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The UAE, Jordan and the Netherlands call for a Water, Energy and Food Nexus approach

By 2050, the global population is set to increase to almost 10 billion, while 70 percent of people are expected to be living in cities. Already large swathes of the world’s population face water stress, food scarcity and energy poverty. Accelerated population growth combined with rapid urbanisation is also putting unprecedented pressure on water, energy and food. These precious resources are critical for human health, food security and livelihoods of people across the globe. What we do now will impact the survival of our own and future generations.

The UAE & the Netherlands: continuing the dialogue

Click on the mission book below for an overview of the companies attending the Expo 2020 Dubai and the matchmaking events in Abu Dhabi. In November 2021, we presented the Netherlands to the UAE, the wider Gulf region and the global community at Expo 2020 Dubai, attended by 191 countries and millions of visitors. Since then, we have organised and facilitated several trade missions and visitations to the UAE, during which interested parties visited the Netherlands pavilion at the Expo. The March mission is the second live trade mission to the UAE, and visits the NL Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai and Abu Dhabi. This time the focus shifts to integrated and sustainable future-proof solutions for water, energy and the circular economy.

Future Protein NL: join us in solving global challenges together

Food production has a substantial impact on climate change, our ecosystem and biodiversity. In order to feed a growing world population, we need to think beyond animal-based meat, dairy, fish and eggs. We need to shift from a diet consisting mainly of animal-based products to alternative, plant-based proteins. As a large exporter of agricultural products, the Netherlands has an important role to play in switching to food systems for the future.In the Netherlands, over 250 companies are working on what’s known as a protein shift. The Dutch Protein Shift ecosystem counts over 55 collaborative initiatives, representing a complex network of organisations from the public and private sectors as well as NGOs. Guided by our Dutch National Protein Strategy, together we work towards restoring the balance between animal and alternative proteins.We believe animal and alternative proteins are complementary. Dutch meat and dairy giants are working together with a great number of small innovative food startups, adding alternative protein products to their assortment. Together we use our existing infrastructure, knowledge, human capital and global network to create future protein solutions.

Training Uganda’s farmers of the future

Uganda’s population is young, but a high unemployment rate means many young people struggle to build a life for themselves. At the same time, Uganda’s agriculture sector is desperate for practically trained young agripreneurs and labourers. With the average age of farmers around 60, Uganda’s farmers of the future are in high demand. Supported by the government of the Netherlands, NGO AVSI trains young Ugandans to become successful agripreneurs and agricultural employees.

Developing profitable business models for carbon farming

Trees and plants are the earth’s green lungs. They take CO2 from the air and release oxygen in return. The European Carbon Farming project aims to take advantage of this natural process by experimenting with carbon sequestration techniques in agricultural areas. By storing CO2 in the soil, farmers not only improve their own soil, they also help to mitigate climate change – a service other companies are willing to pay for. The Carbon Farming pilot projects connect farmers to partners seeking solutions for their climate goals. By sharing the cost of investment, everybody wins.

Join us to solve urban challenges together

As cities worldwide attract more and more people, public space is coming increasingly under pressure. Climate change and rapid urbanisation are intensifying the problems faced by people living in urban areas. Such a global problem requires a global cooperation. That’s why the Netherlands invites national and international experts active in solving urban challenges to join the Closer Cities platform, where they can share ideas and success stories. This way, cities worldwide can learn from each other and replicate what works.

Mangrove restoration: an effective strategy against climate change

Mangroves are under serious threat of deforestation. They are highly effective carbon sinks, responsible for 40% of greenhouse gas (GHG) absorption in the soil. When mangroves are cut down, they accelerate climate change as they release ancient carbon ─ captured for centuries in the soil and vegetation ─ back into the atmosphere. Together with our international partners, the Netherlands is helping to restore and protect mangroves from further depletion. Thus mitigating the effects of climate change which cause flooding, extreme weather events and sea-level rise.