Abu Dhabi: The inaugural day of the ‘Make it in the Emirates Forum’ commenced with a strong focus on industrial decarbonization, highlighting the imperative of reducing emissions in the manufacturing sector. The event featured panel discussions centred around the theme of industrial sustainability and the roadmap towards COP28, with a particular emphasis on the initiatives undertaken by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to enhance sustainability and achieve net zero.
The forum is jointly hosted by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, and ADNOC.
During the panel session titled ‘Industrial Sustainability and the Roadmap Towards COP28,’ various speakers emphasised the significance of COP28 as an opportunity to assess progress, realign global efforts, and expedite the transition towards a sustainable economy. Mr. Majid Al Suwaidi, Director-General and Special Representative of COP28, expressed the intention to organise a successful conference with inclusive participation from all stakeholders in the industrial sector.
Engineer Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Steel, shared insights into his company’s commitment to reducing emissions through investments totaling US$3 million. Mr. Al Remeithi outlined their pioneering approach, encompassing CO2 capture and the exploration of hydrogen utilisation.
Mr. Abdulnasser bin Kalban, CEO of Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), elaborated on their forthcoming initiatives to decrease emissions in the coming decades. Mr. Bin Kalban emphasised that reshaping the energy landscape is no longer an option but a necessity, particularly for sectors with high emissions.
Mr. Yaser Saeed Al Mazrouei, Executive Director of the Upstream Directorate at ADNOC, called upon stakeholders to focus on building an energy system that meets both present and future needs.
Mr. Alan Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Agthia Group, contributed to the panel discussion by emphasising the vital role of sustainability in business growth. Smith emphasised the responsibility of businesses to prioritise sustainability alongside their pursuit of growth and ambition.