With the theme ‘Galvanising Action for a Sustainable Recovery’

For the 1st time, WGES will be held in person and virtually, to allow the largest number of participants from all over the world to benefit from its activities

Dubai, UAE, 20 September 2021: HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and Chairman of the World Green Economy Summit (WGES) confirmed that preparations are complete for the 7th WGES, one of the largest green-economy-centric events in the world. WGES is organised by DEWA and the World Green Economy Organization (WGEO) in partnerships with the UN Development Programme. It will take place on 6-7 October 2021 at Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo 2020 Dubai. The 7th WGES will be organised both in person and virtually to allow the largest number of participants from all over the world to take part in the summit's activities and events.

Al Tayer made this announcement during a press conference by WGES organising committee. HE Dr Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, also delivered a speech at the event. HE Ahmed Buti Al Muhairbi, Secretary General of the Dubai Supreme Council Energy; HE Saif Humaid Al Falasi, CEO of Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC); Ali Rashid Al Jarwan, CEO of Dragon Oil, Waleed Bin Salman, Vice Chairman of WGEO; Abdulrahim Al Qassimi, Director, WGEO; Dr Eesa Bastaki, President of the University of Dubai & Chairman of Academia and Youth Platform at WGEO; and Aileen Culligan, Programme Director MEA, The Economist Events also attended.

WGES instrumental in advancing the transition to a green economy

“In a relatively short time, WGES has become instrumental in advancing the transition to a green economy and collective climate action. The new summit is exceptional, as it coincides with Expo 2020 – a global benchmark for sustainability, the UAE’s celebration of its golden jubilee, and the drive to shape the upcoming five decades to ensure a better future for the current and next generations,” said Al Nuaimi in his speech.

“The international community is gearing up to evaluate the progress of its fight against climate change during the 26th Conference of the Parties (COP26) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, set to run in a few weeks in the UK. We hope that this WGES will – as always – provide a key platform for showing successful models, experiences, and directions that can advance the global shift to green economy with the ultimate goal of protecting the environment and ensuring its sustainability,” he added.

Al Nuaimi added that the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment is pleased to partner with DEWA and WGEO to organise and manage Climathon 2021 during the upcoming WGES in line with the directives of the wise UAE leadership to leverage innovation to tackle challenges. The initiative aims to bring together entrepreneurs and innovators to show trailblazing clean technologies to address environmental challenges.

Al Nuaimi commended WGEO and DEWA for their commitment to making the annual WGES a resounding success and highlighting the UAE’s pioneering green economy model to the world.

Supporting the UAE’s efforts to achieve sustainable development

“Organising the World Green Economy Summit supports the vision of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and is under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. This summit strengthens the UAE’s efforts to achieve sustainable development, raising its leading position in green innovation, and advancing Dubai’s reputation as a global hub for green economy. This also aligns with the strategies and objectives of the UAE Centennial 2071, the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, and Principles of the 50, to define the UAE’s strategic direction for the next 50 years, as well as its economic, political and development course. The 7th WGES will combine and synergise our efforts. It will also coordinate regional and international attempts to shift towards a green economy, especially at a time when the UAE has demonstrated its ability to be a global role model in dealing with crises and overcoming difficulties. The UAE has succeeded in turning challenges into opportunities and achievements. This was evident in its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. The UAE has presented best practices that will bring about fundamental positive changes to our planet. This year’s summit will increase effective cooperation in innovation, technology, and green finance, to support sustainable development efforts and encourage fruitful partnerships between the public and private sectors. This supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, ahead of the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26). It also supports global efforts to combat climate change and global warming. And it will form the foundations of a green economy and a sustainable future for us all,” said Al Tayer in his keynote speech.

“The 7th World Green Economy Summit builds on the successes of its previous six summits. It will include high level panel discussions, conversations, and seminars on developing innovative sustainable solutions. It will stimulate innovation to support sustainable development to achieve a balance between economic growth and sustainability of natural and environmental resources and reducing waste, and it will anticipate the future of a green economy. These all take into account the Dubai Declaration, which is the strategic commitment that is the basis for the Summit and its progress. The Dubai Declaration includes participants' recommendations, the summit’s conclusions as well as its milestones and activities. The summit’s new theme ‘Galvanising Action for a Sustainable Recovery’ shows the vision and directives of the UAE’s wise leadership to find effective solutions to challenges that hinder the transition towards a green economy. These solutions will consolidate the principles of sustainability, lay the foundations for a green economy, reduce the carbon footprint, strengthen Dubai's position as a global hub for accelerating the pace of sustainable development and stimulate quality investments in green economy. Most importantly, they will strengthen international cooperation in facing these global challenges, especially those centred on climate change and the environment,” added Al Tayer.

Al Tayer noted that global leaders and influential figures will attend the 7th WGES this year and take part in seminars and panel discussions to address the four main themes of the summit:  Youth; Innovation & Smart Technologies; Green Economy and Policies, and Green Finance. The Climathon 2021 challenge will also take place during the summit, hosted by the World Green Economy Organization, in collaboration with UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and Ideanco.  It will also take place virtually across global cities to transform climate challenges into opportunities by working closely with innovators around the world to find global, impactful solutions for the world’s significant challenges in air pollution, mobility, and agribusiness,” added Al Tayer.

“I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and the sponsors, partners and the media who share with us the same vision and goals to find effective solutions and achieve a safer and more sustainable future for generations to come,” concluded Al Tayer.

Convening business, policy and civil society leaders from across the globe

“The 2021 World Green Economy Summit will lead the conversation on sustainability with a solution-focused programme to help organisations realise their green strategy with actionable business insights. Convening business, policy and civil society leaders from across the globe, this year's summit will provide actionable insights and solutions to help regional businesses on their path to greater sustainability,” said Aileen Culligan, Programme Director MEA, The Economist Events.

WGES 2021 will be held in conjunction with the 23rd Water, Energy, Technology, and Environment Exhibition (WETEX) and Dubai Solar Show, which DEWA organises from 5-7 October 2021 at Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo 2020 Dubai.