Latest news with #NationalEnvironmentDay
Mid East Info
06-02-2025
- General
- Mid East Info
Ministry of Climate Change and Environment launches 28th National Environment Day under the theme ‘Our Heritage … Our Future'
HE Amna Al Dahak: Our ancestors' eco-friendly practices instilled in us a deep awareness and shaped a living heritage that we proudly carry forward. The UAE celebrates its ancestors' sustainable practices, recognising them as the foundation for promoting eco-friendly behaviours and driving sustainable development across all sectors. Our efforts to promote sustainability and preserve the environment are inspired by the legacy of the UAE community in protecting nature, conserving its natural resources, and developing solutions to all challenges. Subheadings: The practices passed down by Emirati ancestors have long inspired the country's environmental laws, regulations, and initiatives. They remain the foundation of ongoing efforts to preserve the environment and utilise its resources. The Ministry is set to host community events and activities in collaboration with other authorities leading up to World Environment Day on June 4. The events are aimed at promoting sustainable behaviours and engaging the community in an integrated ecosystem to adopt an eco-friendly lifestyle. The events focus on promoting sustainable practices such as home farming, sustainable mobility, sustainable waste management, responsible consumption of products and services, and efficient use of electricity, water, and food. Dubai, United Arab Emirates, February, 2025: The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) has announced the theme of the 28th National Environment Day as 'Our Heritage … Our Future'. This highlights the UAE's core values and strong commitment to environmental preservation and nature conservation. The sustainable practices of the ancient UAE community are the guiding force for raising awareness about environmental preservation. Encouraging their adoption will help build a sustainable future for generations to come. The National Environment Day falls on February 4 each year. This year's theme aligns with UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's declaration of 2025 as the 'Year of Community' underscoring the role of the community as the driving force in the nation's progress, especially in developing the environment and preserving the natural resources. Her Excellency Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said: 'This year's National Environment Day emphasises the UAE community's deep-rooted culture of environmental protection, preservation of natural resources, and sustainable development. The nation's environment is rich in biodiversity, with a thriving agricultural, livestock and fisheries sector. It is also home to numerous species, all of which shape Emirati culture and heritage.' Her Excellency added: 'Our ancestors' eco-friendly practices instilled in us a deep awareness about the environment and shaped a living heritage that we proudly pass down through generations. This legacy inspires our pursuit of a sustainable future for all Emiratis.' She noted that National Environment Day celebrates these sustainable practices, recognising them as the foundation for cultivating eco-friendly behaviours in future generations, developing solutions to climate and environmental challenges, and driving sustainable development across all sectors. Her Excellency added: 'The National Environment Day offers a valuable opportunity for all members of the community to actively engage in the UAE's climate and environmental work. The community is the cornerstone of the country's long-term development plans, and every individual must be fully aware and equipped to contribute to enhancing the UAE's position as a global leader in sustainability and the future.' HE said: 'We invite all segments of society to participate in events and workshops that highlight our heritage of environmental conservation. Let us build on this legacy and cultivate eco-friendly behaviours, to make the UAE a global model for sustainability. Our actions today will shape the future. The environmental achievements will become a national legacy that future generations will proudly carry forward.' Drawing Inspiration from the Practices of Our Ancestors: The UAE community has never been disconnected from nature; rather, it has always embraced and coexisted with the environment, fostering a balance that ensures the sustainability and growth of natural resources for the future. These principles were among the core foundations on which the UAE was built, derived from the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who said: 'He who does not know his past cannot make the best of his present and future'. This approach continues to guide the UAE community in all areas of life. Throughout history, the UAE community has engaged with nature in countless ways, using it as a source of life, food, and water. Emiratis invented various crafts and industries based on their environment, expanding beyond basic survival to transform nature into a source for perfumes, recreation, and healing. Many of these practices still exist, as the community continues to innovate new ways to develop and improve them. Notable practices that are deeply rooted in the UAE's heritage include sustainable agriculture and hunting methods, and the reliance on palm trees as a source of food and raw materials for many traditional industries such as 'sa'feyat' (palm frond crafts). The community used livestock for milk and leather. Nature also played a role in hunting and recreation, with