"Motherhood and childhood" Browse in a forum "Zero waste" Achievements of children and adolescents in the field of sustainability

ABU DHABI, 22nd October, 2018 (WAM) – A delegation from the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, headed by Her Excellency Reem bint Abdullah Al Falasi, Secretary-General of the Council, participated in the work of the “Zero Waste” Forum, which was held under the patronage of Mrs. Emine Erdogan, wife of His Excellency Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President of the Republic of Turkey, in Istanbul.
Her Excellency Reem Al Falasi participated in a session of the forum entitled “Comprehensive Pathways to a Waste-Free Future,” in the presence of participants from 101 countries around the world.
Her Excellency Reem Al Falasi said at the beginning of her speech that the founder, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God rest his soul, taught us that human progress must be in harmony with nature, as Sheikh Zayed, through irrigation and tree planting initiatives, transformed barren lands into thriving oases.
Her Excellency added that His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, “may God protect him,” is following the same approach established by the founding father, in protecting the environment and making sustainability a main pillar in the future vision of the Emirates, by launching initiatives and projects that aim to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, and expanding the scope of the use of clean and renewable energy, pointing out her happiness that His Highness’s repeated messages during International events confirm that the responsibility to protect the planet is an international responsibility, and that the UAE’s commitment to sustainability is firm and ongoing.
She pointed out that the UAE’s environmental vision has evolved from a national commitment to a model of global leadership, explaining that during the Conference of the Parties (COP28) the UAE brought together the world’s governments, sectors and youth in one of the most comprehensive climate dialogues ever, which contributed to putting the vision into practice. Among the results of the conference was the “Zero Waste” initiative launched by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, and Tadweer – Abu Dhabi Waste Management Company during (COP28), with the aim of enhancing efforts to remove carbon resulting from the waste sector, and creating a platform for the circular economy, which reflects the UAE’s commitment to achieving sustainability goals.
She stressed that the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood is confident that building a sustainable nation begins with sustainable values that are taught at an early age, lived daily, and disseminated on a large scale.
Her Excellency added that through the UAE Children’s Parliament, and the participation of young members in discussions about environmental policies and sustainable development, children were given the opportunity to participate in shaping the society they will lead one day, and in partnership with UNICEF, the “UNICEF COP28 Ambassadors” program adopts young people by organizing campaigns for climate action and international representation. Children participated in Cop27 in Sharm El Sheikh, and the Children’s Day slogan was announced. The Emirati dialogue for 2023 is “the child’s right to a safe and sustainable environment,” and at the “COP28 Conference of the Parties,” the Emirati-German Children’s Dialogue on Climate Change brought together children from both countries to exchange views and solutions.
She pointed out that the “Environment Award for Children,” which was launched by the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood in cooperation with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, and which came based on a proposal from the Council’s Children’s Advisory Council, honors those who propose creative solutions in the fields of renewable energy, waste reduction, and marine environment protection, stressing that the well-being of children is inseparable from the health of our planet.
Her Excellency Al-Reem Bint Abdullah Al-Falasi referred to the Junior Masterclass Program organized by the Council and which addresses various topics, including environmental protection and recycling, where children learn practically how to reduce waste and care for their surroundings, and the “Little Volunteer” initiative launched by the Council introduces children to how to serve the community, instilling in them empathy and social responsibility from an early age.
She stated that the UAE’s path towards sustainability has been passed down through generations, from our leaders to our people, and from our people to their children, pointing out that it begins with awareness, and continues through education and good example, and every child who learns to protect the environment today guarantees for all of us a cleaner and safer tomorrow for his world.
At the conclusion of the session, Her Excellency Reem Al Falasi stressed the keenness of the UAE, represented by the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, for children and adolescents to participate in international forums, to express their opinions on issues related to their future to protect the environment, calling on the representatives of the concerned authorities participating in the forum to support this trend.
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