Statement from Ambassador H.E. Hamad Obaid Al Zaabi marking the 52nd Union Day of the United Arab Emirates

In Islamabad, each year on December 2nd, the United Arab Emirates commemorates its National Day and the formation of the Union in 1971. On this historic day, the rulers of the Emirates came together and signed an agreement to unite the seven emirates, establishing the United Arab Emirates as a cohesive and prosperous nation.

This year’s celebration in the UAE is under the guidance of the visionary leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Muhammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President/Prime Minister of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Muhammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is also the Ruler of Dubai, and the esteemed members of the Supreme Council. They have designated the year 2023 as the “Year of Sustainability” with the theme “Today for Tomorrow” to raise awareness about environmental sustainability and confront challenges linked to climate change.

Currently, the UAE is hosting the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) at Expo Dubai until December 12. This significant conference has brought together global leaders and experts in a collective effort to mitigate the perils faced by our planet.

Through this pivotal global conference, the UAE aims to expedite the achievement of sustainable development objectives and broaden the scope of energy transformations. The primary focus is on ensuring that the outcomes of this global event materialize into actionable mechanisms rather than mere promises, translating agreements into tangible realities and accomplishments.

In light of the prevailing global challenges, climate change looms as one of the most pressing concerns. The UAE remains at the forefront, implementing effective policies to address these challenges. The country has undertaken a comprehensive array of policies, including economic diversification with an emphasis on a green economy, diversifying energy sources with a focus on clean and renewable energy, promoting energy efficiency, sustainable transportation, and fostering sustainable urban planning, among other initiatives.

The UAE perceives climate action as an opportunity to provide practical solutions to a global issue that affects all nations, especially considering its endeavors in economic diversification and its commitment to nurturing knowledge, skills, and employment opportunities for future generations.

Aligned with the UAE’s visionary leadership, the COP28 presidency has devised a plan based on four pillars: expediting the transition to a more organized, responsible, and equitable energy sector, developing mechanisms for climate financing, enhancing quality of life and livelihoods, and ensuring the full participation of everyone in the conference’s operational framework. The objective is to achieve substantial reductions in emissions and establish a sustainable future energy system. The COP28 presidency is determined to enhance energy efficiency by 2030 by tripling renewable energy production capacity, doubling low-carbon hydrogen production, and making sustainable cooling systems accessible to all.

The UAE reiterates its commitment to climate and sustainability matters, not solely at the domestic level but also on the global platform. This commitment is geared toward safeguarding the environment and securing a brighter future for forthcoming generations. The UAE actively extends support to countries and communities worldwide in tackling the challenges associated with climate change.

Moreover, the UAE’s dedication to space exploration is evident through astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi’s significant space mission as the first Arab astronaut to conduct an extended stay and spacewalk on the International Space Station. These accomplishments follow the landmark achievements of Hazza AlMansoori, the first Emirati in space, and the successful deployment of the Hope Probe in 2021, showcasing the UAE’s determined progress in the space sector. The UAE demonstrates unwavering determination in realizing its vision of being among the leading nations in the realm of space, advancing science, technology, innovation, and fostering a sustainable space sector.

The anticipated launch of the “Mohammed bin Zayed SAT” (MBZ-SAT) satellite in 2024 will be a pivotal addition to the nation’s space exploration endeavors, further amplifying the UAE’s contributions to global space science.

Continuing its pursuit of sustainable development, the UAE places significant emphasis on supporting programs aimed at mitigating climate change. This empowers communities to sustain their economic and social progress while resiliently addressing climate challenges. To ensure the success of these initiatives, the UAE shares its expertise and experiences with other nations and offers technical assistance to ensure optimal outcomes.

Globally recognized as a model for sustainable economic development, the United Arab Emirates adopts ambitious strategies to strike a balance between economic growth, prosperity, and environmental preservation. The nation achieved an unprecedented milestone in its foreign trade during the first half of 2023, surpassing AED 1.239 trillion and marking a 14.4% increase this year.

Actively pursuing a knowledge-driven and diversified economy, supported by scientific and technological advancements, the UAE is steadfast in fortifying the economy’s resilience and sustainability. It remains committed to exploring new opportunities, underlining the belief that robust partnerships play a pivotal role in fostering regional prosperity and unlocking extensive economic possibilities.