Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 15 June 2012 This summer, as the world comes together for the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development 20 years after the original Earth Summit, the United Arab Emirates is proud to illustrate just how quickly the UAE has evolved toward sustainability since its own inception 40 years ago. On June 13 at Athletes Park, the country unveils its UAE pavilion, an interactive means for conference attendees and visitors to experience the UAEs vision for a green economy and commitment to sustainable development for all.

"Through the incubation of advanced clean technologies, cross-border economic investments and critical development around the world, the UAE is making real-world progress toward a more sustainable future," said Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade and head of the UAE delegation. "Innovation must extend beyond our borders. We believe in sharing our knowledge, promoting technology access, and encouraging partnerships to realize solutions."The 500 square meter pavilion replicates a traditional Arabic fort, with a modern twist. Explore the pavilion virtually on the website www.uaerioplus20.ae Visitors are able to experience the UAEs transformation toward sustainable development through an interactive timeline and touch-screens showcasing the countrys achievements, initiatives and vision of a sustainable future.

"Sustainable energy and the exchange of knowledge among like-minded countries are the catalysts for economic growth and equitable development. said Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs and Special Envoy for Energy and Climate Change. "Through intellectual and financial investments, such as our cutting-edge solar deployment at the Torresol Energy projects in Spain and our leadership in IRENAs Global Solar and Wind Atlas, the UAE is supporting international technology transfer for greater economic development and clean energy advancement".

Attendees are welcome to visit the UAEs pavilion to and: - Walk through the past four decades of the UAEs journey toward sustainable development and learn how the country is managing its exponential urban growth; - Visit the theater and engage in discussions with members of the UAE delegation about its empowerment of women, sustainable tourism, renewable energy initiatives and more.

United Arab Emirates public and private organizations represented at the pavilion will include: Ministry of Foreign TradeMinistry of Water & EnvironmentMinistry of Foreign Affairs Directorate of Energy and Climate ChangeMinistry of EnergyDubai Supreme Council of EnergyDubai Economic Council Prime Minister OfficeMasdarMasdar Institute Zayed Future Energy PrizeEnvironment Agency Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi Sewerage Service Company Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council Zayed International Prize for the EnvironmentHigher National Security Council DubaiEXPO 2020Abu Dhabi Education Council Emirates Nuclear Energy CorporationAbu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority All registered participants and the public are welcome to visit the UAEs pavilion and encouraged to participate in the discussion of new ideas that promote and deploy the very best practices for sustainable development. A full list of pavilion activities can be found below, and check online for the most updated schedules here, www.uaerioplus20.ae. All events will take place in the UAEs pavilion at Athletes Park, unless otherwise noted.

The UAE is innovating and empowering others to build a sustainable future for all, building on the legacy of its founding fathers to deliver on promises today. Through advanced thinking and technology, the UAE is bringing to life action-oriented ideas and innovation that lead to a sustainable economy, environment and society.

As part of a growing international movement, the country is collaborating with like-minded nations to continuously share best practices, build upon progress, and create a sustainable future for all.

Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2012.