Advancing Global Sustainability: The World Green Economy Summit 2024

Under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who serves as the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and is also the Ruler of Dubai, the World Green Economy Summit (WGES) stands as a beacon of progress in the global green economy. This significant event is organized by the Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA), the World Green Economy Organization (WGEO), and the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy. WGES is recognized as a leading international forum dedicated to advancing the sustainability agenda and achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The World Green Economy Summit (WGES) is not just a gathering; it is a premier platform for dialogue and action among various industry stakeholders. It fosters partnerships and collaborations by connecting creative minds across different sectors, including government, business, and civil society. The summit showcases innovative solutions and leading practices that inspire global change. Its primary aim is to align stakeholders with policymakers to create a supportive environment and ecosystem for sustainable green growth. This growth addresses both current and future needs, ensuring that the planet can thrive for generations to come.

The increasing frequency of dramatic climatic events, such as hurricanes, floods, and wildfires, along with the growing body of scientific evidence, underscores the necessity of a low-carbon, resource-efficient, and socially inclusive future. These events serve as stark reminders of the urgent need for action. Guided by visionary leadership, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has strategically planned to anticipate and address future opportunities and challenges in vital fields to advance sustainability. The UAE is committed to making a tangible positive impact on the ultimate goal of humanity: achieving sustainable development by the year 2030. Today, the UAE is at the forefront of the global transformation towards a green economy.

Since 2015, the UAE has been implementing its Green Agenda 2030, a comprehensive national strategy designed to achieve sustainable development goals and enhance environmental friendliness. This agenda encompasses various initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions, promoting renewable energy, and fostering sustainable practices across all sectors. Alongside this ambitious agenda, the UAE’s proactive foreign policy aims to foster dialogue and cooperation in a challenging international environment. This approach not only strengthens the UAE’s position as a leader in sustainability but also encourages other nations to follow suit.

The 10th edition of the World Green Economy Summit, scheduled to take place on October 2-3, 2024, at the Dubai World Trade Centre, will bring together prominent leaders, experts, specialists, and policymakers from around the globe. This gathering is expected to be a melting pot of ideas and strategies aimed at tackling the pressing issues of our time. The summit will feature 22 seminars, panel discussions, and presentations, all addressing critical issues surrounding climate action and the green economy. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions, share insights, and collaborate on innovative solutions that can drive the green economy forward.

The summit’s theme, “Empowering Global Action: Unlocking Opportunities and Advancing Progress,” is aimed at furthering the UAE’s leadership in global climate initiatives. This theme reflects the urgent need for collective action and the importance of unlocking new opportunities for sustainable development. The first day of the summit will include sessions on various topics, such as international cooperation on climate mitigation, empowering small businesses for a sustainable future, addressing power grid integration challenges, and measuring and reporting carbon footprints. These sessions are designed to provide valuable insights and practical solutions that can be implemented at local, national, and global levels.

WGES 2024 will host a distinguished lineup of speakers, including influential leaders, renowned experts, and passionate advocates for sustainability. These speakers will share their knowledge and experiences, offering valuable perspectives on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the journey towards a sustainable future. Their insights will not only inspire attendees but also encourage collaborative efforts to tackle the pressing issues of climate change and environmental degradation.

The World Green Economy Summit 2024 represents a significant step forward in the global effort to achieve sustainability. By bringing together diverse stakeholders and fostering collaboration, the summit aims to create a roadmap for a greener, more sustainable future. As the world faces unprecedented challenges, events like WGES are crucial in driving the conversation and action needed to protect our planet for future generations. The commitment of the UAE to sustainability and its leadership in this arena will undoubtedly inspire others to join in the fight for a sustainable world.

The World Green Economy Summit 2024 will feature an impressive roster of speakers, each bringing unique insights and expertise to the discussions. Among them is HE Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, the Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, who will share his vision on the integration of sustainable practices within the energy sector. HE Sultan Al Neyadi, the Minister of State for Youth, will emphasize the importance of engaging the younger generation in sustainability efforts, highlighting their role as future leaders in this critical area.

HE Ambassador Majid Al Suwaidi, the COP28 Director-General, will provide an overview of the global climate agenda and the UAE’s pivotal role in shaping it. Karim El Jisr, the Executive Director of Sustainability Performance and Accreditation at Red Sea Global, will discuss innovative approaches to sustainability in tourism and hospitality. Gauri Singh, the Deputy Director General of IRENA, will focus on renewable energy solutions and their potential to transform economies.

Jean Louis Morcos, the Senior Investment Officer and Regional Sustainable and Climate Finance Lead at IFC, will address the financial mechanisms necessary for supporting green initiatives. Linn Tonsberg, the Managing Director at BP Middle East LLC, will share insights on the energy transition and the role of traditional energy companies in fostering sustainability. Shargiil Bashir, the Chief Sustainability Officer at First Abu Dhabi Bank, will discuss the importance of sustainable finance in driving economic growth.

Dr. Saeeda Jaffar, GM GCC Visa and a Board Member, will highlight the intersection of technology and sustainability, showcasing how digital solutions can enhance environmental efforts. Henry Gordon-Smith, the CEO of Agritecture, will explore sustainable agricultural practices and their significance in food security. Lina Osman, the Managing Director & Head of Sustainable Finance at Standard Chartered Bank, will discuss the financial sector’s role in promoting sustainable investments.

Sahar Shamsi, a Partner at Oxera, will provide insights into the economic implications of sustainability policies. Youssef Chehade, the Co-Founder & Managing Partner of Ecyclex International Recycling LLC, will focus on the importance of recycling and waste management in achieving a circular economy. Dr. Hamid Haqparwar, the CEO of AGMC, will discuss the automotive industry’s transition towards greener technologies.

Helmut Von Struve, the CEO of Siemens Middle East, will share his perspective on smart infrastructure and its role in sustainable urban development. Luma Saqqaf, the Director for the Middle East, Africa, and India (IMEA) at Principles for Responsible Investment, will emphasize the importance of responsible investment practices. Ali Rashid Al Jarwan, the CEO of Dragon Oil, will discuss the oil and gas sector’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint. Sami Kamel, the CEO of Dutco Cleantech, will highlight innovative solutions for clean technology. Finally, Dr. Waleed Alnuaimi, the CEO of Etihad Energy Services (Etihad ESCO), will discuss energy efficiency measures and their impact on sustainability.

The discussions at WGES 2024 will emphasize the critical role of green finance, clean energy advancements, and the importance of policy and regulatory frameworks in enhancing climate resilience. The summit will also highlight the significance of green hydrogen as a key catalyst for a sustainable future.

The World Green Economy Summit 2024 shall unite global experts and stakeholders to advance the green economy. The UAE’s role as a pioneer in sustainable development will be reinforced, showcasing its ongoing commitment to achieving the UN SDGs by 2030. The summit’s outcomes will be expected to drive significant progress in global climate action and the transition towards a sustainable green economy.