Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak Al Shamsi, Minister of Climate Change and the Environment, has concluded a four-day official visit to the Republic of Korea, reinforcing the UAE’s commitment to global green growth and sustainable development. The visit, which took place from October 16th to 19th, 2024, focused on enhancing strategic partnerships to address shared environmental challenges and further advancing bilateral cooperation between the two nations.
The visit coincided with the 13th Session of the Assembly and 17th Session of the Council of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), where Dr. Al Dahak delivered a keynote address. During her speech, she highlighted the UAE’s leadership in sustainable growth and climate action, emphasizing the nation’s status as the first in the MENA region to commit to net zero by 2050. “The UAE has long embraced green growth to address the most pressing challenges facing the world,” said Al Dahak, noting that the UAE’s collaboration with GGGI has been pivotal in developing national strategies such as the UAE Green Agenda 2015-2030 and the UAE Sustainable Finance Framework 2021-2031.
Al Dahak underscored GGGI’s role as a “catalyst” for global sustainability efforts, stating that it transforms dialogue into actionable solutions for environmental and economic progress.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
Dr. Al Dahak held high-level meetings with South Korean officials to explore further cooperation in various sectors. She met with Ban Ki-moon, Chairman of GGGI, to reaffirm the UAE’s commitment to green growth. The UAE pledged US$4 million to support GGGI’s core funding for 2024-2025, while both parties discussed expanding collaborations with UAE ministries and institutions like the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi.
Meetings with South Korean Environment Minister Kim Wan-sup and Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Kang Do Hyung centered on enhancing cooperation on environmental protection, maritime conservation, and sustainable development initiatives. Additionally, her discussion with Kwon Jaehan, Administrator of the Rural Development Administration (RDA), focused on food security, sustainable agricultural systems, and smart agricultural technology, referencing successful projects such as the UAE’s rice cultivation initiative in Al Dhaid, Sharjah.
International Collaborations
Dr. Al Dahak’s visit also included bilateral discussions with senior representatives from Fiji and Zambia, focusing on climate adaptation, sustainable agriculture, and renewable energy. These talks aimed at fostering collaborative solutions to shared global challenges.
Site Visits Highlight Korea’s Green Innovation
Dr. Al Dahak’s itinerary featured visits to key South Korean sites known for their sustainable practices. She toured Sudokwon Landfill, which has been transformed into an ecological park showcasing advanced waste management techniques, and visited Nongshim, one of Korea’s leading food companies, to learn about their vertical farming and smart agricultural technologies.
Dr. Al Dahak’s visit marks a significant step in strengthening UAE-South Korea relations and advancing global green growth efforts. “It is crucial to continue our journey towards green growth, reinforcing existing partnerships, and forging new ones to exchange experiences and achieve our common goals,” she stated.
The UAE remains committed to working with international partners to build a sustainable and prosperous future, with ongoing support for GGGI and other key global initiatives.
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