Emirati women have made a significant mark at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, demonstrating their leadership in climate decision-making. Their involvement underscores the UAE’s dedication to empowering women to shape the future of climate action.
In remarks to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Dr. Nawal Al-Hosany, UAE’s permanent representative to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), commended the robust participation of Emirati women. This engagement is supported by the steadfast backing of the UAE leadership and the relentless efforts of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak (Mother of the Nation), who serves as chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, president of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and supreme chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, all aimed at involving women in international discussions.
Dr. Alanoud Alhaj, acting assistant undersecretary for the Green Development and Climate Change sector at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), shared her work on the UAE’s Net Zero strategy, which has been crafted in partnership with various sectors. She emphasized that the UAE’s leadership continues to propel climate action, as evidenced by the country’s achievement of the historic “UAE Consensus” during COP28.
Celebrating female representation
Amal Abdulrahim, chief AI officer at MOCCAE, pointed out the significant female representation within the UAE delegation at COP29, highlighting the leadership’s confidence in women’s capabilities.
Hiba Obaid Al Shehhi, acting assistant undersecretary for the Biodiversity and Marine Life Sector at MOCCAE, remarked on the crucial role women play in biodiversity conservation and climate initiatives, noting that over 70 percent of the ministry’s biodiversity sector is led by Emirati women.
Read more: COP29: UAE launches plans for world’s first ChatGPT tool tailored for agricultural sector
On day 10 of COP29, the UAE pavilion spotlighted themes of environment, gender, humanitarianism, and the significance of lives and livelihoods. Prominent participants at the pavilion included the United Nations, the former president of Ireland, the UAE’s Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, First Islamic Bank, Emirates NBD, and Dubai Islamic Bank.
Promoting climate finance and gender equality
A central theme of discussions among leaders from international organizations, governments, civil society, and philanthropic foundations was the need to enhance access to climate finance and promote gender equality as essential components in building a climate-resilient economy for the future.
The UAE’s MoEI, in collaboration with Spotnik Technologies, introduced the UAE 3D Digital Twin initiative aimed at improving livability and sustainability in urban areas. Naseibah Abdulla Almarzooqi, director of studies, research, and development, as well as chief innovation officer at MoEI, described the initiative as a comprehensive platform designed to facilitate urban decision-making by centralizing information in a single location.
The COP29 presidency also unveiled the ‘Reducing Methane from Organic Waste Declaration,’ with over 30 countries signing on as initial signatories. Together, these nations account for 47 percent of global methane emissions from organic waste and have committed to establishing sectoral targets for methane reduction in future Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). This group includes seven of the ten largest emitters of organic waste methane worldwide. Notable signatories include Azerbaijan, Korea, Japan, the UAE, Morocco, Türkiye, and Jordan, all pledging to implement concrete policies and roadmaps to achieve these sectoral methane reduction targets.
