The UAE calls for an integrated approach to address environmental challenges and achieve sustainable development

During its participation in the International Desert Conference – hosted by the city of Arica in the Republic of Chile – the UAE reaffirmed its firm commitment to supporting international efforts aimed at confronting the challenges of desertification, water scarcity, and agricultural land degradation, and enhancing global food security, through innovation, advanced technology, and effective international partnerships. It also stressed that desertification, water scarcity, and land degradation are not separate challenges, but rather interconnected issues that require integrated solutions that combine sustainable management of natural resources, technological innovation, and international cooperation, which contributes to enhancing the ability to adapt. With environmental challenges and achieving sustainable development.

The UAE Ambassador to the Republic of Chile, Mohammed Saeed Al Neyadi, explained in a speech he delivered during the conference that the UAE’s long-term vision is based on investing in innovation, scientific research, and developing practical and sustainable solutions that enhance the ability of societies to adapt to increasing environmental challenges. He pointed to the country’s success in consolidating its position as a leading global model in the field of sustainable development by adopting the latest technologies and promoting rational management of natural resources, stressing the importance of adopting an integrated approach to address the accelerating environmental challenges facing the world, given that sustainable management of water resources is an essential pillar. For societal stability and economic prosperity.

Al Neyadi pointed out that the Sahara Conference reflects the increasing importance of international partnerships in addressing cross-border challenges, by enhancing scientific and technical cooperation and developing innovative strategies that support global food security, preserve environmental systems, and contribute to building a future based on knowledge and innovation.

Al Neyadi also stressed that the United Arab Emirates continues to consolidate its position as a major supporter of global food security by adopting innovative agricultural solutions, investing in modern technologies for sustainable agriculture and water resource management, in addition to hosting the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA), which plays an important role in developing solutions based on scientific research to confront the challenges of water scarcity and land degradation and promote sustainable agriculture in arid and semi-arid environments.

In this context, Al Neyadi praised the growing partnership between the UAE and the Republic of Chile, which extends from the fields of agriculture and environmental protection to the sectors of innovation, advanced technology and space science, explaining that it opens broad horizons for developing smart, data-based solutions to monitor desertification, improve management of natural resources, and support decision-making by utilizing satellite technologies, big data analysis, and artificial intelligence.

At the conclusion of his speech, Al Neyadi stressed that collective responsibility and international solidarity constitute the cornerstone for achieving common development goals, stressing that confronting global environmental challenges requires close cooperation between governments, scientific institutions, the private sector and civil society.

During the conference, the UAE also renewed its call for active participation in the United Nations Water Conference 2026, which it is hosting in partnership with the Republic of Senegal during the period from 8 to 10 December, with the aim of accelerating the implementation of the sixth goal of the Sustainable Development Goals related to ensuring the availability of water and sanitation services for all and managing them in a sustainable manner. She stressed that the conference will represent a global platform to enhance partnerships, investments and innovation in the water sector, and accelerate practical solutions that address the close interrelationship between water, food and land in a way that contributes to supporting sustainable development and enhancing the resilience of societies in the face of environmental and climate challenges.

The International Desert Conference witnessed international praise for the pioneering role played by the United Arab Emirates in confronting global water challenges, as the achievements made by the “Mohammed bin Zayed Water Initiative” were highlighted by launching the

Participants in the conference – which brought together an elite group of experts, decision-makers and researchers concerned with issues of water resilience and sustainable development in arid and semi-arid regions – stressed that UAE initiatives have contributed to stimulating scientific research and the development of innovative technologies aimed at providing practical and sustainable solutions to the water scarcity crisis. It has also strengthened international cooperation between academic and research institutions and the governmental and private sectors, and has become a global model to be emulated in supporting innovation and empowering communities to access safe and sustainable water sources.