Dubai's DEWA launches 3rd cycle of Carbon Ambassadors programme
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has launched the 3rd cycle of the Carbon Ambassadors programme, to encourage creative young people and enhance knowledge capabilities. The announcement was made during a session titled ‘Future Foresight’ that DEWA organised today. It was attended by HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, DEWA Executive Vice Presidents, and officials from a number of government and private organisations including Ministry of Climate Change and the Environment, Dubai Police, Dubai Municipality, Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Dubai Economic Development Department, the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, Dubai Airport Free Zone, Dubai Carbon Centre of Excellence, Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (Empower), and a large number of university students.
In his keynote speech, Al Tayer announced the launch of the 3rd Carbon Ambassadors programme, building on the success of the first two programmes. Since its launch, the Carbon Ambassadors programme has enjoyed the support of major organisations and has achieved significant successes on all levels.
“His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, once observed that, “History has taught us that advanced civilisations were built on the efforts of their sons, who had devised innovative solutions for all challenges.” This is the goal of the Carbon Ambassadors programme, which was launched by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, in collaboration with the Dubai Carbon Centre of Excellence, as per the United Nations Development Programme’s criteria. The programme is supported by the Ministry of Climate Change and the Environment, and in collaboration with our strategic partners. The Carbon Ambassadors are the next generation of experts and leaders who will implement the ambitious National strategies and plans, as well as innovate practical solutions to the environmental challenges. This will contribute to achieving the objectives of the UAE Centennial 2071, which is a long-term government plan to prepare the UAE and young Emiratis for the future, the Dubai Plan 2021, to make Dubai sustainable with its resources whose environmental elements are clean, healthy, and sustainable, and the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, to make Dubai the city with the lowest carbon footprint in the world, and transform it into a global hub for clean energy and green economy,” said Al Tayer.
Al Tayer commended the innovative projects of the first two rounds, which were displayed along with the achievements of other major organisations at the Water, Energy, Technology, and Environment Exhibition (WETEX). The first batch of graduates achieved remarkable success in innovating a project to create self-sustainable and environmentally friendly bus stops from out-of-service shipping containers, spearheading awareness of environmental issues and encouraging UAE residents to adopt an environmentally sustainable way of life. Sponsoring organisations of the second batch’s projects, transformed old shipping containers to innovative environmentally-friendly projects using sustainable materials and employing renewable energy, such as solar power, to operate air conditioners and electronic devices.
“These promising projects emphasise the success of the Carbon Ambassador programme in achieving its objectives to involve young people in the issues of the environment and sustainable environment. It also supports DEWA’s strategy to develop Emiratis and provide the environment that encourage young people to be creative and innovative. The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow who will play a key role in decision-making at all levels,” noted Al Tayer.
“At DEWA, we realise that young people are the driving force for building a brighter future that protects natural resources and the environment, by combining the new concepts of renewable energy and involving young people in achieving the sustainable development goals. Forty students joined the first batch of the programme, doubling to 80 in the second batch. They have shown promise and potential, demonstrating their ability to assume the leadership responsibilities entrusted to them. They will contribute to leading the efforts of Dubai and the UAE to build a green and sustainable economy. Our goal is to prepare a promising generation to lead the sustainable growth, not only in the UAE, but globally,” concluded Al Tayer.
"The Carbon Ambassadors Programme supports DEWA’s strategy to prepare a generation of young Emiratis who are capable of driving the sustainable development of the UAE. DEWA provides all the resources essential for the success of the programme, making available all necessary tools and training programmes to strengthen the innovative and creative skills of the participants. The hands-on part includes implementing innovative projects that promote sustainability and reduce carbon emissions, in partnership with a number of government and private organisations,” said DrYousef Al Akraf, Executive Vice President of Business Support and Human Resources at DEWA.
The Future Foresight session discussed a number of innovative ideas and projects. Participating students were grouped into teams under the supervision of representatives from participating organisations. Each team discussed a project idea related to a number of environmental topics including air quality, water, energy, transport, food waste, and recycling & reuse. At the end of the session, teams presented their ideas and the importance of their proposed projects.
