The U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council hosted a not-to-be-missed virtual discussion today about the greatest challenge of our times with leadership from the offices of the U.S and U.A.E. Special Envoys for Climate. David Livingston, Senior Advisor to U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry, and Hana AlHashimi, Head of the Office of U.A.E. Special Envoy for Climate Change Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, revealed exclusive new details on bilateral cooperation in combating climate change, including through the Agricultural Innovation Mission for Climate. Please see here for a recording of the session.
Speakers provided an insightful and detailed back brief of President Biden’s recent Leaders Summit on Climate, highlighting the importance of the Agricultural Innovation Mission for Climate (AIM), which was announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the U.A.E. and Ruler of Dubai. Hana and David noted that AIM will do for the agricultural sector what has already been done for the energy sector in terms of developing innovative solutions to combat Climate Change.
David and Hana also shared details on U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry’s second visit to the U.A.E. just last week, noting that his two visits within such a short period of time demonstrated the excellent relationship between the countries, and common goals. David underscored the importance the U.A.E. plays to fighting climate change not just as a result of its commitment to reduce emissions but as a result of its investments in new technologies and the power of its example for countries around the region and world.
As the U.A.E. continues to be a global leader in fighting climate change, Hana spoke of the U.A.E.’s hope to host COP 28 in 2023, leveraging their extensive experience hosting large scale global events, strong global leadership in climate change, and ability to mobilize action among other Arab and Gulf nations.
Looking ahead, Hana talked about the significant presence that Climate Change will have at Expo 2020 this fall, with climate and biodiversity taking the stage as the first thematic week, and David reminded the audience of how essential and important it is to address climate change now to secure the world for future generations.
For more information about the Business Council’s Climate Change Task Force, please contact Graham Reitman at greitman@usuaebusiness.org.
For more information about the Business Council’s slate of upcoming events, please contact the U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council’s head of communications, Ms. Mary Zuccarello at mzuccarello@usuaebusiness.org or visit our website at www.usuaebusiness.org.
