Her Excellency Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, presided over a meeting of the UAE Council for Environmental and Municipal Work, where a collaboration was unveiled to create a national waste exchange platform.
Held at the Ministry’s headquarters in Dubai, the meeting spotlighted the critical contributions of municipalities and environmental organisations in driving sustainable practices and enhancing municipal initiatives across the UAE. Dr. Al Dahak acknowledged the Council members for their active roles in agricultural and planting programmes, including Planting Week and the Our Green Emirates campaign, both integral components of the broader Plant the Emirates National Programme.
“The meeting represents a new step toward achieving the Ministry’s goals, which will actively contribute to the UAE’s overall development by fostering sustainable communities. The UAE’s model of integrated environmental and municipal work is one of a kind, and we look forward to building on our shared knowledge and strong partnerships to achieve our objectives and uphold our leadership in environmental and municipal work,” said Dr. Al Dahak.
Key updates
The UAE Council for Environmental and Municipal Work convened to review progress on prior recommendations and discuss key initiatives. Updates on the "Our Green Emirates" programme highlighted significant contributions from municipalities and environmental entities, showcasing collaborative efforts to advance the UAE's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Stakeholders presented data and outlined projects addressing economic, social, and environmental priorities to enhance the UAE’s global standing on SDG achievements.
Key agenda items included strengthening mosquito control, enhancing facilities like shelters and zoos, and protecting endangered species listed under CITES. The Council also explored agri-tourism initiatives, focusing on improved licensing and regulatory frameworks to boost this sector.
Discussions provided updates on the National Integrated Waste Management Agenda for 2024. The Fujairah Environment Authority outlined current and future waste management projects, while Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipalities and Transport shared strategies for enhancing public aesthetics.
A significant milestone was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Beeah Group to establish a national waste exchange platform. The platform aims to transform recyclable waste into economic resources by repurposing it as raw materials for various industries.
The meeting was attended by senior officials, including HE Mohammed Saeed Al Nuaimi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, and representatives from key municipal and environmental bodies across the UAE.
UAE Council launches national waste exchange platform
The meeting was attended by senior officials. (Image source: MOCCAE)
