Two senior associates of the Arab Forum for Environment and Development (AFED) had been appointed to the newly formed cabinet in the UAE. Founding Board Member Mohammed Al-Bawardi was appointed Minister of State for Defense. He had occupied top posts, including Managing Director of Environment Agency- Abu Dhabi (EAD), Chairman of the Executive Council and Co-Chairman of Mubadala.

 

Dr. Thani Al-Zeyoudi, who contributed to many AFED reports and conferences, which covered Sustainable Energy, Food Security and Sustainable Consumption, has been appointed Minister of Climate Change and Environment. Dr. Zayoudi, 32, joins a group of young professionals selected for the UAE cabinet, demonstrating a policy to give bigger role to the new generation. He was Director of Energy and Climate Change at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and UAE representative to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).

 

Long-time AFED associate Dr. Rashed Bin Fahed, former Minister of Environment, remained as Minister of State.