UAE hosts ‘National Roundtable of Financing & Investing in Green Economy Projects' for the 6th Green Economy Annual Conference'

April 13, 2015: The Ministry of Environment and Water, in cooperation with The United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI), is organizing the 6th edition of the Green Economy Annual Conference under the title ‘National Roundtable of Financing and Investing in Green Economy Projects’ which will be held on May 25, 2015 in Dubai.

The conference forms part of the UAE’s preparations for hosting the Global Roundtable under the theme of ‘Islamic Finance within the context of Green Economy and Sustainable Development’ in 2016 under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI).

H.E. Dr. Rashid Ahmed Bin Fahad, Minister of Environment and Water, has stated that hosting the 14th roundtable meeting in 2016 represents the Emirates’ strategic initiative to accomplish the leaderships’ objective of becoming one of the best countries in the world according to UAE Vision 2021. In addition, he highlighted the state’s commitment to contribute to worldwide efforts towards finding sustainable solutions for global environmental issues.

H.E. clarified that the Ministry aims to create a systematic change in the field of financing by supporting and building capabilities through the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) and taking advantage of its mechanism and investment opportunities of Green Projects. He also referred to the state’s mission to create an environmentally conscious society for current and future generations by launching notable projects and initiatives. Such efforts adopt the UAE’s strategy of creating a new stage of development based on long-term economic growth that takes into account the preservation of the environment. 

H.E. added that hosting the round table meeting in 2016 highlights the strategic location of Dubai by being associated with the slogan ‘Capital of Global Islamic Economy Initiative’, which was introduced  by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai in 2013. Dubai’s crucial financial position in the region and beyond will also be emphasized, as well as its political and environmental interests, which are in line with the objectives of the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI).

The 6th edition of the Green Economy Annual Conference gathers concerned parties from diverse sectors such as banks, financial institutions, insurance companies, key players in investment and manufacturing, chambers of commerce and industry, economic development departments, the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Finance and Municipalities as well as environmental organizations.