practices such as falconry and camel racing. In response to extreme temperatures, the UAE community invented sustainable methods such as 'barajeel' (wind towers) to cool their homes naturally. The traditional Emirati culinary practices highlight how the community made the best of the environment, creating a tradition that is still celebrated today. These practices are deeply ingrained in the cultural events that shape the Emirati identity. Due to water scarcity, the community employed simple, sustainable techniques for finding water, digging wells, and purifying water from wells and valleys to obtain clean water. Nature continues to provide the community with many solutions for maintaining good health. Many inherited practices involve using nature for healing and treating illnesses, proving their effectiveness in promoting community health and well-being. These age-old remedies originate from the UAE's deserts and mountains, where numerous sources of fresh and sulphuric hot springs flow year-round between rocks, valleys, and high mountain peaks. Transforming Heritage into an Advanced Ecosystem: The UAE is committed to building on its rich heritage, evolving into a governmental work ecosystem that positions the environment as a vital source of life for every Emirati and a gateway to greater opportunities that shape the future. The practices passed down by Emirati ancestors have long inspired the country's environmental laws, regulations, and initiatives. They remain the foundation of the nation's ongoing efforts to preserve the environment and utilise its resources. Based on this principle, National Environment Day, under the theme 'Our Heritage … Our Future' celebrates the environmental practices of the UAE community, emphasising nature as both a source of life and a model for sustainability. The initiative promotes a holistic understanding of sustainability, encouraging all members to embrace it and follow in the footsteps of their ancestors to drive sustainability across all sectors. To bring this vision to life, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment will host community events and activities in collaboration with relevant authorities up to World Environment Day on June 4. These initiatives aim to showcase and promote the best sustainable practices of the UAE community, encouraging their adoption in a modern context to address today's environmental challenges. Collaborative efforts: In celebration of National Environment Day, the Ministry, along with various federal and government entities, the private sector, and civil society organisations, is organising a series of events aimed at promoting sustainable behaviours and engaging the community in an integrated ecosystem to adopt an eco-friendly lifestyle. These events highlight the nation's strong environmental identity, focusing on preserving natural resources, enhancing their sustainable use, and building on the UAE's long-standing legacy of environmental stewardship. The goal is to use this legacy as a foundation for new, innovative efforts in the years to come, in line with the country's plans and strategies for environmental sustainability. The key focus areas of this initiative will include home farming, sustainable mobility, sustainable waste management, responsible consumption of products and services, and efficient use of electricity, water, and food.
Zawya
05-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
UE Dubai and BSH Middle East celebrate young sustainability innovators at the Green Genius Challenge awards ceremony
High school winners were awarded scholarships to pursue their bachelor's degrees at UE Dubai, along with home appliances from Bosch Middle East United Arab Emirates, Dubai: University of Europe for Applied Sciences in Dubai (UE Dubai) and BSH Home Appliances Middle East celebrated the remarkable achievements of emerging visionaries at the Green Genius Challenge: Eco-Appliance Edition. In line with the UAE's mission to promote sustainability and educate youth on its importance, the award ceremony was held at UE Dubai on February 4th, coinciding with the National Environment Day. Aimed at inspiring creativity in sustainability, the Green Genius Challenge invited high school students in Dubai to design eco-friendly home appliances, encouraging innovation in sustainable solutions that minimize non-renewable energy use and have a lower environmental impact. The award ceremony honoured three outstanding projects that showcased ingenuity, feasibility, and significant impact on eco-friendly designs. The Green Genius Challenge embodies the mission of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which seek to address urgent global challenges, from clean energy to responsible consumption and the integration of smart technologies. At the heart of this vision is Target 4.7, which emphasises the transformative power of education in shaping the next generation of innovators capable of developing sustainable solutions and adopting eco-friendly lifestyles. By inspiring students to rethink everyday appliances with a focus on sustainability, the Green Genius Challenge promotes creativity and forward-thinking designs, empowering young high school innovators to help pave the way toward a greener, more sustainable future. The distinguished jury members, including His Highness Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Ali Al Nuaimi also known as The Green Sheikh, Her Excellency Sybille Pfaff, German Consul General in Dubai, Prof. Dr. Eman AbuKhousa, Professor for Information Technology & Communication, and Faik Serkan Ergun, CFO of BSH Home Appliances Middle