The Economist Events, part of the global English-language weekly newspaper The Economist, is hosting the first ever Green Business Summit in Abu Dhabi, UAE on April 17.

The Summit will focus on the effect of economic growth on the natural environment, particularly in the Mena region and how businesses and the private sector can align growth with sustainable development.

Sponsored by the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD) and co-sponsored by the Department of Economic Development (DED), the event will be a knowledge-sharing and networking forum for people interested in business operations, environmental conservation and the development of future green industries. Internationally-recognised experts will convene in Abu Dhabi to discuss issues in policymaking, climate finance (such as impact investing), and how sustainability can complement the region’s core industries.

Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, secretary general of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi said: "The timeliness of this summit could not be more opportune in many ways. This year we are celebrating Year of Zayed that marks 100 years since the birth of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founding Father of the UAE. He was the founder of the Environment Agency and the first to care for the environment by enacting laws and regulations to protect its biodiversity.”

“But law and regulations are not enough. We need a rapid transformation of our economy to a green economy model that decouples growth from its environmental impact, which is resource efficient and less polluting, is competitive and knowledge-based and provides a platform to develop green technology, products and services. Achieving these ambitious goals and transforming our economy will not happen on its own.

“We need a collective impact effort driven by a partnership of the different sectors of the economy - government, businesses, academia, advocacy bodies and various other communities. We expect that the Green Business Summit provides a platform to stimulate cross-sector collaboration," added Al Mubarak.

Khalifa Bin Salem Al Mansouri, the Undersecretary of the Department of Economic Development – Abu Dhabi (ADDED), said: “Abu Dhabi’s participation in the Green Business Summit is an opportunity to learn about international policies and initiatives that can be used and developed to support a more consistent environmental approach for the Emirate to create a more sustainable economy.

“Our participation reflects the Abu Dhabi government’s desire to further develop the Emirate’s position as a regional hub through the achievement of sustainable economic growth. Abu Dhabi is committed to protecting the environment and enhancing efforts to support the blue economy by implementing strategic plans to reduce pollution and the impact of climate change.”

Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East correspondent for The Economist, said: “We are delighted to be hosting the Green Business Summit in Abu Dhabi. The Summit serves as a platform that will deliver compelling dialogue on sustainability, the role of the finance industry in encouraging green investments, stimulating eco-innovation and incorporating international policies in successful sustainability plans.

“Joining us at this event will be an internationally-recognised panel of speakers, whose expertise has been essential to the development of various business and sustainability strategies being implemented around the world. We are excited about the Green Business Summit and the significant role it will play in the future environmental landscape of the Mena region.”

Senior government officials, business leaders, policymakers, scientists, academics, investors and other summit attendees will have the opportunity to hear from industry leaders who are at the forefront of the sustainability agenda across the world, discussing the challenges and opportunities faced by global entities in protecting the environment and advancing sustainable economic growth.

The Economist Events, the organiser of the summit, has hosted over 80 events annually in more than 30 countries on a range of topics that address strategic business issues.

The Green Business Summit 2018 will run at the Rosewood Hotel, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi. – TradeArabia News Service