In a significant stride toward environmental sustainability and the forthcoming hosting of the Conference of the Parties COP28, the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) and Tadweer (Abu Dhabi Waste Management Company) have formalised their commitment to combat climate change by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
This historic MoU marks the inception of the ‘Waste to Zero’ initiative, a global endeavor aimed at galvanising efforts to decarbonize waste management and establish a robust circular economy platform.
The ‘Waste to Zero’ initiative is designed to bolster the UAE’s leadership in global climate action and contribute to international endeavors to achieve a 43% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. The initiative calls upon nations to embrace and sustain advanced technology-driven solutions, particularly in the waste management sector, and to foster the growth of circular economies.
The MoU signing ceremony took place at the headquarters of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment in Dubai, with the presence of key dignitaries including His Excellency Mohammed Saeed Al Nuaimi, Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment; Her Excellency Engineer Othaibah Al Qaydi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for the Sustainable Communities Sector at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment; and His Excellency Engineer Ali Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and CEO of Tadweer. Notable officials representing both entities were also in attendance.
Commenting on this landmark agreement, H.E. Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, UAE Minister of Climate Change & Environment, emphasised, “As we prepare to host COP28, the UAE is keen to play a stronger role in driving global climate action by reducing emissions and contributing to the goals of the Paris Agreement, mitigating climate change effects, and protecting the planet. Our partnerships with major players are a key pillar in delivering the UAE’s climate commitments and achieving Net Zero by 2050.”
H.E. Almheiri further added, “We are pleased to collaborate with Tadweer to launch the global initiative to decarbonise the waste management sector, which is responsible for an estimated 3-5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Through this collaboration, we will mobilize global efforts once again to adopt practical solutions in the waste management sector to achieve sustainability and increase its contribution to reducing emissions. This will further enhance the role of the UAE in creating a sustainable future for people around the globe. We trust our ability to make a significant difference in the global waste management sector and contribute to the international environmental and climate agenda in the coming period.”
H.E. Al Mohammed Saeed Nuaimi highlighted that this cooperation will play a significant role in strengthening the circular economy in the UAE and abroad by providing an integrated economic system that keeps pace with the global transition toward a green economy.
H.E. Al Nuaimi also underscored that COP28 will serve as a vital platform for the UAE and the private sector to showcase their pioneering projects in combating climate change and safeguarding the environment across various sectors, with further announcements anticipated in the lead-up to and during COP28.
Eng. Ali Al Dhaheri, Chief Executive Officer of Tadweer, commented, “This MoU is an important step in consolidating our efforts to address climate change. Through ‘Waste to Zero,’ we hope to create a platform for dialogue, raise awareness, and drive actionable solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the waste sector. Together with our partners, MOCCAE and Roland Berger, we look forward to inspiring change and creating a more sustainable and prosperous future.”
Hani Tohme, managing partner, Roland Berger Middle East, added, “Through this initiative, we aim to highlight the importance of finding solutions to the decarbonization of the waste management sector, which is one of the major sources of global emissions, and to empower economies to make the most of their resources. The initiative is part of our commitment to finding innovative and sustainable solutions and is aimed at enhancing our potential for transforming the global waste crisis into an opportunity for growth, renewal, and resilience.”
Under the leadership of the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, and in collaboration with stakeholders, Tadweer will host discussions, workshops, and awareness programs for partners in the UAE and abroad. These programs will focus on the objectives of the circular economy and sustainable resource management, showcasing the latest global innovations in integrated waste management and carbon emission reduction.
The ‘Waste to Zero’ initiative addresses the challenges facing the waste management sector and its direct impact on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and climate change objectives. By promoting solutions for decarbonization of the waste management sector worldwide, the initiative aims to attract investment in infrastructure projects, generate employment, and reduce global reliance on natural resources. It also seeks to strengthen regulatory frameworks, implement Extended Producer Responsibility, establish multi-disciplinary governance, and identify bankable projects in waste management processes.
Furthermore, this partnership aims to underscore the role played by the waste management sector in addressing climate change and finding innovative solutions for sustainable resource management. ‘Waste to Zero’ invites the entire waste management ecosystem to elevate their ambitions, work towards tangible results, demonstrate concrete action to mitigate climate change, and align with the goals of the Paris Agreement.
