His Excellency Sultan Alwan Al Habsi, Assistant Deputy Minister of the regions at MoCCAE, and His Excellency Ibrahim Abdul Malik Mohammed, Secretary-General of GAYSW, signed the MoU in the presence of Khalid Isa Al Midfa, Assistant Secretary-General of GAYSW. Several department managers and senior officials of the two parties were present on the occasion.

The MoU plans to utilize local and international sports tournaments as vehicles for instilling the sense of environmental responsibility in the sports community and among other segments of society. The objectives of the agreement include nominating role models from the ranks of renowned sportsmen as leaders of sustainability, who use their influence to spread a culture of environmental conservation. In addition, the two parties will launch a host of programs and activities to disseminate environmental messages among the visitors of sports clubs and members of youth associations across the country.

In particular, MOCCAE and GAYSW will collaborate in organizing awareness campaigns and environmental programs, activities, exhibitions, initiatives, training, workshops and conferences that support the strategic goals of the two parties.

His Excellency Sultan Alwan Al Habsi said: “GAYSW plays a key role in developing the capacities of our youth and strengthening their social responsibility. The MoU will advance the efforts to execute the National Environmental Education and Awareness Strategy that prioritizes equipping the youth to lead sustainability efforts in the UAE.”  

He added: “The agreement is part of the Ministry’s ongoing plan to develop a broad base of sustainability leaders in the country that encompasses the youth from all walks of life. With their vast popularity, sports can play a significant role in stimulating interest in the environment, climate change and sustainability at national and global levels.”

For his part, His Excellency Ibrahim Abdul Malik Mohammed praised the role of the Ministry in raising environmental awareness in society through enacting laws and implementing programs to protect natural resources and promote their sustainable use.   

He said: “Through signing this MoU, GAYSW seeks to support our government’s strategy to reinforce the role of the youth and utilize their remarkable capacities and enormous influence in achieving the United Nations’ sustainable development goals (SDGs) as well as the goals of the Year of Giving. 

He added: “Environmental awareness is part of common social responsibility that requires the participation of all institutions and members of society. The signing of the MoU reflects the keenness of our government authorities in building bridges of communication among like-minded partners across the country and underlines their faith in the importance of teamwork in achieving desired goals.”