East, carefully evaluated each entry. Projects were assessed based on innovation & creativity, feasibility, impact, and design, ensuring the most groundbreaking ideas were recognized and celebrated. His Highness Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Ali Al Nuaimi, Environmental Advisor to the Ajman government, praised the creativity of the young participants, stating: 'Our future depends on innovative, sustainability-driven solutions, and it is inspiring to see young minds stepping up to tackle environmental challenges. Their creativity and commitment to environmental responsibility are evident in the remarkable and practical ideas that they have developed. These concepts represent the future of home appliances, blending technology with sustainability to create a more eco-conscious future.' The competition saw an overwhelming response, with remarkable projects reflecting the creativity and passion of young minds. Taking the top prize, Sanjay Addepalli from GEMS Our Own High School, developed EnerGEL, a groundbreaking DIY energy-saving solution that captures heat lost during cooking and converts it into electricity. By utilizing thermoelectric generators coated with a heat-absorbing gel, the project promotes grid independence while ensuring affordability and scalability. The first runner-up, Khushi Khanchandani, from GEMS Wellington Academy Silicon Oasis, created EcoClean, an innovative system that enhances washing machines with carbon nanotube filtration technology. Her solution enables wastewater recycling, drastically reducing water and energy consumption while ensuring safe reuse. Whilst, the second runner-up, Ananya Manikandan, from Delhi Private School introduced Sonne-Vac, a solar-powered robotic vacuum that integrates AI navigation, IoT controls, and sustainable materials. This eco-friendly alternative to conventional cleaning devices prioritizes energy efficiency and ease of use. Prof. Dr. Eman AbuKhousa highlighted the significance of academic-industry collaborations, stating:"UE Dubai takes great pride in the achievements of these talented changemakers. This challenge exemplifies how academia and industry can work together to create real-world sustainable solutions, as seen in our partnership with BSH Home Appliances Middle East. We eagerly anticipate welcoming the winners to UE Dubai on their well-earned scholarships, where they get more knowledge and practical experience and continue to shape a more sustainable future." Faik Serkan Ergun, CFO of BSH Home Appliances Middle East, remarked:" At BSH, sustainability isn't just a commitment—it's at the very core of what we do. But innovation doesn't happen in isolation. Collaboration is key. The partnership between academia and industry, between forward-thinking students and organizations like Bosch, is what makes meaningful change possible." The Green Genius Challenge is more than just a competition; it is a platform for young innovators to turn their eco-friendly ideas into reality. The winning participants received scholarships to UE Dubai and a range of Bosch home appliances, highlighting the dedication of both organizations to supporting the next generation of sustainable leaders. Winner Sanjay Addepalli shared his enthusiasm by saying:"Participating in the Green Genius Challenge was a truly rewarding experience. Developing EnerGEL allowed me to merge sustainability with practicality, and I am honoured that my innovation was recognized by the judges." As the UAE continues its journey towards sustainability, initiatives like the Green Genius Challenge will play a vital role in inspiring innovative solutions for a greener tomorrow. For more information about the Green Genius Challenge, please visit or contact GreenGeniusChallenge@ -Ends- For more information and media enquiries: Plus 1 Communications | yara@ About the University of Europe for Applied Sciences (UE) and the University of Europe for Applied Sciences in Dubai (UE Dubai) The University of Europe for Applied Sciences (UE) is a highly accredited German private university committed to academic excellence and global learning opportunities. With over 25 years of experience, UE offers a range of Bachelor's, Master's, dual Bachelor's, and MBA degree programmes in business, technology, data, sports, psychology and design. Currently, UE operates four campuses in Germany (Berlin, Hamburg, Iserlohn and Potsdam). UE serves more than 5,800 students from more than 140 countries, preparing them for success in today's job market. UE was recently awarded the German Education Award 2023/2024, presented by the German Institute for Service Quality. The University of Europe for Applied Sciences in Dubai (UE Dubai), the first German university to establish a campus in UAE, welcomed its first batch of students in April 2024. Strategically located in Dubai's World Trade Centre and forming strong partnerships with international companies, UE Dubai offers a wide range of Bachelors and Master's programmes, including the Master of Arts in Innovation Design Management. Committed to offering the highest standards in higher education, UE Dubai provides exceptional learning opportunities and valuable connections to its students. For more information please visit: About BSH Home Appliances BSH Home Appliances FZE, based in Dubai, UAE, is a wholly owned subsidiary of BSH Hausgeräte GmbH in Munich, Germany. We market Bosch, Siemens, and Gaggenau kitchen appliances. At the heart of our operations in the GCC region, BSH Office, Dubai, stands as the central hub, orchestrating the success of our brands. With a total of nine specialized departments, our team is dedicated to delivering excellence in every facet of our business. Our workforce is a testament to diversity and inclusivity, comprising individuals from 12 different nationalities. This rich tapestry of backgrounds and perspectives fosters a culture of innovation and creativity within our organization. Notably, we take pride in our commitment to gender equality, with 31% of our team members being women, contributing their valuable skills and insights to our daily operations. Markets: UAE, KSA, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar. BSH United Arab Emirates | BSH Hausgeräte GmbH (
