IUCN contribution in transition to Green Economy in West Asia

IUCN Regional Office for West Asia (ROWA) contributed in the Greenomics 2009 conference in Dubai which focused on the need and value of ensuring harmony between society, markets and environment. Energy conservation and efficiency enhancement were highlighted by key speakers from top companies like LG Electronics, Microsoft and Emirates Airlines. IUCN ROWA presented IUCN's response to the global environmental challenges caused by the present economic model, calling for the transition to a greener economy.  

"The current financial crisis is compelling us to respect sustainability principles, invest in our natural capital, re-think our development models, and change our consumption patterns," said Dr. Odeh Al- Jayyousi, IUCN West Asia Regional Director.

Under the newly established Ministry of Environment and Water in United Arab Emirates (UAE), the government, private sector and civil society are setting a leadership model in the region in the domain of environmental stewardship and sustainability as demonstrated in the zero-carbon city-MASDAR.

"Greening the world economy is a key component in the IUCN programme and on the global economic agenda. IUCN is keen to enhance the partnership with UAE to support the transition to a green economy and to scale up the lessons learned in UAE to the global arena," said Mr. Juan Marco Alvarez, IUCN Director of the Economy and Environmental Governance Group.

"It is no longer ‘trendy' to be green. Companies have realized that there are significant benefits available to their bottom line when they invest in reducing their impact on the environment," said Mr. Ki Wan Kim, CEO of LG Electronics Middle East and Africa Company.

Greenomics Conference 2009 was held under the patronage of His Excellency Dr. Rashid Ahmad bin Fahad, UAE Minister for Environment and Water, in collaboration with UNU - INWEH and LG Electronics so as to review the global and regional trends and discuss how lessons learned and best practices can be applied at the local arena. Besides, the Conference sought to find adequate solutions to ensure responsible investment in our natural capital and to address key challenges facing the industry and private sector through developing sustainable business models.