A top UAE minister said that diverse initiatives of GCC municipalities can accelerate climate action by strengthening community engagement.

Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said this as she addressed the 26th Meeting of the Committee of Ministers responsible for municipal affairs in the GCC countries.

Minister Almheiri said: “With the GCC States focused on building a cohesive system to enhance the quality of life of the communities, municipal initiatives play a pivotal role in achieving this by ensuring exceptional services.

“The UAE is committed to engaging in extensive collaboration in municipal efforts, with by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment coordinating with the Secretariat General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, to advance municipal actions across the Gulf.”

The virtual meeting was chaired by Saud bin Hilal Al Busaidi, Minister of State and Governor of Muscat, Sultanate of Oman, and President of the current session, and attended by ministers of municipal affairs of the GCC countries.

Almheiri commended the significant role played by the municipalities of the GCC countries and expressed her gratitude to the GCC Secretariat for their efforts in coordinating joint action among the stakeholders.

She also reiterated her confidence in the continued and fruitful cooperation for implementing the initiatives of the GCC Municipal Action Plan 2024-2030.

She called on GCC ministers in charge of Municipal Affairs to showcase the GCC’s climate initiatives to the world at COP28, to be hosted by the UAE in November, and foster productive discussions to address the climate change challenge.

At the event, the UAE welcomed the launch of the electronic version of the Gulf Building Code and the adoption of the joint municipal action plan for the GCC countries.

The meeting covered topics that focused on development of legislation and municipal control mechanisms. – TradeArabia News Network