Ministry of Climate Change and Environment Holds 2nd Environment and Business Majlis Meeting for 2017 in Cooperation with Indian Business and Professional Council

• The Majlis reviews investment opportunities in various environmental and economic fields

Dubai-UAE: 27 September, 2017:  The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment held the second Environment and Business Majlis meeting for 2017, under the sponsorship of Pure Gold Group and in cooperation with the Indian Business and Professional Council (IBPC). The meeting was attended by His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, 64 IBPC members and representatives of leading companies in the UAE.

In his opening remarks, His Excellency Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi stressed the importance of strengthening public-private partnership to achieve the strategic goals of the National Climate Change Plan 2017-2050, the Green Development Agenda 2015-2030, as well as to set priorities and make proposals to support national climate adaptation efforts. 

He also praised the vital role of leading companies in the UAE to support economic growth across all sectors and said: “The blue-chip companies in the UAE take the lead in spreading advanced technologies, employing sustainable resources and seeking innovative solutions to mitigate the impact of climate change.” 
“The Majlis seeks to provide the appropriate regulatory and legal frameworks and encourage the private sector to come up with best practices and solutions to all environmental and economic sectors. He pointed out that strengthening partnerships and cooperation with private companies is part of the Ministry's strategy to achieve the ambitious goals set by our wise leadership within Vision 2021”, Dr. Al Zeyoudi said.

“The Majlis aims to propose innovative and technological initiatives in the environment and climate change sector that are in line with the global direction, urging private companies to adopt corporate social responsibility programs that aim at reducing carbon emissions, in addition to improve and develop the ministry’s services to the private sector,” His Excellency concluded.

Mr. Firoz Merchant, Chairman of Pure Gold Group & Philanthropist, said: “Considering the great historical and bilateral trade relationship India has shared with the UAE for many years, I am honored and delighted to help advance and elevate this relationship by building a bridge between the Indian Business Community and the UAE government. A move which I anticipate will prove exceptionally advantageous for both sides for many years to come. I am particularly enthusiastic to work with H.E. Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi on this relationship, and together tackle issues such as the rapidly changing global climate, and the future of the food industry in the Middle East and India. Through initiatives such as these, I am confident the Indian Business Community and the UAE will come together to seize the opportunities presented by collaborating, engaging, and investing in these issues in order to create a brighter future together.”

Ms. Bindu Suresh Chettur, President, IBPC Dubai said: “India & UAE are poised to strengthen their partnership and cooperation in various environmental and business sectors in the coming years. One such exciting sector is the Food Industry. As a catalyst in this collaboration, IBPC has recently hosted the Hon. Smt. Harsimrat Kaur Badal & Hon. Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti of the Indian Union Food Ministry to the UAE. In addition, the anticipated visit by H.E. Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi to the upcoming World Food India 2017 event in November later this year is going to further strengthen the engagement between the two nations. This increasing cooperation will open up a plethora of opportunities for us to contribute and be part of such initiatives.”

In an open dialogue during the meeting, attendees shared their latest initiatives, news and information, and highlighted the important role the private sector plays in supporting environmental projects, reducing carbon emissions, reinforcing the transformation towards a green economy and supporting UAE’s efforts in addressing global climate change. 

Going through several proposals and initiatives to increase partnerships between the ministry and the private sector, attendees also discussed ways to strengthen collaboration, achieve the desired objectives and determine the best ways to boost the relationship with businessmen and the private sector. 
Concluding the gathering, His Excellency the Minister of Climate Change and Environment discussed with the businessmen and the representatives of private companies, the key challenges facing the business sector and the current relationship with the ministry. They also exchanged several suggestions and ideas to improve future collaborations between the ministry and the private sector.