Dubai Eye
04-02-2025
- Politics
- Dubai Eye
UAE committed to climate action efforts, says President
President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said on National Environment Day, the UAE remains committed to supporting international climate action efforts. The UAE President took to social media to say, "On National Environment Day, we draw inspiration from our history of sustainable progress and renew our determination to protect the environment and preserve its resources for future generations. The UAE remains committed to supporting international climate action efforts and promoting collective responsibility towards shared global challenges." On National Environment Day, we draw inspiration from our history of sustainable progress and renew our determination to protect the environment and preserve its resources for future generations. The UAE remains committed to supporting international climate action efforts and… — محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) February 4, 2025 His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and the Ruler of Dubai has also posted on social media to mark National Environment Day. He wrote, "National Environment Day is an annual national occasion. Its goal is to establish the principles of sustainability and environmental conservation, raise the awareness of new generations, promote environmentally friendly public behaviours, and innovate governmental and community practices that enhance our national environmental heritage. "We call on everyone to play their part in preserving a nature-friendly we call on everyone to preserve our national gains in the field of sustainability." يوم البيئة الوطني مناسبة سنوية وطنية .. هدفها ترسيخ مبادىء الاستدامة والحفاظ على البيئة ورفع وعي الأجيال الجديدة .. وتعزيز السلوكيات العامة الصديقة للبيئة .. وابتكار ممارسات حكومية ومجتمعية تعزز إرثنا الوطني البيئي .. وندعو الجميع للقيام بدوره في الحفاظ على نمط حياة صديق… — HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) February 4, 2025
Zawya
27-01-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Egypt: Ministry of Environment unveils guide to support afforestation plans
Egypt - The Ministry of Environment launched on Sunday a comprehensive guide designed to support the implementation of afforestation plans as part of the presidential initiative to plant 100 million trees. The announcement took place during the celebration of National Environment Day 2025, which was held under the theme 'A Green Sustainable Egypt: Towards a Circular Economy and a Fair Green Transformation.' This celebration is one of the key outcomes of the Advisory Committee for Afforestation, which is composed of specialized experts from universities, the Agricultural Research Center, and civil society. The committee, led by Ayman Farid Abu Hadid, has been instrumental in advancing the afforestation initiative, responding to the community dialogue on the 100 Million Tree project. In her speech, Yasmine Fouad, the Minister of Environment, emphasized the significance of National Environment Day, reflecting Egypt's growing focus on environmental issues. She expressed her gratitude for the national recognition of environmental efforts, highlighting the importance of the 100 Million Tree Initiative, which has garnered much attention during the celebrations. Minister Fouad also praised the Advisory Committee for their significant contributions to advancing the afforestation plan. Professor Amr Rabie, a specialist in afforestation and forestry at the Agricultural Research Center, provided an overview of the newly launched guide. He explained that the initiative is designed to be completed within seven years, with each ministry contributing to planting a designated number of trees. The primary goal of the project is to improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gases, expand green spaces, and ensure the health of citizens. Rabie detailed the guide's recommendations for selecting the most suitable tree species for each Egyptian governorate, taking into account regional climate, land type, and environmental benefits. He stressed the importance of planting trees that not only thrive in specific regions but also offer the highest economic returns. The environmental and economic benefits of afforestation are significant. Rabie highlighted that planting trees contributes to the environment in multiple ways, from protecting water bodies against climate change to combating desertification. It also enhances soil quality, safeguards the Valley and Delta lands from sand dunes, and protects archaeological sites from sand buildup. Additionally, afforestation helps control groundwater levels. He also pointed to the potential for new industries based on tree products, such as Jatropha-Jojoba shrubs, which can serve as biofuel sources. This creates new job opportunities, stimulates local economies, and boosts workers' incomes in the afforestation sector. © 2024 Daily News Egypt. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
