A Shared Vision of Sustainability

ECO WALK 2024 was marked by the distribution of 1,000 plants and the vision of planting 2,000 Ghaf trees, symbols of resilience and environmental dedication. With 5,000 Ghaf seeds distributed, attendees were empowered to extend this movement into their own communities. ECO WALK stands as a celebration of environmental consciousness, promoting the UAE’s sustainability aspirations launched last year at COP28 and aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly focusing on Responsible Consumption, Climate Action, and Partnerships for the Goals.

Juhi Yasmeen Khan, Founder of ECO WALK, expressed her gratitude: “ECO WALK 2024 is not just an event; it’s a call to every individual, organization, and community in the UAE to join hands for a sustainable future. Each tree we plant, and each step we take, brings us closer to realizing the UAE’s green vision, inspiring future generations to hold environmental responsibility close to their hearts. I am deeply moved by the outpouring of support and look forward to ECO WALK’s lasting impact.”

A Distinguished Presence: His Excellency Dr. Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi Inspires with Words and Actions

His Excellency Dr. Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Former Minister of Climate Change and Environment and current Chairman of the Sharjah Consultative Council, graced the event as an esteemed Chief Guest. In a series of personal interactions, His Excellency met with a diverse group of attendees, captivating all with his humility and down-to-earth demeanor. His engagement resonated deeply, earning him admiration and respect from everyone present.

A Hands-On Commitment to the Cause

Highlights of the ECO WALK 2024 Experience

ECO WALK 2024 was filled with impactful and engaging activities designed to educate and inspire attendees:

• Dubai Police School Parade: In a dazzling display of unity and enthusiasm, fifty students from Dubai Police Himaya Girls School & Himaya Boys Schools, dressed in ceremonial band uniforms, led the march with a drum roll and music. They completed a 1.5-kilometer walk starting at Al Forsan Park, passing through the Sustainability Pavilion, Terra Pavilion, and Women’s Pavilion before returning to Al Forsan. Their performance embodied the UAE’s commitment to sustainability, creating an atmosphere of pride and national unity.
• Community and Government Unite for a Greener Tomorrow: ECO WALK brought together a diverse assembly, from government officials and corporate leaders to sustainability advocates, laborers, people of determination, pledge Ambassadors, and students. Each attendee represented a unique commitment to sustainability, unified by the shared vision of a greener, healthier UAE. Among the prominent participants were representatives from Expo City Dubai, Dubai Police, Dubai Sports Council, Dubai Ambulance, the Permanent Committee of Labour Affairs in Dubai, Dubai Economy and Tourism, Dubai Municipality, Unilever, Bupa Foundations, Creative Labs Interiors & contracting, Green Universe, Wadi Dafta Plantation, Sustainable Consultants, Prime Star Sports, Vstacks Software Solutions, Gulf Sustainability Awards, Prime Vision Studio, Aster Volunteers, Future Pipe Industries, The Sustainable Times, Jana Consultants, Dgrade, Velour Decor Interiors, Eagle Eye Interior design, The Green Revolution, ehfaaz and Recapp by Veolia, etc. Attendees from The Ambassador School, The Little Flower English School, and various University students added energy and diversity to the event. Blue-collar workers from Berkley, from gardeners to security personnel, walked with pride, exemplifying how every segment of society has a role in the climate mission. Their support and engagement emphasized the spirit of inclusivity, environmental responsibility, and community solidarity that ECO WALK represents.
• Historic Ghaf Plantation: ECO Walk achieved a historic milestone with the ceremonial planting of the UAE National Tree, the Ghaf, by His Excellency Dr. Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi. This Ghaf tree, permanently planted at Al Forsan Park, symbolizes ECO Walk’s dedication to sustainability and the UAE’s commitment to environmental stewardship and climate resilience.
• Dubai Ambulance First Aid Workshops & Interactive Learning: Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services officials offered life-saving demonstrations on CPR, heat safety, and emergency response techniques, equipping attendees with essential skills and raising awareness on climate resilience.
• Volunteers and Pledge Ambassadors: Numerous dedicated individuals from diverse backgrounds, ranging from students to experts in their fields, joined the ECO Walk to support a sustainable future and contribute to a shared vision for a greener UAE
• Waste Management: ECO WALK incorporated sustainable waste practices, ensuring that every detail of the event reflected its green theme & waste was recycled & reused. 
• Eco-Friendly Features: Attendees enjoyed refreshments like fresh fruit and vegetarian meals, served in alignment with sustainable practices. Water made from air, is distributed in glass bottles to reduce plastic use. The welcome gate was a sustainable creation designed with materials that minimize carbon footprint.
• Free Medical check-ups by Aster Volunteers.
• Gifts & refreshments: Attendees received goody bags including personal care items, toys, waste management supplies, Ghaf seeds, and plants, fostering an awareness of sustainable practices beyond the event.
• Awards and Recognition: Special wooden trophies were created and certificates printed on recycled paper celebrated the participants and organizations that contributed to the UAE’s green vision.
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