Dubai Supreme Council of Energy works toward climate deal at COP21 conference

An all-star team of energy experts from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are in Paris for the COP21 climate change conference, where they are working with world leaders to strike a global deal on climate action. The delegation is led by Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, vice chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and CEO of the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA).

He and other Emirati energy experts are working toward an international Memorandum of Agreement that would establish an international framework of environmental standards and guidelines to counter the effects of climate change.

Al Tayer is set to deliver speeches at both COP21 meetings and at the World Climate Summit (WCS). Al Tayer will also present the latest completed Green Economy Report, which is a joint effort between the Supreme Council of Energy and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).

The report is part of the Green Economy for Sustainable Development initiative kicked off by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president of the UAE and ruler of Dubai. Mohammed envisions establishing a cooperative platform to facilitate the emergence of a knowledge economy that advances sustainable development in the UAE.

"Our participation forms part of the UAE government's solid commitment to enhancing cooperation with the international community in addressing climate change and showcasing our active role in adopting the best sustainable practices through renewable energy projects and support for related research and development activities," Al Tayer said.

Al Tayer said the UAE is committed to fulfilling the obligations outlined in the nation’s Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) set forth at COP21, including work to cut carbon emissions and to turn focus away from fossil fuel production.