DUBAI // Economic growth can – and must – be achieved without damage to the environment, a United Nations official said in Dubai on Tuesday.

Achim Steiner, UN under secretary general and executive director of the UN Environment Programme (Unep), was speaking at the first day of the Partnership for Action on a Green Economy.

Ministers of finance, environment, labour and trade from more than 30 countries attended the event, which aims to encourage efficient use of resources through government policies.

The first day saw more than US$11 million pledged by donors including Finland, Norway, South Korea, Sweden and Switzerland to help governments develop strategies for green economies.

Countries such as Burkina Faso, Peru, Mauritius, Mongolia and Senegal have expressed an interest in the scheme.

Read the full article at The National.