Abu Dhabi: The UAE has reinforced its support for renewable energy initiatives, enhancing energy efficiency and mitigating climate change at the UN Climate Summit in New York.

The summit was part of the UN General Assembly meetings attended by a delegation led by Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister.

Delivering a speech at the summit, Dr Sultan Ahmad Al Jaber, Minister of State and special envoy for energy and climate change, said: “By hosting the Abu Dhabi Ascent, the UAE played a crucial role in shaping the initiatives and voluntary actions that were announced this week at the Climate Summit. These announcements are a clear indication of the growing commitment world leaders are making to address the global climate change challenge.”

The UAE’s development assistance programme for renewable energy has in the last 12 months mobilised grants and low-interest loans to support developing countries.

Through Masdar, the UAE has made major investments across renewable energy projects, and is currently producing nearly 1GW of capacity both domestically and internationally.

“Going forward, the UAE will continue to help develop, launch and implement practical, action-oriented initiatives that will make a tangible impact to mitigating climate change and to the advancement of renewable energy,” Al Jaber said

Over 120 heads of state and government attended this week’s summit.