Mariam Almheiri Heads UAE Delegation at Hamburg Sustainability Conference

Photo : WAM

On behalf of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Mariam Almheiri, Head of the International Affairs Office at the Presidential Court, led the United Arab Emirates' delegation to the inaugural Hamburg Sustainability Conference (HSC). The conference was officially opened by Germany's Federal Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, marking a significant gathering focused on sustainability and collaboration.

Almheiri's delegation included representatives from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCAE) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), emphasizing the UAE's commitment to global cooperation in addressing urgent sustainability, energy, and humanitarian issues. She stated, “From policymakers to CEOs, scientists to civil society leaders, the Hamburg Sustainability Conference brings together the diverse voices and perspectives needed to drive systemic change and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”

The ethos of the HSC aligns closely with the UAE's approach to sustainability: it focuses not merely on identifying challenges but also on presenting viable solutions. Almheiri highlighted the importance of sharing innovative ideas, scaling successful initiatives, and inspiring bold actions, which were pivotal during the UAE’s participation in COP28 last year, particularly with the establishment of the UAE Consensus.

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“Meaningful dialogue is at the heart of progress,” Almheiri noted, emphasizing that the UAE delegation aims to foster open and constructive discussions essential for paving the way toward a more sustainable and equitable future.

During her attendance at the High-Level Panel Discussion, Almheiri engaged in strategic side meetings with influential German officials, including Dr. Peter Tschentscher, President of the Senate and First Mayor of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg; Svenja Schulze, Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development; and Niels Annen, Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and Member of the Bundestag (SPD).

In these discussions, Almheiri underscored the strength of the UAE's partnership with Germany, asserting, “The UAE deeply values its partnership with Germany. Our collaboration, built on mutual respect and shared objectives, is a driving force for positive change – from advancing sustainable development and addressing climate change to fostering peace and stability in the region and beyond.”

The meetings explored various critical topics, including the legacy of COP28, the implementation of the UAE Consensus, international cooperation on environmental initiatives, and the success of the Green Coast Initiative aimed at mangrove conservation in Africa. They also discussed Hamburg's advancements in developing a robust hydrogen market and potential areas for knowledge exchange.

On the second day of the conference, Almheiri joined leading German business figures, including representatives from Bayer, Airbus, and Nordic Investment Bank, for a Business Luncheon. The discussions focused on enhancing economic ties, investment opportunities, and business integration between the UAE and the German private sector.

The HSC 2024 attracted approximately 1,600 participants from 102 countries, including high-ranking officials, to address how to accelerate action and dismantle barriers to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The event featured three main forums: Reshaping International Financial Architecture, Unleashing Investments for SDGs, and Leveraging Transformation, along with five Hubs addressing various SDG-related themes.

In her remarks, Almheiri reiterated the importance of international cooperation in confronting the pressing challenges of our time. This sentiment was echoed by Germany’s Development Minister, Svenja Schulze, who emphasized the necessity of global collaboration, stating, “The major challenges of our time cannot be solved in a national shell but only through international cooperation. Togetherness is better for all than division.”

First Mayor of Hamburg, Peter Tschentscher, highlighted Hamburg's strategic geographic position in promoting greater cooperation, noting, “With Germany's largest seaport and around 100 consulates, we have excellent connections to all continents.”

The Hamburg Sustainability Conference marks an essential step in fostering international dialogue and cooperation on critical global issues, showcasing the UAE's proactive role in these discussions.