Baku: H.H. Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, President and CEO of UAE Independent Climate Change Accelerators (UICCA), has been appointed as the Chair of the Waste to Zero initiative, guiding the initiative’s next phase of global impact. As COP29 unfolded in Baku, Azerbaijan, the Waste to Zero initiative celebrated its one-year anniversary with a continued commitment to accelerating efforts to decarbonize the waste sector. This initiative, originally launched at COP28, has developed into a significant coalition focused on advancing scalable solutions in waste management.
According to Emirates News Agency, the global coalition was initiated by Tadweer Group and endorsed by the UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), with support from Roland Berger. Waste to Zero is dedicated to formalizing waste management practices and engaging stakeholders worldwide to mitigate climate change through decarbonization of the sector and unlocking economic opportunities.
Sheikha Shamma emphas
ized the importance of transitioning to a circular economy, highlighting that Waste to Zero’s mission is crucial in addressing climate change challenges. She stated that approximately 50% of waste is currently mismanaged, burned, or sent to landfill, and the initiative aims to convert waste into usable resources while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
UICCA will be instrumental in implementing the next phase of Waste to Zero, with a focus on sourcing practical applications, building partnerships across sectors, and developing policy recommendations that incorporate circular economy principles. Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, congratulated Sheikha Shamma on her new role, recognizing her as a leader in climate action and sustainability.
Dr. Al Dahak reiterated that Waste to Zero is key to the UAE’s efforts in promoting global climate action, engaging stakeholders, and accelerating the transition to a low-carbon future. She highlighted the initiative’s focus on
practical solutions, cross-sector partnerships, and the growth potential of a circular economy.
Ali Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and CEO of Tadweer Group, expressed confidence in Sheikha Shamma’s leadership, noting that her expertise and vision would bring renewed focus to the initiative. He emphasized that the next phase aims to create meaningful partnerships, expand the coalition of stakeholders, and drive solutions aligned with both national and global sustainability agendas.
The Waste to Zero event at COP29 included a panel discussion focused on the initiative’s achievements and future objectives. A newly published whitepaper details Waste to Zero’s progress, offering insights and solutions for reducing waste emissions, which are significant contributors to global greenhouse gas outputs. The whitepaper reinforces the initiative’s commitment to empowering stakeholders globally with tools and strategies for a sustainable future.
