Al Jaber highlighted the importance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in creating technologies…reports Asian Lite News
Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and COP28 President-Designate, highlighted the importance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in creating technologies that create lasting positive change in vulnerable and remote communities, while helping to meet our climate ambitions and keep 1.5°C within reach.
This was during a visit to M-KOPA, one of Africa’s fastest growing fintech platforms. M-KOPA is one of 106 past winners of the Zayed Sustainability Prize, the UAE’s pioneering award that recognises groundbreaking contributions across the fields of health, food, energy, water and climate action.
During his visit, Dr. Al Jaber also met with former winner in the Prize’s Global High Schools category and current CEO of Mazi Mobility, Jesse Forrester, who updated the COP28 President-Designate on his e-mobility company, which operates a fleet of electric motorbikes and tuk-tuks.
Dr. Al Jaber said, “The Global High Schools category was launched to inspire youth to realise their potential and encourage them to pursue careers in the field of sustainability. To see this come to fruition through one of our previous winners speaks volumes on the transformative impact of the Prize. Seeing first-hand what Jesse has built is truly inspiring and should serve as a model for other young entrepreneurs who want to change the world.”
“Climate change poses a challenge across health, food, energy, and water, amongst other issues, and only by adopting an ‘all of the above’ approach can we hope to ensure a just transition that leaves nobody behind. SMEs represent 80% of global GDP but the vast majority have not even started their net-zero journeys.
The Zayed Sustainability Prize is determined to empower those who strive to create value in the energy transition and demonstrate that climate action can lead to sustainable development. As we approach COP28, I am determined to empower the voices and perspectives of young entrepreneurs, like Jesse, and to ensure that we deliver practical solutions that can change the lives of millions more like him.”
David Damberger, Managing Director of M-KOPA, said, “It was a privilege to receive Dr. Sultan Al Jaber today and showcasing the remarkable impact we have made through our sustainable solutions.”
“Receiving the Zayed Sustainability Prize, marked a pivotal moment in our journey, and we are deeply grateful for the recognition,” he added.
In its 15th year, the Zayed Sustainability Prize has transformed the lives of over 378 million people around the world by empowering 106 past winners to make a difference. Each winner in the Health, Food, Energy, Water and Climate Action categories receives US$600,000 to expand the scope and scale of their sustainability solutions. Six winners in the Global High Schools category each receive up to US$100,000. By empowering entrepreneurs to build their solutions, the Prize has to date awarded US$3.6 million.
