During an event in Seoul on Tuesday, Abdulla Saif Al Nuaimi, the Ambassador of the UAE to South Korea, emphasized the importance of sustainability and water diplomacy.
Al Nuaimi highlighted that sustainability is central to the United Arab Emirates’ national development strategy. “For us, it represents a significant and timely opportunity,” he stated, pointing out the UAE’s aim to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.
To facilitate this goal, the UAE has implemented the Federal Decree-Law No. (11) of 2024, which addresses the impacts of climate change and will come into force on May 30, 2025. This legislation aligns with the Paris Agreement and is part of the UAE’s expansive Net Zero 2050 Strategy, encompassing over 25 initiatives across six critical sectors.
He further mentioned the UAE’s “Year of Sustainability” initiative for 2023-2024, which culminates in the hosting of the COP28 climate summit in Dubai.
“COP28 symbolizes our commitment to lead in establishing a low-carbon, climate-resilient future,” Al Nuaimi remarked, also mentioning the UAE’s role in hosting the upcoming 2026 United Nations Water Conference with the Republic of Senegal.
This conference is seen as a pivotal step in enhancing water diplomacy and catalyzing worldwide efforts towards improving water resilience.
According to Al Nuaimi, this initiative is part of the UAE’s post-COP28 strategy to connect climate and water objectives with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, which consist of global targets set by the UN in 2015, aimed at issues such as eradicating poverty, addressing climate change, promoting gender equality, and advancing peace, justice, and strong institutions by 2030.
In addition, Al Nuaimi underscored the robust economic and strategic relationship between the UAE and South Korea, noting their mutual commitment to sustainability, innovation, and forward-looking development.
He expressed hope that the collaboration between the UAE and Korea could serve as an exemplary model for cooperation across regions, especially in the fields of clean energy, green technologies, and climate-resilient infrastructure.
The event was attended by several distinguished diplomatic representatives, including the Saudi Ambassador to Korea Sami M. Alsadhan, the Omani Ambassador to Korea Zakariya Hamed Al Saadi, and the Kuwaiti Ambassador to Korea Deyab Farhan al-Rashidi, among others.