April 06, 2021 - Top officials from the World Green Economy Organization (WGEO) headed by His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Chairman of WGEO, recently welcomed a high-level delegation from Italy’s Confindustria Cisambiente (Confederation of Environmental Services). The meeting was held to explore possible areas of cooperation with UAE-based companies, share best practices and learn from UAE’s pioneering circular economy businesses.

HE Al Tayer commended the visit of the business leaders, that comprised 10 leading Italian entrepreneurs and company owners involved in propagating environmental services and circular economy in their businesses. He highlighted that their keen interest opens doors for new areas of cooperation in the field of circular economy, an important trend that can play a vital role in advancing climate-resilient and sustainable solutions in line with the green economy agenda.

“It is a great opportunity to witness organizations that share a common vision for the environment come together and make an important step to work towards rebuilding our communities beyond the crisis that we are experiencing today,” Al Tayer said.

Al Tayer further shared the UAE’s commitment to advance sustainable development and public and private partnerships through the WGEO, which was formed under its flagship. He also discussed the UAE’s recent adoption of the UAE Circular Economy Policy and the creation of a Circular Economy Council to oversee the policy’s implementation.

Prof. Giovanni Bozzetti, Chairman of International Affairs at Confindustria Cisambiente and heading the delegation added, “Environmental protection is nowadays a strategic territorial marketing leveraged all over the world and the real challenge is to switch from a linear economy to a circular economy. We admire the achievements of the United Arab Emirates and Confindustria Cisambiente, with its 600 Italian companies that cover the entire cycle of waste management and renewable energies, is at disposal to bring the Made in Italy of the environmental protection, sharing know-how, expertise and technologies with our Emirati friends.”

He further added, “Today’s meeting represents a starting point to strengthen the friendship between Italy and the UAE in the name of circular economy and sustainability. We will work together, and we will win the challenge to deliver a better world to future generation.”

The Italian confederation’s green industries have grown to over 600 members, engaged in doing sustainable businesses with a combined annual turnover of more than EUR 25 billion. These businesses operate with a more than 40,000 workforce.

The meeting concluded with both parties agreeing to expand cooperation as well as establish ways to enhance the role of entrepreneurs in promoting a green economy in both countries.