Dubai, UAE — December 2025 — A high-level delegation from the UAE, led by Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, actively shaped the global environmental agenda at the seventh session of the United Nations Environment Assembly in Nairobi, Kenya.
Held from December 8-12, 2025, under the theme ‘Advancing sustainable solutions for a resilient planet,’ the assembly saw the UAE articulate a comprehensive vision for international cooperation, backed by subtantial financial commitment and national policy.
Delivering the UAE National Statement, Al Dahak rooted the nation’s environmental philosophy in the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, emphasizing a developmental model where humans and nature are partners.
“We understand that confronting global climate challenges demands not just ambition, but tangible action and significant investment,” she stated, highlighting the launch of the $30 billion ALTÉRRA investment fund as a critical step to bridge the climate finance gap.
She further showcased UAE leadership in nature-based solutions through the Mangrove Alliance for Climate with Indonesia and called for strengthening UNEA’s capacity with scientific insights and balanced decisions.
The delegation, which included Mohammed Saeed Al Nuaimi, Under-Secretary of MOCCAE; Alanoud Alhaj, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Green Development and Climate Change; and Aisha Al Abdooli, Director of the Green Development Department, engaged across multiple high-level forums. They were supported diplomatically by Salim Ibrahim bin Ahmed Mohammed Al Naqbi, UAE Ambassador to Kenya.
A key focus was global water security. At the “Friends of 2026 High-Level Meeting,” Al Dahak reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment, citing the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative and financial pledges totalling $210 million through COP28 commitments and the Clean Rivers programme.
She looked ahead to the 2026 UN Water Conference, which the UAE will co-host with Senegal, as a pivotal moment to address water scarcity through innovation and cooperation.
Mohammed Saeed Al Nuaimi addressed the urgent need to phase down hydrofluorocarbons, affirming UAE support for the Kigali Amendment and detailing national laws targeting a complete phase-out by 2047.
In discussions on the global financial system, he outlined the UAE’s integrated approach, embedding sustainability into financial regulation and investment.
He highlighted the UAE Banks Federation’s pledge to allocate over AED 1 trillion to sustainable finance by 2030 and called for global standardization to enhance climate finance access for the Global South.
Alanoud Alhaj detailed the UAE’s pioneering model for implementing Multilateral Environmental Agreements during two dedicated dialogues.
She explained how international commitments are woven into national frameworks like the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision and the ‘Net Zero 2050 Strategy’, supported by data systems, green finance, and broad societal engagement through initiatives like the Climate-Responsible Companies Pledge.
She positioned environmental action as an economic catalyst, pointing to renewable energy projects that create jobs and waste-to-energy initiatives that advance the circular economy.
On air quality, Alhaj welcomed UNEP’s steps to promote regional cooperation and outlined UAE investments in advanced monitoring networks and the National Air Quality Agenda 2031.
The UAE’s influence extended into the negotiation process. Aisha Al Abdooli led a national negotiating team composed entirely of Emirati youth, who played a key role in shaping the assembly’s outcomes.
Their efforts contributed to the adoption of 11 key resolutions addressing critical areas including the environmental sustainability of artificial intelligence, responsible management of minerals and waste, and the protection of coral reefs, glaciers, and biodiversity.
Resolutions also covered the environmental dimensions of antimicrobial resistance and promoting youth in environmental processes.
The assembly concluded with the announcement that the eighth session will be held in December 2027 under the Presidency of Jamaica, building upon the ambitious framework advanced by the UAE and its international partners.
