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Abu Dhabi / WAM
Dr Amal Abdullah Al Qubaisi, Speaker of the Federal National Council (FNC) and Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al-Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, met to discuss means of enhancing co-operation between the two sides. Dr Al Qubaisi and Dr Al-Zeyoudi during the meeting, which was held at the FNC’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi, discussed ways of implementing the Council’s regulatory and legislative plans. They also exchanged information on the FNC exercising its legislative and supervisory role by introducing environmental and sustainable community initiatives and raising community awareness.
The two sides reviewed the FNC’s 2016-2019 strategy and its first comprehensive supervisory programme, which defines initiatives, plans and guidelines that would strengthen co-oardination with the government to deliver
national policies and visions.
Dr Al-Zeyoudi, in turn, presented his ministry’s strategic objectives for 2017-2021 and its overall direction towards transitioning into a green economy. He spoke about the sustainable development goals for 2015-2030, environmental performance, key national indicators, as well as other government guidelines for developing services
provided by the ministry.
The officials signed a memorandum of co-operation between the FNC and the Ministry of Climate Change and the Environment, which will see the formation of a joint committee to consolidate efforts between the two sides. They will cover various issues in environment and sustainability, la-
unch joint environmental programmes, and co-ordinate in
community initiatives.
Dr Al Qubaisi stressed the importance of working together in community partnerships. She said the Council prioritises environmental affairs when carrying out its legislative, supervisory and societal role, and through its various parliamentary activities, which highlight environmental issues and the importance of preserving it.
The Minister of Climate Change and Environment praised the role the FNC plays in supporting his ministry’s efforts and welcomed the signing of the agreement. He added that most of the recommendations put forward by the FNC
are in line with achieving the
ministry’s strategic objectives.
Dr Al-Zeyoudi said that the areas of focus for ministry include creating integrated and innovative management of environmental systems, introducing initiatives that will work to reduce harmful environmental impacts on human health as well as programmes that promote a green economy, and developing new economic fields pertaining to the agricultural and food sectors.