DUBAI: The National Experts Programme (NEP) released two whitepapers in collaboration with Boston Consulting Group (BCG). Authored by the programme’s third cohort (NEP 3.0), the reports are aligned with both the UAE’s climate action strategy and the objectives and discussions that took place at the 28th UN Climate Change Conference (COP28).
Developed under the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, NEP is a launchpad for UAE-based specialists who strive to play a leading role in the transformation of future growth sectors.
The two whitepapers are the culmination of the NEP 3.0 cohort’s ‘COP28 Journey’ which was part of their eight-month learning programme. The COP28 Journey gave participants deep insights into how net-zero strategies will help transform the UAE and their respective sectors. Working in teams, the 15 participants collaborated to produce the two comprehensive documents on climate change mitigation strategies ahead of COP28.
The whitepapers were developed in t
wo groups. One paper was led by NEP 3.0’s Food and Water Security sector representative, Hamad Al Shehhi, who was mentored throughout the programme by Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and the Environment.
Titled ‘Private Sector Commitments to Build a Sustainable Global Food System, the whitepaper was co-authored by NEP 3.0’s: Aisha Al Matrooshi; Eman Al Mughairy; Hareth Alhashmi; and Maitha Al Hameli.
With the issues of climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource scarcity, the report calls for multi-stakeholder collaboration involving governments, farmers and agribusinesses, and encourages private sector organisations to play a critical role and help create a resilient and inclusive food system.
It also touches on successful examples from Singapore, Mexico, the Netherlands, and the UAE’s Food Tech Valley.
Hamad Al Shehhi, Investment Manager at ADQ, said, “Our research underscores the urgency of collaborative efforts to transform agriculture. Governments, industries, and consum
ers must unite to shape a resilient and inclusive food system for the future.”
The other whitepaper, titled ‘Energy Transition, the Hydrogen Story’ was co-led by Saood Al Noori, NEP 3.0’s Energy and Renewables sector representative, and Mohamed Tarmoom, NEP 3.0 Fellow, and the cohort’s Economic Development sector representative.
Throughout the programme, Saood Al Noori was mentored by Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, COP28 President, and UAE Special Envoy for Climate Change, while Mohamed Tarmoom was mentored by Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy.
The whitepaper highlights hydrogen’s centrality to a sustainable future and was developed collaboratively with Abdulla Alshehhi; Abdulla Al Haidan; Dr. Abdulla Al Shimmari; Dr. Ameena Al-Sumaiti; Fatima Rashid Al-Ali; Salama Alfalasi; Talal Faris; and Waheeda Alhadhrami.
As the global energy landscape undergoes rapid transformations, the whitepaper explores the potential of hydrogen as a clean energy accel
erator. The report notes the urgency of substantial financial support, showcasing hydrogen’s potential to contribute to net-zero outcomes.
Saood Al Noori, Head of Diplomatic Engagement at the Office of the UAE Special Envoy for Climate Change, said, “The future of our climate lies in strategic initiatives, and hydrogen emerges as a viable option in our arsenal against climate change. Agreeing on a mutual certification scheme has become a critical comport for global action. Our whitepaper unfolds the narrative, emphasising hydrogen’s centrality in realising sustainable energy goals. Together, we propel the world towards a cleaner, brighter future.”
Mohamed Tarmoom, Senior Associate, UAE Investments at Mubadala Investment Company, added, “In the realm of energy transition, technology propels us forward. As we navigate the promising horizon of hydrogen, the UAE and its partners are at the forefront, pioneering a sustainable energy shift. Our whitepaper delves into the potential of hydrogen, spotlighting its ve
rsatility and role as a key player in achieving a net-zero future.”
Ali Houjeij, Partner at BCG, said, ‘We are proud to have partnered with NEP over the past year, as it marks a significant moment in our journey towards sustainable development and climate action. Supporting the development of both whitepapers with NEP reflects our commitment and also vision to strive towards net zero. Financing the energy transition and addressing the food and climate nexus are critical topics on the path toward achieving global climate ambitions and goals across both mitigation and adaptation. Both topics are pivotal elements in the climate action agenda, globally, and in this region. I am glad to have seen the alignment between NEP with the COP28 priorities and proud to have been a part of the movement.’
The NEP ‘COP28 Journey’ was designed in collaboration with NEP Fellows Abdulla Al Remeithi and Omar Al Braiki, who were members of the UAE delegation at COP27 and are actively engaged in several strategic national initiat
ives.
Source: Emirates News Agency