Dubai: The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) and Abu Dhabi Waste Management Company (Tadweer) have launched the ‘Waste to Zero’ initiative.
This initiative, unveiled during COP28, aims to mobilize, and advance waste decarbonization efforts and establish a circular economy platform, further solidifying the UAE’s commitment to sustainability.
It symbolizes the UAE’s dedication to fostering global collaboration and showcasing innovative solutions to combat climate change.
Ms. Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, launched the ‘Waste to Zero’ initiative at COP28.
Ms. Almheiri remarked that, “At COP28, we are reaching out to all stakeholders to collaborate and activate concrete scalable solutions to decarbonize the waste management value chain. This directly relates to one of the key implementation pillars of COP28 – lives and livelihoods,”
Ms. Almheiri further commented that, “Waste to Zero is a voluntary coalition that strives for sector emission reduction in line with the Paris Agreement and supports circular economy implementation. Through this, we aim to address all possible solutions from waste minimisation to waste-to-energy infrastructure, and to pivot to a circular economy model.”
Under the leadership of MOCCAE and Tadweer, the ‘Waste to Zero’ initiative will host discussions, workshops, and awareness programs on the objectives of the circular economy and sustainable resource management, and the innovations in waste management and carbon emission reduction.
The initiative further focuses on the challenges facing the waste management sector, aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and climate change objectives.
‘Waste to Zero’ will promote solutions for global decarbonization by attracting investments in infrastructure projects, creating employment, reducing dependence on natural resources, and strengthening regulatory frameworks.
Mr. Ali Al Dhaheri, CEO of Tadweer, pointed out that, “This collaboration marks a significant step in consolidating our efforts to address climate change. ‘Waste to Zero’ is more than an initiative; it is a platform for dialogue, awareness, and actionable solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the waste sector. Tadweer is committed to driving change alongside our partners, MOCCAE and Roland Berger. Together, we look forward to inspiring transformative solutions, creating a more sustainable and prosperous future for all.”
This collaboration intends to underscore the pivotal role of the waste management sector in addressing climate change, inviting the entire ecosystem to raise ambition and work towards tangible results.