6th Green Economy Annual Conference under the theme ‘National Round-table on Financing & Investing in Green Economy Projects' kicks off tomorrow in Dubai

May 23, 2015: Under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Rashid Ahmed bin Fahad, Minister of Environment and Water, the Ministry is organizing the 6th edition of the Green Economy Annual Conference under the theme ‘National Round-table on Financing & Investing in Green Economy Projects’ in cooperation with the United Nations Environment Program Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) on May 25, 2015 at the Conrad Hotel, Dubai.

The conference forms part of the UAE’s preparations for hosting the  ‘14th Global Round-table’ in 2016 which will  focus on ‘Islamic Finance’ within the context of the Green Economy and Sustainable Development and will be held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Office.

The conference asserts the UAE’s commitment towards building a sustainable future for the next generation through the launch of several initiatives and green projects. This move includes the adoption of the green economy approach in line with the environmental programs of the UAE strategy, which is ushering in a new development phase based on long-term economic growth and environmental conservation. The conference also reflects the significance of Dubai in terms of its strategic location and its financial role at the regional and international levels as well as its political and environmental orientation which supports the objectives of the United Nations Environment Program’s (UNEP) global financial initiative.

The conference features five dialogue sessions on the financial sector’s evolution in accordance with the process of transitioning to a green economy. The event will also have a session on sustainable financing with a discussion on the state of the UAE’s green economy, a session on financing low carbon emission opportunities, as well as a session on the leadership of financing the greening of industries. During these sessions there will be a review of global trends, concepts, tools, and principles related to sustainable financing, and best practices adopted by the financial sector and regional leaders. All discussions are linked to the UAE’s green economy approach, and will review opportunities in financing the reduction of carbon projects with a particular eye towards renewable energy and energy efficiency.

The conference provides a platform for participants to exchange experiences and expertise on the financing of green sectors such as petrochemicals, green technology industries and energy-intensive resources such as aluminum, cement and others. In addition, it will review the UAE's efforts to transform the national economy through the presentation on the case of establishing green economy in the UAE.