In a significant step towards environmental sustainability, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) and Tadweer (Abu Dhabi Waste Management Company) have unveiled the ‘Waste to Zero’ initiative at the prestigious COP28 summit. This initiative is a testament to the UAE’s unwavering commitment to tackling climate change and promoting global cooperation in innovative, sustainable practices.
The announcement was made by Her Excellency Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, the UAE Minister of Climate Change & Environment, who emphasized the initiative’s role in decarbonizing waste management and fostering a circular economy. The launch at COP28 is intended as a global call to action, inviting stakeholders worldwide to join forces in this ambitious endeavor.
Under the leadership of MOCCAE and Tadweer, ‘Waste to Zero’ will engage in a series of discussions, workshops, and awareness programs worldwide. These activities aim to promote circular economy objectives, sustainable resource management, and innovations in waste management and carbon emission reduction.
The initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and broader climate change objectives. It will focus on promoting global decarbonization solutions, attracting investments in infrastructure, creating jobs, reducing reliance on natural resources, and strengthening regulatory frameworks.
‘Waste to Zero’ seeks to highlight the crucial role of waste management in addressing climate change, urging the entire ecosystem to elevate ambitions and work towards measurable outcomes. The initiative aligns with the Paris Agreement’s goals, showcasing concrete actions to mitigate climate change and pave the way for a sustainable future.
H.E. Almheiri expressed pride in MOCCAE’s collaboration with Tadweer, focusing on engaging all relevant parties to develop scalable, effective solutions in line with the key pillars of COP28. ‘Waste to Zero’ aims to encompass a wide range of strategies, from minimising waste to developing waste-to-energy infrastructure, pivoting towards a circular economy model.
She added: “Waste to Zero is a voluntary coalition that strives for sector emission reduction in line with the Paris Agreement and supports circular economy implementation. Through this, we aim to address all possible solutions from waste minimization to waste-to-energy infrastructure, and to pivot to a circular economy model.”
Ali Al Dhaheri, CEO of Tadweer, highlighted the initiative as a platform for dialogue, awareness, and actionable solutions. The collaboration with MOCCAE and consultancy firm Roland Berger underscores Tadweer’s dedication to driving significant change in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the waste sector.
This collaboration between MOCCAE, Tadweer, and Roland Berger has been developed to set a new standard in environmental stewardship, illustrating the UAE’s leadership in driving sustainable solutions on a global stage. ‘Waste to Zero’ not only represents a commitment to environmental sustainability but also a beacon of hope for future generations.
Hani Tohme, Managing Partner at Roland Berger Middle East, described ‘Waste to Zero’ as a pivotal milestone in the journey towards sustainable waste management solutions. The initiative is seen as a means to transform the global waste crisis into opportunities for growth and resilience.
