WAM Abu Dhabi, 7th June 2012 (WAM) - As the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development prepares to convene next week in Brazil, the United Arab Emirates delegation will be actively participating in both the negotiations toward Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Secretary-General's signature effort Sustainable Development for All.

High ranking Delegates representing entities across the UAE work collectively to share the nation's vision for a green economy and commitment to sustainable growth.

Sustainability projects and policies now implemented within the UAE include the UAE 2021 Vision plan, establishing national objectives for cohesive, environmentally healthy communities; mandatory efficiency codes for buildings, public lighting, air-conditioning and water usage; the deployment of renewable energy solutions; and the country's urban sustainability project, Masdar City.

Directorate of Energy '&' Climate Change, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, explained to the media today the UAE's programme for participating in the international sustainabe development gathering.

Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Special Envoy for Energy and Climate Change and the CEO of Masdar, explained that the country's economic diversification plans as well as its various activities in clean energy innovation and deployment prove its national commitment to sustainable development.

Dr. Al Jaber explained that the legacy of sustainability "lies deep within the UAE's heritage and was instilled in us by our founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who recognized the need to protect our environment and preserve the precious natural resources for future generations; creating a legacy of responsibility that has been taken forward by our wise and visionary leadership." "Today, the UAE is advancing this vision through innovative ideas and advanced technologies to build sustainable cities, promote the use of renewable energy and become more responsible stewards of the environment," said Dr. Al Jaber.

UAE Participation in RIO+20 Resolution Text Negotiations The UAE is represented on the United Nations High Level Panel on Sustainable Development and has emerged as a constant and strong advocate of global sustainable development. The country's participation in the text negotiations, specifically in the areas of sustainable development goals, gender, water, sustainable cities, institutional reform, sustainability information transparency, and green growth, underscores the UAE's commitment to global sustainability.

UAE Official Side Events and Activities At the RIO+20, the UAE will host an official UN event entitled, "Black Gold and the Green Economy: A Hydrocarbon Exporters' Perspectives on Sustainability." Co-hosted by the Kingdom of Norway, the panel will evaluate the case for sustainability in major hydrocarbon economies, highlighting both the drivers and barriers that shape long-term economic, social, and environmental health and performance.

Panel discussion and presentations by private and public sector commentators from the UAE, Norway, and other entities will illuminate the lessons for implementation of the Rio+20 agenda through the specific experiences of the global economy's essential fuel suppliers. Black Gold and the Green Economy will take place at Rio Centro, pavilion 3, room A, on June 20.

UAE Pavilion at Athletes' Park The UAE will showcase its commitment to sustainable development at the UAE pavilion, located at Athletes' Park, June 13-24. The 500 square meter stand will showcase the technologies and progress the UAE has made to sustainable development in the 40 years since the country's inception and the country's vision forward. The stand will also feature a 40-seat auditorium to accommodate UAE events and activities throughout the duration of the conference, to further promote dialog and exchange amongst summit attendees. The UAE delegation is scheduled to hold daily sessions on the multiple actions and initiatives of the country. The UAE encourages participants to take part in the discussion of innovative ideas to advance clean energy deployment promote the sustainable use of our resources, and encourage a more equitable society.

United Nations Secretary General Reception On June 21, the UAE will co-sponsor UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon's Sustainable Energy for All reception. Dr. Sultan Al Jaber will be a keynote speaker during the event and address the UAE's legacy and future of sustainable development. Recognizing the commitments and innovations from the UAE government, business and civil society to sustainable energy, the Secretary General chose to launch the SE4All initiative at the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi this year, an initiative to mobilize commitments related to enabling efficiency and access to renewable, sustainable energy in advance of Rio+20. The UAE is scheduled to make an announcement at the reception.

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Champions of the Earth Award Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Special Envoy for Energy and Climate Change and the CEO of Masdar, was awarded the 2012 UNEP Champions of the Earth Award. Dr. Sultan was honored for his leadership and vision of advancing sustainable development. The designation of this award is yet another example of how the UAE is bringing to life action-oriented ideas and innovation that lead to a sustainable economy, environment and society.

As the UN's flagship environmental prize, the award recognizing outstanding visionaries and leaders in the fields of policy, science, entrepreneurship and civil society action. Past recipients include the UAE's founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Mexican President Felipe Calderon as well as Environmental Activist and former US Vice President Al Gore.

At Rio+20 UN Conference for Sustainable Development, the UAE is innovating and empowering others to build a sustainable future for all, building on the legacy of its founding fathers to deliver on promises today. Through advanced thinking and technology, the UAE is bringing to life action-oriented ideas and innovation that lead to a sustainable economy, environment and society. As part of a growing international movement, the country is collaborating with like-minded nations to continuously learn best practices, build upon progress, and create a sustainable future for all.

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