In the heart of a bustling metropolis, Dubai Future Foundation shines as a beacon of sustainability shines brightly, and a testament to the UAE’s unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship. Through a tapestry of innovative initiatives, thought-provoking events, and insightful reports, the Foundation tirelessly advocates for a harmonious coexistence between humanity and the planet.
In September 2023, the Museum of the Future transformed into a hub of climate action as Dubai Future Foundation hosted ‘Climate Future Week’, a five-day gathering of over 6,300 government officials, industry leaders, futurists, academics, and senior delegates from around the globe. This landmark event, held in conjunction with the “Year of Sustainability” and the UAE’s preparations to host COP28, set the stage for accelerating sustainability efforts and showcasing cutting-edge technologies capable of mitigating climate change.
The Foundation’s contributions extend far beyond the confines of events. During the World Govern
ment Summit 2023, it unveiled the second edition of its flagship report, “Future Opportunities Report: The Global 50′, a comprehensive guide to emerging opportunities across various sectors, including nature and sustainability, health, community empowerment, collaboration, and future innovations.
The report meticulously outlines 10 major global trends poised to shape the future, two of which directly address environmental concerns: the development of technologies for the generation and storage of electric energy and the rise in investment in ecosystem management. This emphasis on environmental stewardship underscores the Foundation’s deep understanding of the interconnectedness between human progress and planetary well-being.
According to the report, the value of the global market for smart cities is expected to reach $7 trillion by 2030, which requires integrated sustainability strategies. Meanwhile, the value of trade in green bonds could reach nearly $2.4 trillion in 2023. Untapped, green finance for the
countries in the Middle East – particularly those of the Gulf Cooperation Council, which have well-developed capital markets – could unlock up to $2 trillion in cumulative GDP contributions by 2030, could create more than a million jobs and could encourage foreign direct investment.
In statements to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of Dubai Future Foundation, said that the UAE’s hosting of COP28, the largest of its kind COP at Expo City Dubai, evidences the huge momentum that the UAE’s initiatives are creating locally and globally in promoting global climate action, carbon emissions reduction, finance for energy transition projects, and the preservation of natural resources. He noted that COP28 will be a turning point in the UAE’s global efforts to build a sustainable future for the world.
In his statement, Belhoul pointed out that the UAE’s selection to host the largest climate summit of its kind highlights its global leadership in turbocharging efforts towards achieving the goals of th
e Paris Agreement, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030.
The Foundation’s unwavering support for sustainability extends to its flagship programme, Dubai Future Accelerators. This transformative initiative fosters collaboration between innovators and government entities, creating a fertile ground for the development and implementation of creative solutions to the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.
The UAE’s unwavering commitment to sustainability shines through Dubai Future Foundation’s endeavours. By spearheading initiatives, hosting impactful events, and publishing insightful reports, the Foundation plays a pivotal role in shaping a more sustainable future for the planet. As the world prepares for COP28, the Foundation stands as a testament to the UAE’s leadership in environmental stewardship and its unwavering dedication to securing a greener, more harmonious future for generations to come.
Source: Emirates News Agency