DUBAI: Top UAE government officials and heads of government departments participated in a roundtable focused on the country's Green Economy Initiative held as part of the 'World Energy Forum 2012,' conference here.
The conference, held under the slogan 'A Forum for World Leaders', marks the first time that the global conference has been organized outside the headquarters of the United Nations in New York and further boosts Dubai's – and the UAE’s – status as a global hub for energy research and sustainability, Manama-based Tradearabia news said.
The United Nations has designated 2012 as The International Year of Sustainable Energy for All.
Chaired by Dr Rashid Ahmad bin Fahad, the Minister of Environment and Water of the UAE, the roundtable shed light on the country’s overall green economy practices and tackled topics such as policy and legal frameworks, investments, urban planning, the environment, and technology.
Over the past three decades, countries around the world have witnessed significant economic growth thanks to cutting-edge – yet often pollution-intensive– technologies.
Today, as a result of rising carbon emissions and the increase in energy consumption, the world is facing ecological challenges and countries are forced to recognize their environmental debt and assume a greener, more sustainable economic approach. (QNA)
