The Role of the Government and MNCs in SDGs Multinational agencies, like the UN, are instrumental in establishing and accomplishing any international goal we set. This includes the SDGs. MNCs like the UN hold a lot of power in this increasingly complex world, and without them we are unable to solve any real problem in this world. Fortunately, they have taken action in the form of projects and ventures, and by joining forces with local and national governments around the world, achieving the SDGs might be a goal within our reach. Most MNCs and governments are already trying to accomplish the 17 SDGs, which makes a big impact in our world. Examples of this are the Addis Abba Action Agenda, the Global Gateway Strategy, and the Go Green Agenda. These are just a few examples of the new ideas that are being implemented and action that is being taken. In this globalised and connected world, the aforementioned projects are only possible with the partnership of governments and MNCs. SDG 13 – Climate Action SDG 13 is one of the most important SDGs, and one that we need to accomplish urgently. If left unchecked, it can cause sea level rising and extreme weather events which would lead to supply chains being disrupted, causing economic collapse. That is why the governments of the UAE and UK are both doing their utmost to achieve this SDG. Local Government Dubai Aligned with Dubai government’s strategic plans, Dubai Municipality launched its Green Building Regulations and Specifications (GBR&S) to be applied as mandatory requirements for new construction in the Emirate. These regulations have been mandated on government owned buildings since 2011 and on all new buildings in Dubai starting 2014. HH Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, launched the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 in November 2015, which aims to make Dubai a global centre of clean energy and green economy. It aims to provide 75% of the Emirate’s energy through clean energy sources by 2050. The Dubai Supreme Council of Energy has also formulated and launched the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030 in 2011, with the purpose of diversifying sources of energy and increase the clean energy share. Dubai aims to increase the share of clean energy to 29% and the Emirate’s energy demand by 30% by 2030. National Government UAE First, the UAE launched the ‘The Climate Project’ (2018), in cooperation with the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the International Renewable Energy Agency, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Antigua & Barbuda and the renowned actor, Robert De Niro. The initiative intends to raise awareness on climate change and the importance of climate resilience, underpinned by a standard to mainstream the consideration of climate resilience in the UAE’s foreign development assistance, and will cover the entire AED 18.35 billion (USD 5 billion) UAE aid portfolio. Then they launched the ‘Climate Innovation Exchange Forum’ (CLIX) at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (2018) to facilitate the sourcing and funding of climate change solutions and technologies through partnerships with youth, entrepreneurs, innovators and investors. After that, they adopted the National Climate Change Plan 2050 by the UAE Cabinet (2017). The plan is a comprehensive framework to support the transition to a climate resilient green economy, while managing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing climate adaptation capabilities, and engaging private sector and other stakeholders to support the mitigation and adaptation efforts of the government. And lastly, they launched the ‘National Climate Adaptation Program’ (2017), to assess the climate adaptation potential of four key sectors (health, energy, infrastructure, and environment) and outline the direct and indirect climate related risks and the existing or possible actionable solutions for adaptation to be further implemented. Subsequently, to facilitate climate action to all relevant UAE stakeholders, the plan to develop a climate change law was announced at the UAE Annual Government Meeting (2018). UK The UK has also been taking strong measures against climate change on a national level. They have reduced their carbon emissions by 38% and is now halfway to meeting net-zero emissions. They are implementing the commitment undertaken by developed-country parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to a goal of mobilizing jointly $100 billion annually by 2020 from all sources to address the needs of developing countries in the context of meaningful mitigation actions and transparency on implementation and fully operationalize the Green Climate Fund through its capitalization. They have also succeeded in improving education and awareness on these topics, which is fundamental to sustaining the progress they have made over the years to come. Overall, both countries have done well and are continuing to excel at achieving SDG 13 and working with MNCs and local governments to do so. 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