Onjo Simson

  In a world facing increasing challenges related to water scarcity and management, the UAE has reiterated its unwavering commitment to building a resilient water future for all. At the recent COP29 conference, His Excellency Abdulla Balalaa, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability, led critical dialogues that underscored the importance of water on the international agenda. These discussions are part of a broader effort to follow up on water-related initiatives between COP29 and COP30, culminating in the UN Water Conference scheduled for 2026. During COP29, His Excellency Balalaa emphasized that water is a vital resource that plays a crucial role in global health, agriculture, economic stability, and environmental sustainability. The UAE's proactive stance at the conference reflects its recognition of the urgent need for collective action to address water-related challenges, such as scarcity, pollution, and the impacts of climate change. The dialogues le...

In a monumental step towards a sustainable future, the UAE has launched XRG, a new $80 billion investment company focused on lower-carbon energy and chemicals. This ambitious initiative, approved by UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, aims to accelerate ADNOC's international growth and drive sustainable value through transformative investments. A Vision for Global Leadership XRG is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the global energy landscape. The company will initially concentrate on three core areas: natural gas, chemicals, and low-carbon energy solutions. This strategic focus aligns with global megatrends, such as the transformation of the energy sector, the exponential growth of artificial intelligence, and the rise of emerging economies. Key Strategic Platforms XRG aspires to become one of the top five global chemicals players by 2030. This platform will address the projected 70% increase in global demand for chemicals by 2050, posi...

  Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – On November 18, 2024, His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, delivered a powerful address at the opening session of the 19th G20 Summit. Representing UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Khaled underscored the UAE's commitment to global cooperation and sustainable development. In his address, Crown Prince Khaled praised President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil for successfully hosting the G20 Summit. He highlighted Brazil’s dedication to fostering international dialogue and addressing critical global issues, setting the stage for a productive summit. One of the key points in Sheikh Khaled’s speech was the launch of the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty. He emphasized the UAE’s support for this significant initiative, which aims to shape international policies towards sustainable solutions to these pressing issues. To demonstrate the UAE's commitment, he ann...

In order to combat the Hunger globally in a sustainable and Innovative way, the UAE and Ethiopia Joined Hands. On November 4, 2024 - His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, has arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to represent the UAE at the World Without Hunger Conference.  Upon his arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, Sheikh Khaled was warmly welcomed by Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed. The reception ceremony featured the national anthems of both nations, followed by a guard of honor. This warm welcome highlights the strong diplomatic ties between the UAE and Ethiopia, reflecting a shared commitment to collaboration and mutual support. The focus on the World Without Hunger Conference is a pivotal platform that brings together global leaders, policymakers, and experts to discuss and develop innovative solutions for achieving food security. This conference aims to support international efforts to advance su...

Dubai's groundbreaking Dubai Can initiative has achieved a monumental feat, reducing single-use plastic water bottle usage by nearly 18 million in just two years. Spearheaded by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, this sustainability drive has transformed the city's landscape, promoting environmental consciousness and paving the way for a more sustainable future. With 50 public water stations strategically placed across Dubai, residents and visitors have access to clean and safe drinking water, encouraging the adoption of refillable bottles and minimizing plastic waste. This initiative not only aligns with Dubai's vision of becoming a leading sustainable destination but also contributes to global efforts in achieving UN Sustainable Development Goals and UAE NetZero 2050 targets. As Dubai continues its journey towards sustainability, the Dubai Can initiative plans to expand further, with additional water fountains set to be installed citywide. This collective e...

  Authorities in Aden, South Yemen, have initiated the gradual operation of the country's inaugural solar electric power station, courtesy of funding from the UAE. The project, a significant milestone in clean energy endeavors, marks a pivotal moment in Yemen's pursuit of sustainable electricity solutions. Aden Governor Ahmed Lamlas oversaw the launch, commencing the station's initial operation at 20-30% of its full 120-megawatt capacity. The advent of the solar power station heralds a new era for Aden, offering respite from chronic electricity shortages that have plagued the city for years. By harnessing solar energy, the station promises to curtail power outages and reduce dependency on costly fuel, particularly during daylight hours. Moreover, the move toward renewable energy aligns with global efforts to combat climate change, as it slashes carbon emissions, preserving the environment for future generations. Beyond its immediate impact on electricity provision, the sola...

Dubai, the dazzling city in the heart of the UAE, is not just rewriting the script for luxury living; it's also charting a pioneering course towards a sustainable future. With a resolute aim of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, Dubai's leadership is demonstrating remarkable foresight and commitment to environmental responsibility. This ambitious goal is backed by concrete action. Dubai's impressive achievements speak volumes – securing the second position in the Energy Transition category of the Green Future Index 2023 and ranking as the sixth highest per capita consumer of solar energy worldwide are powerful testaments to their dedication. But Dubai's approach goes beyond mere statistics. They've implemented a multi-pronged strategy that amplifies their journey towards net-zero. From heavily investing in clean energy sources like solar and green hydrogen to actively embracing innovation in energy storage and desalination technologies, Dubai is constantly pushin...

  Delegates from nearly 200 countries convened in Dubai for the COP28 climate summit, setting an optimistic tone for global climate efforts. With a commitment to triple renewables by 2050, leaders have already established the world's first climate damage fund to support nations facing severe climate impacts. COP28 President Sultan Al Jaber introduced the Global Decarbonization Accelerator, showcasing initiatives aimed at accelerating the energy transition and reducing global emissions. Tripler les capacités nucléaires du monde d'ici 2050 : à la COP28, nous sommes déjà une vingtaine de pays à porter cet objectif. Rendez-vous en Belgique pour le premier Sommet Nucléaire en 2024. pic.twitter.com/oiWqQodY8k — Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) December 2, 2023 One significant stride towards clean energy comes from the approval of Equinor and BP's Empire Wind offshore project in the US, a venture set to power over 700,000 homes by 2026. Meanwhile, Europe's energy crisis ap...

  With UNICEF's assistance, the Iraqi government has started the Green Schools project, a major step toward environmentally conscious education. The goal of this revolutionary project is to instill an attitude of environmental stewardship in Iraq's school system. Through the incorporation of green practices into the curriculum and school infrastructure, the project not only helps create a sustainable future but also gives pupils a comprehensive awareness of the value of environmental protection. Through the innovative Green Schools project, UNICEF and the Iraqi government are combining their resources and knowledge to transform the education system. The initiative's main goals are to make schools more environmentally and energy-efficient, integrate sustainable practices into day-to-day operations, and include environmental education in the curriculum. The project aims to develop a generation of environmentally conscious citizens with the knowledge and abilities required to...

  A high-ranking government delegation is participating in the High-Level PoliticalForum (HLPF) to showcase the progress made in meeting the SustainableDevelopment Goals (SDGs) . The delegation is emphasizing the importance of partnerships in achieving these goals. The UAE's participation in the HLPF is a significant step in the country's journey towards sustainable development. Partnerships are essential for sustainable development. By working together, we can pool our resources, share our knowledge, and find solutions to the world's most pressing environmental challenges. Governments can totally lead the way in forming and supporting partnerships for sustainable development. They can provide funding, technical assistance, and regulatory frameworks that support these partnerships. The public can also play a role in sustainable development. They can make informed choices about their consumption, support sustainable businesses, and get involved in local initiatives. ...