The annual meetings of the UAE government in 2024 record “zero food waste”

As part of the UAE’s efforts to consolidate the circular economy and encourage responsible practices in consuming resources, the 2024 annual meetings of the UAE government were held at the St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort in Abu Dhabi without food waste, in cooperation with the National Initiative to Reduce Food Loss and Waste “Nima”.

This step embodies the efforts of the annual meetings of the UAE government to set new standards for government activities by implementing the “Zero Food Waste to Landfill” framework launched by the “Nima” initiative, which is a circular and comprehensive approach to combating food waste and promoting sustainable consumption.

This framework relies on two main paths to address waste: rescuing untouched surplus food that complies with food safety standards, and distributing it to deserving communities, to ensure that no consumable food is wasted, as well as diverting the path of food waste, as “Naama” worked with partners. Local people collect food waste at the end of each day of the meetings, so that it is transformed and recycled for use as fertilizer provided to farmers in the country, thus enhancing the circular economy.

Prior to the launch of the UAE Government Annual Meetings 2024, Neama worked closely with the St. Regis Hotel management, staff and organizers to ensure the effective implementation of the “Zero Food Waste to Landfill” framework. This included training employees on how to separate food waste from general waste. Coordinating with hospitality teams to activate portion control procedures to reduce waste.

Neama also implemented several strategies during the meetings to encourage practices that reduce food waste.

Her Excellency Maryam bint Mohammed Al Muhairi, Head of the Office of International Affairs in the Presidential Office, and Chairman of the National Initiative Committee “Nima” confirmed: The continuous initiatives that the UAE is witnessing to reduce the environmental footprint and promote sustainable consumption, enhance the UAE’s efforts to achieve its goal of reducing food loss and waste by half. By 2030.

Her Excellency said: “Adopting the “Zero food waste to landfill” framework of the “Nima” initiative is of great importance during the organization of future government meetings and events in the country, because of its role in reducing emissions and preserving resources.”

For her part, Kholoud Hassan Al Nowais, Chief Sustainability Officer at the Emirates Foundation, and Secretary General of the National Initiative Committee “Nima” said: “We are proud to cooperate with the annual meetings of the UAE government to activate the “Zero food waste to landfill” framework this year, through the implementation of This pioneering initiative, in a high-level event like this, not only diverts food waste from landfills and saves surplus food, but also establishes a precedent in managing sustainable events that enhance environmental protection and reduce carbon emissions affecting environmental change. climate, and supports our national priorities.”