COP28: UAE launches landmark Waste to Zero Initiative

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) and Tadweer (Abu Dhabi Waste Management Company) have officially launched the Waste to Zero initiative, at COP28.

This global endeavour will drive decarbonisation of waste and look to establishing a circular economy platform.

Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, UAE Minister of Climate Change & Environment has assumed its chairmanship.

Almheiri said, “The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, said: had the honour of working with Tadweer to launch the initiative. Here at COP28, we are reaching out to all stakeholders to collaborate and activate concrete scalable solutions to decarbonise the waste management value chain. This directly relates to one of the key implementation pillars of COP28 – lives and livelihoods.”

She added, “Waste to Zero is a voluntary coalition that strives for sector emission reduction in line with the Paris Agreement and supports circular economy implementation. Through this, we aim to address all possible solutions from waste minimisation to waste-to-energy infrastructure, and to pivot to a circular economy model.”

Ali Al Dhaheri, CEO of Tadweer, said: “This collaboration marks a significant step in consolidating our efforts to address climate change. ‘Waste to Zero’ is more than an initiative; it is a platform for dialogue, awareness, and actionable solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the waste sector. Tadweer is committed to driving change alongside our partners, MOCCAE and Roland Berger.

‘Together, we look forward to inspiring transformative solutions, creating a more sustainable and prosperous future for all.”

Waste to Zero: Activities to raise awareness

The initiative will hold discussions, workshops, and awareness programs globally.

These activities will focus on circular economy objectives, sustainable resource management, and the latest innovations in waste management and carbon emission reduction.

Waste to Zero will promote solutions for global decarbonisation by attracting investments in infrastructure projects, creating employment, reducing dependence on natural resources, and strengthening regulatory frameworks.

The initiative aligns with the goals of the Paris Agreement.

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