08 Oct, 2023
Dubai, October 2023: As part of the Year of
Sustainability and UAE's preparations for hosting the
Conference of the Parties COP28, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) and Tadweer (Abu
Dhabi Waste Management Company) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch ‘Waste to Zero’, a
global initiative to mobilize and advance waste decarbonization efforts, and to establish a circular economy
platform.
The MoU was signed at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment headquarters in Dubai in
the presence of His Excellency Mohammed Saeed Al Nuaimi, Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Climate
Change and Environment; Her Excellency Engineer Othaibah Al Qaydi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for the
Sustainable Communities Sector at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment; and His Excellency
Engineer Ali Al Dhaheri, Tadweer MD and CEO. The event was attended by officials representing both entities.
Commenting on the MoU, H.E. Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, UAE Minister of Climate Change & Environment
said: "As we prepare to host COP28, the UAE is keen to play a stronger role in driving global climate action
by reducing emissions and contributing to the goals of the Paris Agreement, mitigating climate change
effects and protecting the planet. Our partnerships with major players are a key pillar in delivering the
UAE's climate commitments and achieving Net Zero by 2050.”
H.E. Almheiri added: "We are pleased to collaborate with Tadweer to launch the global
initiative to decarbonize the waste management sector, which is responsible for an estimated 3-5% of global
greenhouse gas emissions. Through this collaboration, we will mobilize global efforts once again to adopt
practical solutions in the waste management sector to achieve sustainability and increase its contribution
to reducing emissions. This will further enhance the role of the UAE in creating a sustainable future for
people around the globe. We trust our ability to make a significant difference in global waste management
sector, and contribute to the international environmental and climate agenda in the coming period.”
H.E. Al Mohammed Saeed Nuaimi emphasized that this cooperation will play a significant role in strengthening
the circular economy in the UAE and abroad by providing an integrated economic system that keeps pace with
the global transition towards a green economy.
H.E. Al Nuaimi added that COP28 will be an important opportunity for the UAE and the private sector to
highlight their pioneering projects in combating climate change and protecting the environment. These
projects span several sectors and will be announced in the coming period as well as during COP28.
Eng. Ali Al Dhaheri, Chief Executive Officer of Tadweer, said: "This MoU is an important step in
consolidating our efforts to address climate change. Through 'Waste to Zero', we hope to create a platform
for dialogue, raise awareness, and drive actionable solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the
waste sector. Together with our partners, MOCCAE and Roland Berger, we look forward to inspiring change and
creating a more sustainable and prosperous future."
Hani Tohme, Managing Partner, Roland Berger Middle East said: "Through this initiative, we aim to highlight
the importance of finding solutions to the decarbonization of the waste management sector, which is one of
the major sources of global emissions, and to empower economies to make the most of their resources. The
initiative is part of our commitment to finding innovative and sustainable solutions, and are aimed at
enhancing our potential for transforming the global waste crisis into an opportunity for growth, renewal and
resilience."
Tadweer, under the leadership of the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and in cooperation with
stakeholders, will host discussions, workshops and awareness programmes for various partners in the UAE and
abroad on the objectives of the circular economy and sustainable resource management, highlighting the
latest global innovations in integrated waste management and carbon emission reduction.
The initiative focuses on the challenges facing the waste management sector and its direct impact on the UN
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and climate change objectives, as the sector can contribute to reducing
emissions, improving the quality of recycling and reducing food loss and waste.
The initiative will promote solutions aimed at the decarbonization of the waste management sector around the
world by attracting investment and financing in infrastructure projects, create employment in the sector, as
well as reduce global dependence on natural resources. It also aims to strengthen regulatory frameworks,
apply Extended Producer Responsibility, establish multi-disciplinary governance and identify bankable
projects in waste management processes.
In addition, this partnership aims to highlight the role played by the waste management sector in addressing
climate change as well as finding innovative solutions for sustainable resource management. Waste to Zero
will invite the entire waste management ecosystem to raise ambition, work towards positive and tangible
results, demonstrate concrete action to mitigate climate change and align with the goals of the Paris
Agreement.
We are thrilled to announce the collaboration of the Saudi Investment Recycling Company (SIRC) and BEEAH Group with our #WasteToZero initiative. Their endorsement during the #MENAClimateWeek panel amplifies the importance of our mission in the Middle East. The Middle East, with its rich heritage and vibrant future, holds tremendous....
What is #WasteToZero and why are we launching it now! Did you know the waste management sector is responsible for 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions? But this is more than just a problem: is an opportunity to find a solution. Which is why we are happy to launch the #WasteToZero Initiative, the first voluntary coalition around best practices of waste management....