The UAE will host the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) 2016 roundtable in October, Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, announced at the Second UN Environment Assembly (UNEA).

The event, which will take place from 25th – 27th October, will bring together than 400 representatives from financial, governmental and civil organisations from around the world are expected to attend the event.

The announcement was made by Al Zeyoudi during the press conference held on the sidelines of the UNEA, held in Nairobi, Kenya between 23th- 27th May.

Dr. Al Zeyoudi and Eric Usher, the head of the UNEP FI, and several dignitaries and media representatives, attended the press conference.

The UAE’s delegation, led by Al Zeyoudi, wrapped up its high-level participation in the assembly alongside ministers and high-level officials from more than 195 UN members.

The assembly included several ministerial meetings and sessions that discussed national, regional and international environmental challenges. The participants also evaluated governments’ ability to successfully implement the goals of sustainable development.

The sessions included discussions on the financial and organisational issues that pertain to UNEA and setting in place the laws and procedures that would be adopted during the upcoming period.

In a speech during the event, Al Zeyoudi highlighted the efforts carried out by the country to protect the environment and support the transformation towards a green economy.

During the event, the United Nations Environment Programme announced that the UAE, represented by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and in collaboration with the UAE’s Central Bank, will host of the roundtable Finance Initiative meetings taking place in October this year.

Speaking about the UAE's hosting the UNEP FI roundtable, Al Zeyoudi said: "The UAE’s hosting of the 14th edition of this global event supports the initiative launched in 2013 by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to position Dubai as the world’s capital of Islamic economy. It also supports global efforts to provide the financing needed to obtain sustainable development."

Al Zeyoudi, who was a key speaker at the ministerial forum, stressed the importance of supporting international efforts and carrying out the necessary steps needed to achieve Sustainable Development Goals 2030 especially the goals that pertain to environmental sustainability.

He held several bilateral meetings with ministers and high-level officials from various environmental organisations such as the new general director of the UNEP, the head of the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) and the general director of the Global Green Growth Institute.

Source : WAM