Shaikha Lubna Al Qasimi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, arrived in Rio de Janiero as head of the UAE delegation to take part in Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development.

She is backed by a delegation representing more than 20 public and private sector entities from across the country that share the nation’s vision for a green economy and are actively working to advance the Rio+20 agenda in support of global sustainable development for all.

Shaikha Lubna said: “Seeing our nation’s progress towards sustainable energy over the past four decades makes me proud of what we’ve achieved in such a short time. The legacy of responsibility instilled on us by our founding father Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan has never been clearer than it is today.”

She added: “And yet we are inspired to do more. We have come to Rio to be active participants in the global effort to put the world on a sustainable path, and look forward to sharing with the world how a small and dynamic society is innovating and empowering to build a sustainable future for all.”

Shaikha Lubna will address heads of state and world environment leaders during the official Rio+20 high level plenary session today. Her remarks will reflect the UAE’s pursuits in the Rio+20 negotiations to ensure the United Nations’ text negotiations align with the country’s economic, environmental and societal sustainability priorities.

“The UAE remains hopeful the world can reach international consensus on ambitious Sustainable Development Goals, build upon concrete initiatives such as Sustainable Energy for All, and promote access to environmental and societal data and information. Our delegation stands ready to move these outcomes forward, and to share our nation’s vision for a green economy and our commitment to sustainable growth,” Shaikha Lubna stated.

“Shaikha Lubna gives powerful voice to our country at Rio+20 because innovation does not end at our borders. Under her patronage, we are eager to share how the advancements we are making at home can empower others through the incubation of advanced clean technologies, cross-border economic investments, and critical development assistance around the world,” said Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Special Envoy of Foreign Affairs for Energy & Climate Change, and Chief Executive Officer of Masdar.