Istanbul: A delegation from the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, led by Al Reem Abdullah Al Falasi, Secretary-General of the Council, took part in the Global Zero Waste Forum 2025 in Istanbul. The event was held under the patronage of Emine Erdogan, wife of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of the Republic of Trkiye.
According to Emirates News Agency, during a session titled 'Inclusive Pathways to a Zero Waste Future', attended by representatives from 101 countries, Al Falasi emphasized the UAE's commitment to sustainability. She cited the vision of the UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who believed in harmony between human progress and nature. This vision was realized through initiatives like irrigation and afforestation projects that transformed arid desert into green landscapes.
Al Falasi highlighted that President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan continues this legacy, considering environmental protection a national and humanitarian responsibility. She remarked that sustainability is a central pillar of the UAE's future, with projects aimed at achieving climate neutrality by 2050 and expanding clean energy usage.
She also noted that the UAE's environmental vision has evolved into a global leadership model. During COP28, the UAE hosted inclusive climate dialogues uniting governments, sectors, and youth globally. A significant outcome of the conference was the 'Waste to Zero' initiative, launched by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and Tadweer, focusing on decarbonizing the waste sector and promoting a circular economy.
Al Falasi reiterated the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood's belief in instilling sustainable values early, highlighting initiatives like the Emirati Children's Parliament. This platform enables youth to engage in environmental policy discussions, empowering them to shape future societies. Collaborating with UNICEF, the Council launched the COP28 UAE Youth Climate Champion initiative, encouraging youth-led climate action campaigns.
Emirati children participated in COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, with the Emirati Children's Day themed 'The Child's Right to a Safe and Sustainable Environment'. COP28 featured the UAE-German Children's Dialogue on Climate Change, fostering solution exchanges.
Al Falasi further mentioned the Children Environment Award, launched by the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood and the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, based on a proposal from the Council's Children Advisory Council. The award recognizes children proposing innovative solutions in renewable energy, waste reduction, and marine conservation.
Through the Junior Masterclass programme, children learn practical ways to reduce waste, and the Little Volunteer initiative introduces young children to community service, fostering empathy and social responsibility.
In conclusion, Al Falasi affirmed the UAE's commitment, through the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, to ensuring children and youth have a voice in international forums regarding environmental issues shaping their future. She urged all participating organizations to support this inclusive approach.