Lt. General His Highness Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, took center stage at the Ministerial Forum, a significant event convened on the sidelines of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28). His Highness, who presided over the forum, delivered a keynote speech that delved into the crucial role of law enforcement forces in safeguarding biodiversity and spearheading climate recovery efforts.
Expressing gratitude for the participants’ presence at this groundbreaking forum, Sheikh Saif emphasized the need for collective responsibility in addressing the challenges posed by climate change. The event, organized by the Ministry of Interior, aimed to engage officials and workers in law enforcement in discussions related to environmental issues and criminal challenges stemming from them.
Highlighting the UAE’s commitment to climate action, Sheikh Saif detailed the partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, led by Her Excellency Dr. Ghada Waly. This collaboration resulted in the launch of the “International Climate Initiative” (I2LEC), focusing on climate change within law enforcement institutions. The recent unveiling of the ‘Abu Dhabi Call to Action’ underscored the commitment to combat environmental and climate-related crimes.
Sheikh Saif underscored the importance of a diverse representation of countries in the partnership, emphasizing the role of effective collaboration in achieving positive change. The initiatives under I2LEC, developed over nine months with international and regional organizations, yielded outcomes across seven major initiatives.
The Deputy Prime Minister shared disturbing findings, linking environmental crimes to money laundering, human trafficking, and drug trafficking. Additionally, he stressed the negative impact of environmental crimes on societies and revealed key insights, including the environmental impact of production and waste from industrially developed countries.
Sheikh Saif discussed field operations in Nigeria, Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay under I2LEC, demonstrating tangible results in combating environmental crimes. Furthermore, he announced the launch of the “Global Alliance to Reduce Fire Emissions,” aiming to reduce global carbon emissions from fires by 80% by 2050.
Renewing the call for international cooperation in I2LEC, Sheikh Saif urged joint action to address the repercussions of climate change for a better and more sustainable future. The forum featured prominent speakers, including Dr. Ghada Waly, Benjamin Abalos Jr., Sonia Guajajara, Eva Bzabia, Major General Dr. Ahmed Nasser Al-Raisi, and Alexander Zuev. The speakers delved into enhancing law enforcement capabilities, combating environmental crimes, and the role of law enforcement agencies in addressing climate challenges.
In her address, Dr. Ghada Waly stressed the urgency of addressing climate-related disasters, emphasizing the role of law enforcement forces in mitigating the impact of environmental crimes. She outlined achievements of the I2LEC initiative, including a global working group, a steering committee, and a roadmap for 2023-2025.
Major General Dr. Ahmed Nasser Al-Raisi, President of Interpol, highlighted Interpol’s commitment to the I2LEC initiative, showcasing operational successes in Latin America and Nigeria. He underscored the need for global cooperation to protect vulnerable communities.
Alexander Zuev, Assistant Secretary-General for the Rule of Law and Security Institutions at the United Nations, emphasized the existence of the climate crisis and its disproportionate impact on vulnerable communities. The UN’s efforts to address climate, peace, and security connections were highlighted.
Deputy Prime Minister Eva Bzabia of the Democratic Republic of the Congo commended the UAE’s International Climate Action Initiative and stressed the importance of international cooperation in combating climate change.
The forum, addressing pressing environmental issues, serves as a testament to the global commitment to tackling climate-related challenges through collaborative and innovative approaches.
