GORD, GCC and EPDA Sign Tripartite MoU to Advance Climate Action and Carbon Markets in Ras Al Khaimah

The Gulf Organisation for Research & Development (GORD), the Global Carbon Council (GCC), and the Environment Protection and Development Authority (EPDA) of Ras Al Khaimah have signed a strategic tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen climate action, develop high-integrity carbon markets, and promote sustainable urban development across the region.

The agreement was signed by Dr. Yousef M. Alhorr, Founding Chairman of GORD and GCC, and H.E. Dr. Mohammed bin Yousif Al Madfaei, Director General of EPDA.

Under the partnership, the three organisations aim to combine technical, regulatory, and market expertise to build an integrated framework for environmental sustainability. GORD will contribute its expertise in research, green building standards, and sustainability consultancy, while GCC will provide carbon crediting infrastructure aligned with international frameworks, including CORSIA and ICVCM. EPDA will support the initiative through its regulatory mandate in environmental protection and resource management in Ras Al Khaimah.

According to the signatories, the collaboration will focus on developing structured carbon asset programs, greenhouse gas accounting systems, third-party verification mechanisms, and offset planning frameworks aligned with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. The initiative also seeks to support the development of regional capacity for cross-border carbon market mechanisms.

The MoU further outlines plans to promote sustainable urban design and climate-resilient infrastructure. This includes the development of technical guidelines for green buildings, master-planned cities, and circular economy-based systems, alongside efforts to strengthen biodiversity conservation and nature-based solutions.

In addition, the partnership will include joint training programmes, technical workshops, research collaboration, and knowledge-sharing initiatives aimed at building regional expertise in climate governance and sustainability practices.

Officials said the collaboration reflects growing regional emphasis on integrated climate strategies that combine environmental protection, innovation, and capacity building, with the goal of delivering scalable and measurable sustainability outcomes across the Gulf region.