Takeaways

• The UAE has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening climate, water, and sustainability cooperation with Zimbabwe.
• The partnership will focus on renewable energy, climate-smart agriculture, water management, and sustainable infrastructure.
• UAE officials highlighted continued investments in clean energy and international partnerships to support Africa's sustainable development goals.

The UAE climate cooperation with Zimbabwe is set to deepen as both countries explore new opportunities to work together on climate action, water security, renewable energy, and sustainable development.

Speaking in Zimbabwe, UAE Chargé d'Affaires Rashed Juma Al Shamsi said environmental challenges such as climate change, water shortages, desertification, and biodiversity loss continue to affect countries across the globe. He noted that Africa remains one of the regions most exposed to climate impacts despite contributing only a small share of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Al Shamsi said the UAE and Zimbabwe have significant potential to strengthen collaboration in areas that support long-term economic growth while improving environmental resilience. According to him, sustainability is more than an environmental responsibility; it is also a driver of social progress and lasting prosperity.

He explained that the UAE's sustainability strategy is rooted in the vision of the country's founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who promoted responsible management of natural resources as a foundation for future development.

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Over the years, the UAE has expanded investments in clean energy, food security, water management, sustainable infrastructure, and economic diversification. Al Shamsi also highlighted the country's role as host of COP28 in Dubai in 2023, where nearly 200 countries adopted the UAE Consensus. The agreement established a practical roadmap for accelerating the global energy transition while recognizing different national priorities and development needs.

According to Al Shamsi, the UAE considers climate action an opportunity to promote innovation, strengthen climate resilience, and support sustainable economic growth. This approach is reflected in the country's Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative, the first of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa.

He pointed to the achievements of Masdar, whose global clean energy portfolio surpassed 51 gigawatts by the end of 2024. The company aims to expand that capacity to 100 gigawatts by 2030 through continued investments in renewable energy projects around the world.

Africa remains a key partner in the UAE's sustainability agenda. Al Shamsi highlighted the Africa Green Investment Initiative (AGII), backed by a US$4.5 billion commitment to help deliver up to 15 gigawatts of new clean power capacity across the continent by 2030. The initiative is expected to support industrial development while advancing Africa's clean energy transition.

Water security also remains a major priority for the UAE. Drawing on its own experience as one of the world's most water-scarce nations, the country has invested in technologies and long-term planning to strengthen water resilience. It continues to support international efforts through initiatives such as the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative and the Abu Dhabi Global Water Platform.

The UAE will also co-host the 2026 United Nations Water Conference alongside Senegal in Abu Dhabi from December 8 to 10, 2026. The event will bring together governments, financial institutions, businesses, and international organizations to accelerate progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 6 on clean water and sanitation.

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Looking ahead, Al Shamsi said there is considerable scope for expanding cooperation with Zimbabwe in climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy, water management, and sustainable infrastructure. He added that both countries share the goal of turning climate commitments into practical projects that strengthen sustainable development, build resilience, and create lasting economic opportunities.

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Source: The Herald