Abu Dhabi: The UAE has signed three cooperation agreements aimed at driving sustainable development in Asia and Africa, with a special focus on environmental, social, and economic areas in line with the UAE's mission to contribute to the development of societies and formulate solutions to current and emerging challenges.
According to Emirates News Agency, two of the agreements were signed in the presence of Louise Araneta, First Lady of the Philippines, and Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment. The first agreement, signed with the Republic of the Philippines, focuses on revitalizing the "Pasig River" in Manila. This agreement was signed by Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga, the Philippines's Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, and Abdullah Al Qubaisi, Director-General of the Clean Rivers Foundation.
Al Dahak noted the UAE leadership's commitment to collaborate on preserving river ecosystems, preventing water pollution, and supporting circular economy solutions in the Philippines. The second agreement establishes a strategic partnership between the Clean Rivers Foundation and the "Borealis and Systemiq" initiative in Indonesia. This partnership aims to develop waste management infrastructure and reduce waste leakage into river and marine environments.
Deborah Bacchus, CEO of the Clean Rivers Foundation, and Benjamin Dixon, Partner at the "Systemiq and Borealis" initiative, signed this agreement. Al Qubaisi expressed hope that this project will inspire other regions and improve lives in Indonesia.
The third agreement, involving the Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation and the Tony Elumelu Foundation, aims to empower 1,000 entrepreneurs across Africa through financial support and training. This agreement was signed by Mohammed Haji Al Khouri, Director-General of the Khalifa Foundation, and Tony Elumelu, Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation. Al Khouri highlighted the UAE's foundational values as guiding principles for these humanitarian efforts, aiming to foster socio-economic development and innovative solutions in Africa.