UN praises UAE as "environment-friendly country"

The United Nations has called on the UAE to continue improving and expanding its transportation infrastructure.
Leading representatives of the United Nations yesterday praised the country for being environment-friendly, but also warned it must not become complacent. They were speaking during the opening of the Environment 2005 conference focusing on sustainable transportation in developing countries. The gathering also observed a minute's silence in memory of Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
Dr Klaus Toepfer, UN undersecretary general and executive director of the UN Environment Programme, said the conference was "a signal that the environment is high on the agenda of the UAE and Abu Dhabi in particular". Still, he told the assembly of businessmen, officials and guests, that more could be done. "The main problem in the mega cities in the developing world is air pollution from traffic. We have to do our utmost to make clean fuel a reality, not a vision," Dr Toepfer said. A total of 338 exhibitors from 41 countries are attending the event, which runs until Wednesday. The aim of those attending is to discuss and plan ways in which nations can reduce pollution while also expanding their transport infrastructure. Anwarul Chowdhury, UN undersecretary general and high representative for the least developed countries, said there was "no simple model or formula" for governments to follow. "The theme of this international conference is particularly important and timely. As we all know, trade is the engine of economic growth. Export competitiveness of developing countries is largely determined by their productivity, as well as their ability to deliver their goods to foreign markets effectively and at a competitive price," he said.