An Emirati Eye: Aida Al Busaidy On Sustainability As A Way of Life – And Not Just A Buzzword
Harper’s Bazaar Arabia columnist shares her definition of sustainability and the significance of Expo City Dubai hosting COP28
Up until 2008, the concept of ‘sustainability’ wasn’t really on my radar. In fact, I remember exactly when I started thinking about it, after attending a panel session at Masdar, the energy company.
What does it actually mean? Is it just a phase that’s ignited interest but will wane? Is it a buzzword to get media attention?
It’s none of those. In its simplest definition, sustainability involves fulfilling the needs of current generations without compromising the needs of future generations, while ensuring a balance between economic growth, environmental care and social well-being.
So, let’s start by dropping a few knowledge bombs to understand the evolution of the term, and to unravel what is at its core. In essence, there are four very distinct areas that sustainability touches upon – human, social, economic and environmental. And there’s a balancing act involved between conservation, community, culture and commerce – this is why the environment is so key.
Having worked at Masdar for five years, I got a unique picture of the trials and triumphs associated with the concept. In fact, the UAE had been on its sustainability journey from the time it was established. Our late founding father, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan al Nahyan, was a visionary leader who executed programs in the UAE as well as overseas that aimed at greenifying areas, ensuring our heritage and our culture was maintained whilst the country evolved into a robust global economy.
This hasn’t happened overnight. It has taken decades for the nation to establish its roots, write policies, create deals, and build a model eco-system where Emiratis and residents live side by side in harmony. This has resulted in us attracting businesses which are driving economic growth. The next generation are being inspired, and embedded as part of the narrative. The youth are being involved in decision making, and helping to shape what the country will look like 50 years from now – and beyond.
These ideals and the country’s forward-thinking approach – always keeping in mind that our children are our future – have led to us taking the top spot in the MENA region, and 11th rank globally, in the United Nations Industrial Development Organization Quality Infrastructure for Sustainable Development Index (Sept 2022).
“The next generation are being inspired, and embedded as a part of the narrative”
Additionally, the world has now seen how this 51-year-old country has been able to host a multitude of large-scale events, is home to a plethora of global brand headquarters – and now COP28 is being held at our very own Expo City Dubai.
On a personal level, sustainability for me is ensuring that my children, and my community are aware of the impact of their decisions every step of the way. Following sustainable practises should not be limited to just switching off the lights in a room you’re not using or sorting your trash bin into recyclable materials. It’s about making sure you use only what you need, respecting the fact that those who come after you will need to use the same finite resources and grapple with the same challenges as well. These range from finances to water and food, gender equity, youth empowerment, renewable energy and more. If there is a lesson to be learnt from our beautiful nation, it is that there should be no tokenism – sustainability should be a natural way of life. Passing on that lesson is also part of the process, and one in which all of us can play a pivotal role.
Photography by Efraim Evidor. Styling by Imogene Legrand.
From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia’s November 2023