Dubai, UAE: According to a press communiqué issued by the World Green Economy Organisation (WGEO), H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, launched the Private Sector Platform of the WGEO on February 11, 2017. The newly launched platform, the communiqué said, is the first of WGEO that was launched during the third World Green Economy Summit (WGES) in Dubai on October 5, 2016, supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The grand ceremony, the communiqué revealed, was attended by H.E. Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al-Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment; H.E. Suhail Mohamed Faraj Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy; H.E. Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Chairman of WGEO; H.E. Helen Clark, Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and several VIPs, guests, dignitaries, experts and energy specialists.

The event, the communiqué said, commenced with a keynote speech delivered by Al Tayer who acknowledged the vision of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. “The UAE,” he said, “joined the organisation as its first member during the 22nd session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 22) which was held in Marrakesh, Morocco, in November 2016. This reflects the diligent efforts of the UAE to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 and the Paris Climate Agreement. The organisation plays a pivotal role in limiting climate change as well as finding innovative solutions to the challenges related to sustainable energy, water and the environment in general.”

Underscoring the of the organisation, Al Tayer said: “WGEO through its seven platforms aims to develop innovative solutions to climate change, as well as other challenges facing the environment and society. This initiative is in line with global agendas and the UAE’s, ‘A Green Economy for Sustainable Development’ initiative which was launched by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. It’s not a secret the organisation’s essential role is to reduce the investment risks in the green economy sector, and support international cooperation in innovation and funding.”

The World Green Economy Organisation, the communiqué said, is founded on seven platforms, namely, Countries, Sustainable Cities Sector, Private Sector, Academic Sector, Organisations & Civil Society, Youth Sector and Financial Sector.

Al Tayer said that the platform aims to establish partnership, enable dialogue and encourage knowledge exchange among countries, public and private sectors, United Nations Agencies, financial institutions and civil organisations, to accelerate transition to Green Economy. “The ‘Private Sector Platform’ will therefore create pathways to green development by facilitating the adoption of green innovative technologies, products and services on a global equilibrium. The private sector is increasingly seeing the opportunities that come along with ‘green growth’ and this Platform will provide the prerequisite channel for a vibrant private sector engagement,” he added.

Explaining the role of UNDP in her speech, Clark said: “The launch of the ‘Private Sector Platform’, which is the first initiative under WGEO, is shaped by the organisation’s clear thinking and resilient policy-making capabilities. It will further enhance the private sector position as a global role model for green initiatives.”