Hussain Al-Mannai
Dubai, UAE, December 7, 2023: His Excellency Ambassador Lars Steen Nielsen, the Consul General of Denmark in Dubai and Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs delegation to the UAE, affirmed his country’s commitment to achieving sustainability. He highlighted Denmark’s plans and collaborative efforts in this field, along with its active participation in the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP 28.
In press statements today, he stated that Denmark is known for its advancements in renewable energy and eco-friendly technologies, emphasizing its dedicated pursuit of a more sustainable future. He cited Denmark’s ambitious climate law, aiming to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 70% by 2030.
Ambassador Lars underscored the close collaboration between the Danish government, the private sector, research entities, and development agencies to achieve these goals. He highlighted Denmark’s commitment to sustainable projects beyond its borders, extending to Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
He stressed the importance of international cooperation and partnerships in this regard, particularly with the UAE. Denmark actively shares its expertise in sustainable agriculture, food waste management, and the promotion of eco-friendly technologies.
Regarding Denmark’s carbon footprint, Ambassador Lars stated, “Denmark initially focused on reducing our carbon footprint, but now we are advancing in carbon capture through the establishment of experimental projects for underground carbon dioxide storage.”
He added, “Denmark’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond its local scope and is evident in its export activities. In 2022, Denmark imported goods worth $714 million from the UAE and exported goods valued at $2.541 billion, reflecting its ongoing commitment to adopting sustainable principles and environmentally friendly practices in all its activities.”
On another note, Ambassador Lars highlighted Denmark’s long-term vision for sustainable development, emphasizing the importance of global initiative funding. He shed light on Denmark’s historical experience, explaining that the initial costs of wind energy were higher than fossil fuel usage. Still, with time and investment efforts, wind energy became more cost-effective and sustainable.
Discussing Denmark’s participation in the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP28, the Danish Ambassador mentioned that the Prime Minister of Denmark and several ministers attended this historic event in Dubai. Denmark aims to contribute to discussions on losses and damages, gradual elimination of oil and gas, tripling renewable energy, and doubling energy efficiency. He confirmed Denmark’s commitment to funding global initiatives aimed at achieving a sustainable future.
As part of its sustainable projects in the UAE, Denmark launched a platform titled “Danish Sustainability Champions in the UAE.” The platform showcases initiatives from leading Danish companies in sustainability and provides insights into their developments.
Ambassador Lars Steen Nielsen, Consul General of Denmark in Dubai, concluded his statement, saying, “From our position at the forefront of sustainability, Denmark looks forward to collaborating and sharing its expertise with countries worldwide. Our commitment to reducing carbon emissions, adopting innovative technologies, and forming robust partnerships with leading nations like the UAE is a manifestation of our dedication to creating a more sustainable future for the next generations.”