BLOG: The NEP Experience

The National Experts Program released two white papers authored by members of NEP 3.0 exploring two topics which were high on the COP28 agenda: “Food Security” and “Financing the Transition to a Hydrogen Economy”.

The white papers, created in collaboration with Boston Consulting Group, are the culmination of the NEP 3.0 cohort’s “COP28 Journey” which was part of their eight-month learning program. The COP28 Journey gave participants deep insights into how net-zero strategies will help transform the UAE and their respective sectors.

The whitepapers were developed in two groups. One paper was led by NEP 3.0 and Food and Water Security sector representative, Hamad Al Shehhi, who was mentored throughout the program by Her Excellency Mariam bint Mohammed Saeed Hareb Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and Environment.

“Private Sector Commitments to Build a Sustainable Global Food System” was co-authored by NEP 3.0’s Aisha Al Matrooshi, Eman Al Mughairy, Hareth Alhashmi, and Maitha Al Hameli.

With the issues of climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource scarcity, the report calls for multi-stakeholder collaboration involving governments, farmers and agribusinesses, and encourages private sector organizations to play a critical role and help create a resilient and inclusive food system.

Hamad Al Shehhi, Investment Manager at ADQ, said: “Our research underscores the urgency of collaborative efforts to transform agriculture. Governments, industries, and consumers must unite to shape a resilient and inclusive food system for the future.”

The other white paper, “Energy Transition, the Hydrogen Story” was co-led by Saood Al Noori, NEP 3.0’s Energy and Renewables sector representative, and Mohamed Tarmoom, NEP 3.0 Fellow, and the cohort’s Economic Development sector representative.

Saood Al Noori was mentored throughout the program by His Excellency Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, COP28 President, UAE Special Envoy for Climate Change, and Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology. Mohamed Tarmoom was mentored by His Excellency Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy.

The report highlights hydrogen’s centrality to a sustainable future and was developed collaboratively with Abdulla Alshehhi, Abdulla Al Haidan, Dr. Abdulla Al Shimmari, Dr. Ameena Al-Sumaiti, Fatima Rashid Al-Ali, Eng. Salama Alfalasi, Talal Faris, and Waheeda Alhadhrami.

As the global energy landscape undergoes rapid transformations, the whitepaper explores the potential of hydrogen as a clean energy accelerator. The report notes the urgency of substantial financial support, showcasing hydrogen's potential to contribute to net zero outcomes.

Saood Al Noori, Head of Diplomatic Engagement at the Office of the UAE Special Envoy for Climate Change, said, “The future of our climate lies in strategic initiatives, and hydrogen emerges as a viable option in our arsenal against climate change. Our white paper unfolds the narrative, emphasizing hydrogen's centrality in realizing sustainable energy goals”.

Mohamed Tarmoom, Senior Associate, UAE Investments at Mubadala Investment Company, added, “In the realm of energy transition, technology propels us forward. As we navigate the promising horizon of hydrogen, the UAE and its partners are at the forefront, pioneering a sustainable energy shift. Our whitepaper delves into the potential of hydrogen, spotlighting its versatility and role as a key player in achieving a net-zero future.”

To download the full white papers in English, please visit the official National Experts Program website at https://uaenep.ae/en/ai-reports.