Online Reporter
Herald Reporter
The world is facing unprecedented environmental challenges, including climate change, water scarcity, desertification and biodiversity loss, a situation that is particularly severe for Africa, which contributes relatively little to global emissions yet remains among the most vulnerable to climate impacts.
In a statement, the United Arab Emirates in Zimbabwe Chargé d’Affaires Rashed Juma Al Shamsi said the United Arab Emirates believes sustainability must be treated not only as an environmental goal, but as a shared responsibility that drives prosperity.
“The UAE firmly believes that sustainability is not merely an environmental objective, but a shared responsibility and a vital pathway toward long-term economic growth, social development, and global prosperity,” he said.
Noting that the UAE’s commitment is anchored in the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE, Al Shamsi said sustainable development and responsible stewardship of natural resources are central to long-term prosperity.
“Building on this vision, the UAE has embedded sustainability across its development model, investing in clean energy, water resilience, food security, and sustainable infrastructure, while pursuing economic diversification and growth,” he said.
The Chargé d’Affaires said the UAE’s international push was reflected in its hosting of COP28 in Dubai in 2023, where the UAE Consensus was adopted by nearly 200 Parties.
“The agreement provided a practical framework to accelerate the global energy transition while recognising different national circumstances and development priorities,” he said.
“It also underscored the importance of international cooperation, finance, technology, and investment in supporting sustainable development and climate resilience.”
He added that the UAE views climate action as an opportunity to stimulate innovation and strengthen resilience while supporting sustainable economic growth.
“The UAE views climate action as an opportunity to drive innovation, strengthen resilience, and support sustainable economic growth,” he said.
Al Shamsi said the UAE is translating its commitments into action through tangible investment in clean energy and emerging technologies.
“In line with this vision, the UAE became the first country in the Middle East and North Africa region to launch a Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative,” he said.
“Today, this commitment is being translated into tangible investments in clean energy, innovation, sustainable infrastructure, and emerging technologies.”
He cited Masdar as a major example, saying the company’s global clean energy portfolio exceeded 51 gigawatts by the end of 2024, with a target of reaching 100 gigawatts by 2030.
The UAE envoy said Africa remains central to UAE sustainability and development cooperation as the continent pursues its energy transition and development ambitions.
“Africa occupies a central place in the UAE’s sustainability and development partnerships,” he said.
He pointed to the Africa Green Investment Initiative (AGII), launched to unlock Africa’s clean energy potential, describing it as backed by a US$4,5 billion commitment aimed at delivering up to 15 gigawatts of new clean power capacity by 2030 while supporting industrial growth and economic development.
“Through initiatives such as AGII, the UAE seeks to support an energy transition that is inclusive, investment-driven, and responsive to national development priorities,” Al Shamsi said.
Beyond energy, Al Shamsi said water is another critical pillar of sustainable development, linking it to food security, public health, economic development and climate adaptation.
“Water is closely linked to food security, public health, economic development, and climate adaptation,” he said.
“Drawing on its experience as one of the world’s most water-scarce countries, the UAE has demonstrated how innovation, technology, and long-term planning can help strengthen water resilience and support long-term prosperity.”
He said that the UAE is working with international partners to strengthen water resilience through innovation and investment, citing initiatives such as the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative and the Abu Dhabi Global Water Platform.
As part of its cooperation agenda, Al Shamsi said the UAE, together with Senegal, will co-host the 2026 United Nations Water Conference in Abu Dhabi from December 8–10, 2026.
“The Conference will bring together governments, international organisations, financial institutions, the private sector, and other stakeholders to accelerate implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) and advance practical solutions to global water challenges,” he said.
Al Shamsi said there are growing opportunities to deepen cooperation with Zimbabwe in renewable energy, climate-smart agriculture, water management and sustainable infrastructure.
“As Zimbabwe advances its development and sustainability priorities, there are growing opportunities to deepen cooperation areas such as renewable energy, climate-smart agriculture, water management and sustainable infrastructure,” he said. “The UAE views Zimbabwe as an important partner and believes there is significant…”
He said the shared goal is to translate climate and sustainability commitments into practical outcomes that support resilience, economic growth and sustainable development.
