HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, inaugurated the summit, which brought together world leaders, ministers, senior officials, and experts from around the globe.

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, MD and CEO of DEWA, and Chairman of WGEO, stressed that WGES has become a pioneering international platform supporting the green economy and strengthening the UAE’s global role in climate action and sustainable development. He noted that the summit provides a space for dialogue on policies and strategies, the exchange of expertise, and the development of innovative solutions that balance economic growth with environmental protection, in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030.

Al Tayer highlighted that this year’s edition was also an opportunity to showcase the UAE’s successful model in achieving harmony between economic progress and sustainability, while sharing key experiences in renewable energy and green technology that reinforce the nation’s leadership in advancing the global green economy.

Practical steps to accelerate the green transition

HE Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, said: “The World Green Economy Summit 2025 reflects the UAE’s commitment to translating the outcomes of COP28 into practical steps that support the transition toward a sustainable green economy. It is also a leading global platform for dialogue and partnership-building, where the UAE continues to drive investment in clean energy, reduce emissions, and pioneer innovative solutions that safeguard both economic growth and the environment.”

He underlined that the UAE has established itself as a global model in climate action with landmark strategies such as the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, the National Hydrogen Strategy 2050, and the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative, complemented by strategic clean energy investments.

A global platform for innovation

HE Dr Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, said: “The World Green Economy Summit embodies the UAE’s forward-looking vision to scale the latest advances in technology across industries along a unified pathway of sustainable growth. Guided by wise leadership, WGES highlights our determination to harness renewable and low-carbon energy, artificial intelligence, and sustainable manufacturing as enablers of smart industrial development.”

He added that WGES strengthens the UAE’s position as a catalyst for international cooperation and innovation, accelerating progress toward a low-carbon economy and laying the foundations for sustainable and competitive industries.

Driving global collaboration

HE Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, emphasised that the UAE remains committed to fostering climate resilience and accelerating the energy transition. He noted that WGES provides a crucial meeting point for leaders and innovators to collaborate, share insights, and forge pathways that bolster growth while safeguarding the planet for future generations.

A firm commitment to sustainability

HE Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said: “The World Green Economy Summit affirms the UAE’s commitment to a sustainable future, where the green economy represents both an environmental necessity and a significant economic opportunity. Through strategic investment in sustainable projects, we can create new industries, generate employment, and demonstrate how sustainability and economic growth advance in tandem.”

She added that frameworks such as the Net Zero 2050 Initiative and the Circular Economy Policy illustrate the UAE’s commitment to long-term sustainable development, underscoring the importance of public-private cooperation in accelerating the transition to a green economy.

Global engagement

WGES 2025 featured a range of high-level sessions, including a ministerial dialogue on ‘Delivering Climate Ambition by 2030 and Beyond – United Action for Green Transition’ with participation from ministers, ambassadors, and delegates from the 91 member countries of the Global Alliance on Green Economy (GAGE).

The summit also hosted a key session titled ‘Advancing the Tangier Declaration: A Road Map for Carbon Neutral Cities in Africa’, which addressed integrating decarbonisation into urban development plans, mobilising climate finance, and developing bankable projects in key sectors. In addition, dozens of expert-led sessions and seminars explored diverse aspects of sustainability, innovation, and green transition.

The 11th World Green Economy Summit (WGES) officially opened today at the Dubai World Trade Centre under the theme “Innovating for Impact: Accelerating the Future of the Green Economy.” The two-day summit, organised by the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), and the World Green Economy Organization (WGEO), runs until 2 October 2025.

The opening plenary, “Green Technology for Resilience: Innovations in Smart Climate Solutions,” featured global sustainability leaders including Saeed Al Abbar (AESG), Stwart Peña Feliz (MacroCycle Technologies), and Seneca Cottom (Alshaya Group). Speakers underlined that climate-related damages cost the global economy more than $320 billion in 2024, stressing that the biggest challenge is integration—aligning capital, policy, and innovation to accelerate deployment of sustainable projects.

Discussions highlighted the GCC’s leadership, particularly Dubai’s large-scale sustainable urban development. Speakers urged businesses to pilot new models, embed sustainability into products and codes, and empower consumers through education, incentives, and recycling.

A key presentation by WGEO addressed “Unpacking WGEO Participation at COP30,” underscoring its role ahead of the 2025 climate summit in Belém, Brazil. The session emphasised the UAE’s leadership in resilience, climate finance, and bankable green projects aligned with the UAE Consensus and the Just Transition Work Programme.

