In line with the Sustainability Year and the UAE's preparation for hosting the Conference of the Parties (COP28), a delegation from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment recently demonstrated the UAE's expertise in enhancing air quality and effectively reducing pollution at the Clean Air and Climate 2023 conference in Bangkok. The delegation also highlighted the National Air Quality Agenda 2031.

The UAE delegation emphasised significant efforts and initiatives towards improving air quality and reducing air pollution at the conference, which attracted a wide range of international experts and decision-makers.

Aisha Mohamed Abdullah Al Abdooli, Director of Green Development Management at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, highlighted the country's launch of the Air quality index of the UAE.

This tool displays the real-time air quality status of the country and monitors it using satellite technology.

The National Air Quality Platform, which receives data from 31 monitoring stations across the various emirates, serves as a singular reference point for real-time air quality in the country, providing the community with the information they need to avoid areas of high pollution.

Furthermore, the delegation highlighted the National Air Quality Agenda 2031, approved by the Council of Ministers in June 2022. This agenda primarily focuses on leading and coordinating activities between federal and local institutions to ensure effective air quality monitoring, management, and pollution reduction.

The delegation pointed out that the National Air Quality Agenda aligns with the country's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

The Clean Air and Climate 2023 Conference discussed several key climate and air quality topics.

On the sidelines of the conference, a delegation from the said UAE Ministry met the Climate and Clean Air Coalition board, which the country joined this year, making the UAE the first Middle Eastern country to join and participate in the board meetings.

Al Abdooli said: "The Board of Directors of the Alliance acts as the body that plans policies and strategies that support the Alliance, including those related to the Conference of the Parties (COP). The UAE's membership in the Board of Directors of the Alliance will enhance the country's priorities linked to its presidency of the COP28 conference, which the UAE is hosting this year."

She added: "As a member of the Board of Directors, the UAE can determine the strategic directions and future funding decisions of the Alliance, enhancing the country's efforts to reduce harmful emissions. Its membership in the Council will serve as a platform to become acquainted with the latest and best capabilities and experiences in reducing emissions."

The Climate and Clean Air Coalition is composed of 80 state partner countries, organisations, and relevant institutions.