DUBAI, United Arab Emirates— While an immediate response is necessary for recovery, long-term strategies that aim to respond to the pandemic should take into account nature and biodiversity to prevent future outbreaks and graver impacts, the head of the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity said in one of the panel discussions at the Expo 2020 Dubai.

ACB Executive Director Theresa Mundita Lim joined environment experts and leaders in one of the sessions of the prestigious Asian Business Leadership Forum (ABLF) Talks on 25 October 2021 at the Expo 2020 Dubai.

The ABLF is Asia’s most influential business leadership platform that brings together global leaders in conversation and collaboration.  The ABLF Talks on Monday was held in Dubai and live-streamed to an audience of over 11,000 worldwide.

Dr. Lim shared how the ASEAN harnessed digital platforms to adapt to the pandemic and engage with the youth and the private sectors. 

"The COVID-19 pandemic was an eye-opener," Dr. Lim said, emphasising that there are currently 1.7 million undiscovered viruses in mammal and avian hosts, 540,000-850,000 of which could infect humans.

Thus, Dr. Lim emphasised that efforts should not just focus on immediate concerns but also long-term strategies that take into account nature and biodiversity.

Joining the ACB head in the panel were Major Ali Saqr Sultan Al Suweidi, founder and CEO of Emirates Marine Environmental Group, Dr. Tiffany Delport, co-founder of Eco Edition: The Possibilities Project, and Sheikh Dr. Majid Al Qassimi, advisor to the UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment. Broadcast live on CNBC-UAE, the discussion was moderated by Tom Urquhart, presenter of Dubai One TV.

Dr. Lim noted that biodiversity conservation does not need to be pitted against development. “They can coexist. The key is to manage your resources well so that as you work on your progress and development, you also protect the environment,” she added.

She said businesses have much at stake in biodiversity. “We hope more businesses are realising that biodiversity should not just be part of their corporate social responsibility but also of their business models and processes.”

Bringing together over 100 global leaders in conversations around urgent socio-economic issues, the hybrid ABLF Talks featured in-person sessions complementing virtual streaming on Monday, setting the stage for the monthly event with icons from varied sectors in impactful dialogues.

Dr. Majid, when asked about how individuals can make a difference, said choosing sustainable goods and services will have positive impacts.

“Every business has in their interest to listen to their customers and deliver especially in the day when we are so connected globally by social media. Consumers want to support companies that have the same ethos (for the environment),” Dr. Majid said.

Dr. Delport, meanwhile, underscored the urgency to enhance educational systems and integrate the environment to help form long-lasting partnerships, especially with the youth. This was supported by Major Ali, saying that the knowledge on the environment passed down through generations in households should be part of lessons in schools and universities. (ACB)