THE United Arab Emirates has received an accolade at the 2024 Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Partnerships Awards for its commitment to the environment and sustainable development. UAE came first in the Economic Category for the UAE Pacific Partnership Fund and the UAE Caribbean Renewable Energy Fund. The SIDS Partnerships Awards celebrate organisations and initiatives that have made significant strides in advancing the sustainable development of SIDS through innovative and impactful collaborations. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), along with his role as Chairman of the Fund’s Executive Committee, expressed sincere appreciation to President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his unwavering commitment to sustainability efforts.
The award-winning initiatives, nominated in the Economic Category by the ADFD, which provided funding for both projects, highlight the strategic partnership between the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), ADFD, and the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar). These initiatives aim to accelerate the transition to renewable energy, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, enhance energy security, and mitigate the impacts of climate change in the Caribbean and Pacific regions. As part of this effort, ADFD mobilised USD 100 million and established a collaborative framework involving three UAE entities, a university, and 26 governments from Small Island Developing States. The partnership focuses on developing solar, wind, and other renewable energy projects to improve energy access and promote economic development in SIDS. Additionally, the projects supported by this initiative stimulate local economies, foster innovation, create jobs, empower women, and enhance climate resilience. This recognition underscores the UAE’s leadership and dedication to sustainable development and its positive impact on global efforts to combat climate change.