During the “Green Minds: Circularity, Sustainability, and Net Zero” session organized by the Indian Business and Professional Council (IBPC), Indian Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Ramdas Athwale, praised the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for its impressive sustainability initiatives.
As the event’s chief guest, Minister Athwale underscored the expanding collaboration between India and the UAE in environmental projects. He commended the UAE’s ambitious goal of sourcing 50% of its energy from renewable resources by 2050, highlighting landmark projects such as Masdar City, Dubai Metro, and various sustainable community developments. “The UAE has made remarkable progress in building sustainable infrastructure and advancing renewable energy,” Athwale remarked. “These efforts align well with India’s focus on sustainability and reducing dependence on single-use plastics.”
Minister Athwale also spotlighted India’s achievements under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, noting the country’s rise to become the world’s 5th largest economy. He emphasized India’s success in lifting 250 million people out of poverty in the past five years and its leadership in renewable energy production.
The session featured expert insights from several sustainability leaders. Mahel Al Kaabi, Advisor to the Circularity Council, Government of Dubai, detailed the UAE’s $13 billion investment in carbon capture technology, aiming to sequester 2.3 million tonnes of CO2 annually. Vijay Bains, Chief Sustainability Officer at Emirates NBD, discussed the growing relevance of green financing in the region, predicting its widespread adoption in the next decade. Other speakers included Reena Vij from IBM, who highlighted the critical role of data quality in sustainability, and Saimulla Khan from Fakhruddin Group, who addressed the challenges of sustainability in the real estate sector.
The IBPC event emphasized the shared commitment of India and the UAE to sustainable development and environmental protection. It showcased the potential for enhanced cooperation between the two nations in tackling global climate issues and promoting circular economy initiatives. The UAE’s Circular Economy Policy, which involves collaboration with federal and local governments and businesses to implement sustainable practices across various sectors, was highlighted as a potential model for India to emulate.