Ecocity World Summit (ECWS), the longest-running international conference series on sustainable cities, today hosted the UAE’s first ever Meat Free Monday in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). The global campaign aims to raise awareness of the detrimental environmental impact of eating meat, encouraging people to help slow climate change, preserve precious natural resources and improve their health by having at least one meat-free day each week. In support of the campaign, the Summit worked with ADNEC to provide visitors and exhibitors with meat-free catering throughout the day.

The meatless Monday movement was officially first launched in 2003, and was then introduced to the UK in 2009 by avid vegetarian and international musician Paul McCartney, alongside his daughters Mary and Stella. The global movement is now active in over 50 countries, encouraging people to have one vegetarian day per week for better personal health, animal welfare, and for the planet’s own health.

Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Acting Group CEO, Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC), said: “Our collaboration with Ecocity World Summit articulates ADNEC’s commitment to the environmental vision of Abu Dhabi through supporting various initiatives and programmes that address important ecological challenges confronting the world today. At ADNEC, we adopt cutting edge solutions to achieve a sustainable impact on the MICE industry, while promoting Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre as one of the most sustainable event venues Worldwide.” 

Livestock consumption is a contributor to climate change due to the industry’s significant role in greenhouse gas emissions. In fact, according to estimates from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), livestock production is responsible for 14.5 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, while other organisations have estimated its contribution to be as much as 51 per cent.

The U.S. Global Meat Free Monday Network also commented saying: "The threat of climate change can no longer be ignored. As we seek solutions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and conserving water, food and energy resources, it is important to remember that meat production is a key barrier to improvement in these areas. Meat Free Monday is a simple and meaningful action that people all over the world can take to lessen the impact of meat production on our environment. We encourage everyone to join the work happening in over 50 countries around the globe to cut out meat at least one day a week.”

The initiative was launched in collaboration with ADNEC, which has won the Most Sustainable Exhibition and Conference Venue award at the annual Association of Event Organisers (AEO) Excellence Awards ceremony in both 2014 and 2015.