Dubai: Abdulla Balalaa, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability Affairs, participated in two Ministerial sessions at the World Green Economy Summit (WGES) 2025 in Dubai, reaffirming the UAE’s leadership in the climate and water fields. Balalaa’s participation formed part of the UAE’s efforts to build momentum ahead of COP30 and the 2026 UN Water Conference.
According to Emirates News Agency, Balalaa addressed the Ministerial Roundtable themed ‘Delivering Climate Ambition by 2030 and Beyond’, emphasizing the need for accelerated actions beyond agreements. He stated that the decisions made today will significantly impact climate outcomes in the long term. The UAE has submitted its updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) in November 2024, influenced by the Global Stocktake and the UAE Consensus from COP28, aligning with the Net Zero by 2050 strategy.
Balalaa outlined several UAE-led initiatives, including the US$30 billion Alterra Fund, a sustainable finance initiative by the UAE Banks Federation worth AED 1 trillion, the Africa Green Investment Initiative targeting 15 GW of clean energy in Africa by 2030, and global platforms like Masdar promoting clean energy in over 40 countries. Through these initiatives, the UAE is fostering transformative investments, pioneering financial tools like Green Sukuk and blended finance, to accelerate global climate action.
Collaboration and inclusivity through alliances like GAGE and WGEO, and engaging youth, women, and vulnerable groups remain central to the UAE’s approach. In another session titled ‘On the Road to the 2026 UN Water Conference: Water at the Heart of Sustainable Development and the Green Economy’, Balalaa underscored the urgency of water security, highlighting the UAE’s leadership role alongside Senegal in preparing for the Conference. He stressed the importance of the UN-adopted Interactive Dialogue Themes in shaping the conference’s agenda and accelerating global water action.
Balalaa emphasized that water is integral to sustainable development, and accelerating progress through partnership, investment, and innovation is crucial in achieving SDG 6 and unlocking new solutions for societies and economies. He concluded by stating that collective innovation, investment, and inclusive partnerships are essential for delivering on SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), ensuring prosperity and resilience for all.