Circular Economy Policy Committee holds meeting to engage private sector & gain insights for the development of circular economy roadmap

H.E. Bin Touq: National efforts to develop an integrated roadmap for the implementation of the UAE Circular Economy Policy are continuing, in partnership with stakeholders from public & private sectors.

The UAE Circular Economy Council Policy Committee, chaired by H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, held a meeting, with the participation of executives and experts from a number of national and multinational companies that operate and invest in areas related to the circular economy in the UAE.

During the meeting, H.E. Bin Touq affirmed that the national efforts are continuing at an intense pace to facilitate the UAE’s transition towards a circular economic model in close cooperation between the public and private sectors. The Minister noted that these efforts, in line with the vision and guidance of the country’s wise leadership, help achieve progress in the implementation of the UAE Circular Economy Policy and support the Circular Economy Council’s efforts in this regard.

The meeting forms part of the Committee's action plan to develop a comprehensive roadmap for the implementation of the UAE Circular Economy Policy. It built further on the outcomes of the Committee's first workshop that was held earlier this month to enhance private sector participation in the implementation of the UAE Circular Economy Policy by promoting the exchange of experiences and identifying key challenges and priorities for the four main sectors under the circular economic policy. These are: manufacturing, green infrastructure, transport, and food production and consumption. The latest meeting contributed to enhancing the Committee’s efforts to develop an integrated roadmap for the same and submit it before the UAE Circular Economy Council over the next few months.

In this context, H.E. Bin Touq said: "The partnership with the private sector is a key focus area in gathering inputs for the development of the circular economy roadmap. Such workshops and meetings contribute to enriching our efforts with suggestions and insights from the public and private sector stakeholders, and help us integrate their ideas and initiatives, present and discuss challenges and solutions, and exchange experiences in this regard. Thus, it enables us to develop a comprehensive strategic proposal for the implementation of the UAE Circular Economy Policy, based on public-private partnership.”

The meeting discussed several subjects and approaches raised by private sector representatives for the development of circular economic practices in the four sectors. In addition, participants reviewed the new steps and initiatives being developed by their companies and their plans for launching and announcing them during the next phase in order to support the circular economic transition of the UAE business environment. Discussions focused on various means of cooperation between the public and the private sector to promote data in support of the circular economy at the federal level, as well as ways to stimulate investments that support the sustainable growth of circular economy in the country during the next phase.

In January 2021, the Cabinet adopted the UAE Circular Economy Policy 2021 – 2031, which establishes a comprehensive framework defining the practices to achieve the sustainable management and the effective use of natural resources in the country, through the adoption of regenerative consumption and production methods and techniques. It aims to ensure the quality of life for present and future generations, promote efficiency in the consumption of natural resources, and reduce waste. Besides, the Policy includes measures to promote environmental health and support the private sector in its transition to cleaner production methods and techniques, reduce environmental stress and meet basic needs, with a view to realize the UAE’s vision to become a global leader in green growth. The UAE Circular Economy Council was established in this context, which then formed the specialized Policy Committee, chaired by H.E. the Minister of Economy. The Committee is responsible for the development of a roadmap to create a set of solutions and initiatives in support of the implementation of the UAE Circular Economy Policy, in cooperation with the government, the private sector, and relevant international companies.