Inaugural Green Leadership event launched in Dubai

Dubai Green Economy Partnership 2015 global agenda revealed

Stakeholders' Dialogue to activate strategic goals through innovative partnerships

11 November, 2013, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai carbon reduction initiatives across, renewable energy generation, smart grid and buildings' energy efficiency, will spur government spending and private investment, of over 10 billion  US Dollars, in the coming few years, according to Waleed Salman, Chairman of Dubai Green Economy Partnership.  Salman made his comments at the inaugural Green Leadership and Stakeholders' Dialogue series, an initiative of the Dubai Green Economy Partnership, a global initiative of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, Inspired by the long term national green economy strategy "Green Economy for Sustainable Development" launched by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, last year.

"Dubai sets a regional and global example for sustainable economic growth and tangible reductions in carbon emissions thanks to the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030, which aims to reduce energy consumption by 30% and reducing carbon emissions by over 5 million tons" said Salman who participated in a high profile panel discussion and presentation on business opportunities arising from Dubai's transition to a sustainable green economy titled: The Green Economy: Vision and Actions. Fahad Al Gergawi, Secretary General of Dubai Green Economy Partnership, and CEO of Dubai FDI in the Department of Economic Development in Dubai, presented Dubai Green Economy Partnership 2015 global agenda, supported by the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy under the leadership of HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and H.E. Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman. Al Gergawi provided insight into how Dubai is forging global partnerships to establish its position as a gateway for regional and global green trade and investments.

The session was moderated by Ivano Iannelli, CEO of Dubai Carbon and included an overview of Dubai's enabling ecosystem which helps to accelerate the adoption of green technologies, products and services across the region by Marwan Abdulaziz, Executive Director of TECOM Sciences Cluster that includes Enpark and Dubiotech. "We are delighted to host the inaugural event of the Green Leadership and Stakeholders' Dialogue series. This event is unique in bringing together industry experts from across the sustainability sector to discuss how to further the UAE'S green economy through identification of opportunities, analysis of trends and private sector participation in shaping future policies" said Marwan. "Sustainability, innovation and collaboration form the bedrock of the ENPARK strategy that actively supports its partners to identify new business opportunities. Thanks to Dubai Green Economy Partnership, we have a wider view of the opportunities presented by the transition to a green economy and continue to support and facilitate the growth of green businesses through cross sector participation and partnerships with key stakeholders from government, business and the community.

Stephane Le Gentil, CEO, Etihad Energy Services, a DEWA venture, established this year to support the creation of a viable building energy efficiency services market, shared some eye opening remarks about the business prospects for energy services companies (ESCOs).  "The Dubai ESCOs market will provide new business opportunities for joint ventures, international partnerships as well as engage UAE national entrepreneurs through a diversified supply chain from financial institutions, technology providers and equipment manufacturers to service providers across the project development, management and reporting stages".

Andre Schneider, Chairman of the London based World Climate Limited, and former COO and MD of the World Economic Forum, led the second session of the event, moderating an open, dialogue on how Dubai can benefit from being a role model for urban green infrastructure, a green trade and investment gateway serving the wider region and accelerating the adoption of green technologies, products and services globally. The audience representing founding members of the Dubai Green Economy Partnership along with representatives of Dubai government departments, business leaders and the media contributed their views and ideas during the session and through social media using the twitter tag #GEPDialouge. "Dubai has a unique position among global cities to be a leader of the transition to a green and sustainable economy, due to its accomplished green economy strategy, business strengths and advantages. The Stakeholder's Dialogue initiative is critical in order to give stakeholders a reliable forum where they can contribute to activate strategic goals through innovative initiatives and partnerships" said Schneider." "Dubai's success in reducing carbon emissions while continuing its sustainable economic growth will also help shape the global Climate Actions agenda and provide input for a globally binding climate treaty by 2015 in Paris". He added.

As the first multi-stakeholder partnership to promote the transition to a green and low-carbon economy in the Middle East, Dubai Green Economy Partnership is driven by global public-private partnerships, collaboration and cross-sector participation, which reflects stakeholders' leadership and commitment to reduce carbon emissions in all activities from power and water to transportation and built environment. The Stakeholder's Dialogue will be held regularly to help bridge knowledge gaps and shape the agenda of future initiatives like the World Green Economy Summit planned to be held in Dubai in April 15-16 by DEWA, in association with Dubai Green Economy Partnership and World Climate Ltd.

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About GREEN LEADERSHIP - STAKEHOLDERS' DIALOUGE SERIES
The GREEN LEADERSHIP is a stakeholders' dialogue event series. Initiated by Dubai Green Economy Partnership. The series aims to support forward thinking organizations pursuing new business opportunities arising from the transition to a green and low-carbon economy, encourage cross-sector collaboration between government and business leaders and engage stakeholder groups in shaping a sustainable future through collaboration, partnerships and innovation.

About Dubai Green Economy Partnership
"Dubai Green Economy Partnership" is an initiative of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, inspired by the long term national green economy strategy "Green Economy for Sustainable Development" launched by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, to position Dubai firmly amongst global cities leading the transition to green economy.

"Dubai Green Economy Partnership" is the first multi-stakeholder and cross sector partnership to promote the transition to a green and low-carbon economy in the Middle East. The programs and initiatives of "Dubai Green Economy Partnership" aim to enable the growth of green trade and investment and accelerate the adoption of green technologies, products and services across regional and global markets.

The founding members from both public and private sectors are committed to showcase Dubai's vision, strategy and achievements to an influential global audience and forge world- class partnerships to help build capacity through global internships, event platforms and green trade missions among other activities and programs.

Our Vision is partnership

To make Dubai a global gateway for green investment and trade

Our Mission is global

To support the transition to a green economy through collaboration and innovation

Our Goals are progressive

- To effectively contribute to the sustainable and green growth of Dubai and UAE economies

- To enable the growth of green trade and investment in regional markets

- To accelerate the adoption of green technologies, products and services worldwide

Founding Members:

·         Dubai Supreme Council of Energy

·         Dubai Electricity & Water Authority

·         Dubai Roads &Transport Authority

·         Dubai Municipality

·         Department of Economic Development- Dubai

·         TECOM Science Cluster (ENPARK - DUBIOTECH)

·         S.S. Lootah Group

·         Pacific Controls

·         Dubai Carbon Center of Excellence

·         Etihad Energy Services

Chairman                   : Mr. Waleed Salman, SVP Strategy & Business Development, DEWA

Secretary General     : Mr. Fahad Al Gergawi, CEO, Dubai FDI

© Press Release 2013