During the opening, bestselling author and food sustainability advocate Michael Pollan warned that agriculture contributes up to 50% of global emissions, linking food systems to deforestation, methane, and fertiliser use. He argued for regenerative agriculture—reduced tillage, cover cropping, and crop diversity—as a solution to restore soil carbon and mitigate climate change. Pollan also hosted a session “Fireside Chat with Michael Pollan,” where he stressed the need to transform food systems away from fossil-fuel-intensive, wasteful practices.

The morning also included a high-level panel marking 10 Years of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, with leaders from ACWA Power, Masdar, Shanghai Electric, and Deloitte. Speakers emphasised visionary leadership, the transition to renewables, and the role of AI, green hydrogen, and storage solutions in ensuring affordable, reliable clean energy.

Youth engagement featured prominently in a keynote by HH Sheikha Dr Shamma bint Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan, who urged harnessing social media as a powerful tool for raising climate awareness and mobilising youth.

In parallel sessions, experts explored themes including:

• AI & Sustainability – with insights from Microsoft, Huawei, and Moro Hub on balancing AI’s energy demand with green infrastructure.
• Health & Climate – highlighting the impact of heatwaves, food insecurity, and diseases on human health.
• Climate Justice – addressing just transition, equity, and workforce adaptation.
• Green Hydrogen – assessing the readiness of hydrogen to power clean mobility and heavy industries.
• Water Security – presenting the UAE’s leadership in renewable-powered desalination, wastewater reuse, and smart irrigation.
• Climate Governance – with global leaders debating reforms for COP and the multilateral system.

The summit continues tomorrow with sessions on green financing, carbon markets, food and water security, and will feature the Emirates Energy Award ceremony, TEDx talks, ministerial roundtables, and closing sessions.

The winners will be honoured at the 11^th edition of the World Green Economy Summit (WGES), held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. WGES, set for 1-2 October at the Dubai World Trade Centre, will convene a large number of officials, experts and decision-makers in the clean and renewable energy sector from around the world. The summit has been organised by the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, Dubai Water and Electricity Authority and the World Green Economy Organization.

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and Chairman of the Emirates Energy Award, said: “The Emirates Energy Award embodies the vision of our wise leadership and their commitment to driving the transition towards a green economy and accelerating the adoption of clean and renewable energy sources. The growing participation in the award reaffirms Dubai’s position as a global hub for recognising and attracting innovative and sustainable projects. Moreover, the geographical diversity of participants highlights the award’s pivotal role in convening experts and specialists under one platform, thereby contributing to the advancement of energy and sustainability solutions regionally and globally.”

HE Ahmed Buti Al Muhairbi, Secretary General of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Emirates Energy Award, said: “The Emirates Energy Award creates new opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange. Previous cycles have demonstrated that it not only recognises outstanding initiatives but also contributes to shaping future directions by encouraging innovative ideas that provide practical solutions to energy and climate challenges.”

Empowering the green transition

The award aims to provide a creative environment that fosters innovation, promotes the adoption of clean technologies and supports the development of effective partnerships between individuals, institutions and specialised organisations. It also opens new horizons for collaboration across multiple fields, including green buildings, sustainable transport, solar energy technologies, digital solutions for consumption management and community initiatives that enhance environmental awareness.

The objectives of the award are aligned with the UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategy, the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050, which aim to provide 100% of the emirate’s energy production capacity from clean sources by 2050. They also reflect global efforts to accelerate the transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.

A global platform for energy innovation

The fifth cycle of the award attracted submissions from 24 countries. The UAE led with 63 projects, followed by Turkey with 37, Egypt with 31, Jordan with 27, Saudi Arabia with 19 and Morocco with 17. The 2025 cycle also witnessed strong participation from Kuwait, Palestine, Algeria, Qatar, Oman, and Yemen, alongside European entries from France, the UK, Germany, Finland, Sweden and Estonia. In addition, remarkable projects were submitted from South Korea, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and the US.

A track record of achievements

In its previous cycles, the award has showcased innovative projects in areas such as solar energy applications, energy storage technologies, smart building systems and digital solutions for monitoring and managing consumption. It has also highlighted youth and community-driven initiatives that underscore the importance of awareness and education in fostering sustainability.

Towards a more sustainable future

The distinction and success of the award reflect Dubai’s pioneering role as a model in sustainability and clean energy. With each new cycle, it strengthens its position as an interactive platform for shaping the future of sustainable energy. By honouring pioneering projects and encouraging innovative solutions, the award contributes to accelerating the green transition across all levels and sectors. Amid today’s global climate challenges, the award continues to play a pivotal role in supporting the international clean energy agenda and reinforcing the UAE and Dubai’s leadership and commitment to sustainability efforts, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.