Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi receives "Elizabeth Haub Prize for Environmental Diplomacy"

Abu Dhabi: In recognition of her efforts in the international environmental policy, and her contributions to motivate International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) choosing Emirate of Abu Dhabi to host its headquarter, Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, Minister of International Cooperation and Development, has received Elizabeth Haub Prize for Environmental Diplomacy for 2012 in Milan, Italy. The accolade is also a testimony to the vital role of UAE in leading international diplomacy towards a sustainable and clean world. Wolfgang Burhenne, Executive Governor of the International Council of Environmental Law (ICEL), presented the prize in the presence of Jumma Mubarak Al Junaibi, UAE Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany, Khalid Salem bin Ghalaitah, UAE Consul-General in Munich, and assembly of international officials and experts in environment sector, in addition to German and European media. Speaking on the occasion Sheikha Lubna in her speech said, "UAE achievement in developing and preserving the environment is a result of the philosophy of late president and founder of UAE, His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and follow-up by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE president, his brother H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, their brothers rulers of Emirates, His Highness General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Their Highnesses Crown Prince's of Emirates. She added that UAE has launched many creative initiatives in effectuating its Environment Preservation measures, to achieve the environmental sustainability and protecting the Bio-diversity, inside and outside of the country. "The establishing of Masdar City, the world's first carbon free city, launching of Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund, in addition to many other entities concerned with preserving the environment such as UAE Ministry of Environment and Water, Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi, and Masdar Institute of Science and Technology are the examples in this regard." "UAE also launched Zayed Future Energy Prize, which is considered the world's biggest prize that contributes to motivate the innovations and researches in field of renewable energy, which in total are considered indicators that assert UAE firm adherence to the environmental issues, pointing out that UAE was one of the first countries supporting "Kyoto Protocol on Climate Change," she continued. Meanwhile, UAE is working actively to establish international and regional initiatives based on multiple areas of interest, especially through its global active diplomatic role in developing frameworks and alliances to exchange the knowledge and affirming the concepts of the Global Environmental Sustainability. Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi added that the total UAE foreign aid in 2012 has reached US$ 1.59 billion, and 11% of which, about US$ 173 million, was allocated to support projects of renewable energy and preserving the environment in many countries around the world, such as establishing renewable energy plants and networks in Afghanistan, Mauritania and Tonga. It's worth mentioning that "Elizabeth Haub Prize for Environmental Diplomacy" is considered one of the world's most famous prizes in field of environment, and is granted by Elizabeth Haub Foundations for Environmental Policy and Law and The International Council of Environmental Law (ICEL). – Emirates News Agency, WAM