Almheiri Minister of Climate Change and Environment, Ms. Hessa Buhumaid Minister of Community Development and other distinguished undersecretaries from several Ministries, and the top Management from local Government entities. EEG also had its representatives present in all of the Emirates as well.
This nationwide campaign came as part of the efforts of EEG as the leading environmental NGO in the country and the call of the UAE President for all institutions and other entities in the UAE to engage this year in efforts that will steer the nation towards a sustainable future.
Multiple government institutions collaborated with the organiser to make the one-day event a huge success, namely the Ministry of Interior UAE, Abu Dhabi City Municipality, Dubai Municipality, Environment & Protected Areas Authority Sharjah, Municipality & Planning Department Ajman, Public Services Department Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah Natural Resources Corporation.
More than 6,000 people representing different ages and nationalities took part in this special edition of the Clean UAE Campaign, thus registering approximately 24,000 voluntary hours and covering a stretch of 25 KM2. The campaign took place simultaneously in all of the Emirates. Events like this will play a significant role in reinforcing the sustainability message among the UAE population, as the nation prepares to host the prestigious 28th Conference of Parties (COP28) to be held from 30th November 12th December 2023 at Expo City, Dubai.
Ms. Mariam bint Mohammed Saeed Hareb Almheiri Minister of Climate Change and Environment remarked that, “The declaration of 2023 as the “Year of Sustainability” under the theme ‘Today for Tomorrow’ by the UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan upholds the persistent strive of our country’s wise leadership. Sustainability is one of the core elements of UAE’s Vision 2021 and we are deeply committed to make our country one of the most sustainable and environment friendly countries of the world. By hosting the assembly of nations at the COP28 later this year, we have a unique opportunity to showcase our long-standing efforts.”
“Sustainable consumption is an essential factor in forging a carbon neutral future, and the public has a big role in moving towards it. It is only achievable if every individual and every institution is aware of the importance of making the right choices that support the environment instead of affecting it negatively. What we consume, how we consume and dispose of the wastes and outputs sustainably will depend on our perception, behavior and practices,” the Minister further added.