The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, MOCCAE, has held a media briefing to highlight the mission, vision and strategic objectives outlined in its Fourth Strategic Plan 2017-2021.

Addressing a press conference at MOCCAE headquarters in Dubai, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al-Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said, "The ministry's fourth strategic plan gains added significance in the run up to the UAE’s golden jubilee celebrations, five years ahead by which time the nation aspires to become one of the best livable countries in the world, as mandated by the UAE Vision 2021."

He added that the strategic plan is based on a comprehensive study of the UAE’s environment. "It factors in current environmental challenges and trends, results of earlier efforts and relevant international developments, as well as the targets outlined in the UAE Vision 2021, and various national strategies, and those reflected in our international commitments related to the environment and sustainable development."

The ministry's vision ‘Environmental Pioneering for Sustainable Development’ reflects the UAE's goal to achieve sustainable development in the next few years, which is central to the UAE Vision 2021. As sustainability depends mainly on the environment, the Vision 2021 has prioritised it as the primary focus over other social and economic dimensions.

The ministry’s fourth strategic plan revolves around seven key objectives; promoting environmental health and transition to a green economy, achieving sustainability of natural resources, enhancing food diversity, mitigating climate change, strengthening the enforcement of environmental legislation, fostering a culture of innovation in the workplace, and improving the quality of administrative services.

Dr. Al Zeyoudi noted that the implementation of the ministry’s fourth strategic plan requires the inclusion of qualified human resources and means of empowerment, development of existing capacities, focus on youth through continuous training programmes, teamwork with strategic partners and utilisation of opportunities.