Panel Discussion on “Innovation, Sustainable Development - New Manifesto for SDGs”

General objectives: • To promote the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) across various sectors • To spread awareness amongst EEG’s stakeholders • To help stakeholders make informed decisions based on scientific knowledge • To provide a platform of dialogue and exchange to expert business and government leaders, influential academia and researchers Specific objectives •To highlight the role of Science, Technology and Innovation to meet the interlinked global challenges of poverty reduction, social justice and environmental sustainability. As an introductory panel discussion for the year 2018, the first panel was organised in the month of February and was on the topic ‘Innovation, Sustainable Development - New Manifesto for SDGs’. The panel of experts, moderated by the EEG Chairperson, comprised of Mr. Taher Diab, Director of Strategy and Planning at the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, Mr. Youssef Saidi, Chief Operating Officer of Bahri & Mazroei Group and Mr. Ahmad Bukhash, Senior Director at the Dubai Creative Clusters Authority. When the visionary leadership of the UAE declared 2018 as the “Year of Zayed”, the EEG sought to host meaningful dialogues with industry leaders to celebrate the founding father’s legacy for the need for sustainable environmental conservation. This important event brought to surface the critical significance of sustainable innovation for the achievement of the UNEP’s Agenda 2030. Highlighting the importance of overcoming impediments related to water and energy supply for the near future, the session emphasised on the need for active collaboration of the public and private sector, as well as the academia in order to develop a better approach to sustainable development. This impactful event was attended by 60 guests from the private sector, government, academia and NGOs. The three speakers addressed the audience on relevant issues related to the SDGs. These were: 1. MODUL University: Emphasis on the Centre for Sustainability through Research & Education; 2. Bahri & Mazroei Group: Emphasis on making cities more inclusive, safe and resilient 3. Dubai Supreme Council of Energy: Emphasis on 'Government Role in Pioneering Sustainable Energy' EEG has started implementing plans to increase the impact of its Panel Discussions. We would continue to invite private sector organisations and other stakeholders to come on board through sponsorship and effective partnerships to raise awareness on these critical issues and prompt positive actions We would like to invite like-minded partners and sponsors who will play an active role with us in bringing together a more diverse group of participants and speakers from the UAE and Middle East. We are also confident that with the right partnership, we can further expand this programme to other Arab countries that are looking to bring about a change in behaviour to their communities and populations while promoting active sustainability.