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.

Delegates at the event will also learn about the UAE’s attempts to encourage green growth. A federal strategy, expected to outline how to reduce the UAE’s environmental impact across seven economic sectors, will be presented to the Cabinet this spring.

It is being prepared by the Ministry of Environment and Water in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Office of the Prime Minister and the Global Green Growth Institute.

It will provide guidelines and targets for the oil and gas sector, as well as water, electricity, transport, buildings, waste, industry and agriculture.

Read the full article at Eco-Business.com.