Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has announced that 2023 will be the “Year of Sustainability” for UAE. The "Year of Sustainability" will include several initiatives, activities and events that draw upon the UAE's deep-rooted values of sustainability and the legacy of its founder, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

It will also focus on environmental sustainability by inspiring collective action through a nationwide commitment towards sustainable practices, in line with the UAE’s national strategy, bringing together everyone who calls the UAE home to work towards a prosperous future.

The year also aims to showcase the UAE’s commitment towards fostering a global collaboration in seeking innovative solutions to challenges, such as energy, climate change and other pressing issues related to sustainability.

The year-long initiatives are overseen by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court; and Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed said, “Sustainability has been a fundamental principle in the United Arab Emirates since its unification. The nation continues to serve as an exceptional model for environmental conservation and resource management. The late Sheikh Zayed was a global leader in environmental and climate action, leaving behind a legacy that we continue to follow today.”

He added, "Today for Tomorrow embodies the UAE's approach and commitment to sustainability and its responsibility to protect the future. By working, making efforts and initiating actions today, we are ensuring that we leave behind a legacy of stewardship for future generations, just as our ancestors did for us.”

The Year of Sustainability has particular significance as the UAE prepares to host the 28th United Nations climate change summit, Conference of Parties (COP28). The UAE President stated that UAE is determined for COP28 to set a precedent in the collective global efforts to address climate change.

The UAE has long been a leader in promoting clean energy and building effective partnerships for the benefit of the global community. One notable partnership is The UAE-US Partnership for Accelerating Clean Energy (PACE), which will catalyse US$100 billion in financing and other support in addition to deploying 100 new gigawatts (GW) of clean energy in the US, UAE and emerging economies around the world by 2035.

Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, and UAE Special Envoy for Climate Change said that the declaration of 2023 as the ‘Year of Sustainability’ reflects the UAE’s commitment to promote sustainability in all fields and sectors, and paves the way for the country’s efforts to accelerate global climate action ahead of COP28.

In a statement issued today, Dr. Al Jaber added that the UAE has long maintained that the principles of sustainability must be incorporated into every sector of the economy. "The country’s commitment to sustainability was led by its founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and this commitment remains a guiding light for the current leadership.”

The ‘Year of Sustainability’ will culminate in the most important climate event of the year, COP28 UAE, which will take place at Expo City Dubai from 30th November to 12th December, 2023.

Sultan Al Jaber continued, “The UAE will strive to make COP28 one of solidarity and action. It will listen, engage, and build partnerships with all parties who seek to play a constructive role in the clean energy transition. It will bridge the global north and south and include public and private sectors, scientists and civil society, women and youth. And it will raise ambitions and move from goals to concrete action.”

He concluded, “The ‘Year of Sustainability’ offers a reminder of the need for innovation across all sectors to drive inclusive and transformational development—and of the important role that the UAE must play to create this future.”