25 February 2015: The First International Forum on Sustainable Lifestyles discussed drivers of unsustainable consumption and lifestyles, and showcased initiatives that promote sustainable consumption and production (SCP). The Forum also highlighted the role of the private sector in shifting to more sustainable lifestyles and mindsets.

The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Zayed International Foundation for the Environment organized the Forum, which convened in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), from 25-26 February 2015. The European Commission (EC) supported the Forum through its SWITCH-Med Project.

The Forum aimed to develop an international network to exchange SCP experiences, create partnerships to advance sustainable lifestyles in the Arab region and increase engagement on SCP, with the aim of scaling up ideas and initiatives. The Forum also promoted sustainability-driven entrepreneurship.

“Rethinking the way we design, produce, consume and dispose of resources will determine our ability to live within planetary boundaries and continue to enjoy the services that nature provides,” said UNEP Deputy Environment Director Ibrahim Thiaw, in his remarks. He observed that shifting to sustainable lifestyles requires shifts in daily life: from “the buildings we live in, the shopping we do at the mall, the food we have on our plates, the waste we generate, the clothes we wear, the light above our heads, and the car which drove me to this conference.” He called for accountability and responsibility in adopting sustainable lifestyles, and adopting regulatory policy frameworks and incentives to encourage citizens to make more sustainable choices.

Urbanization trends are contributing to sustainability challenges, according to Thiaw. He said city dwellers will be responsible for over 75% of global gross domestic product (GDP), 75% of global energy, 75% of natural resource use, 75% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and 75% of global waste generation.

Participants also recognized the need to address waste in transitions to SCP, including issues related to food waste and unsustainable agriculture practices and wastewater.

The Forum contributed to the Arab Regional Programme on Sustainable Lifestyles and Education, which is part of the Arab Regional Roadmap for implementing the Ten-Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production Patterns (10YFP) Programme on Sustainable Lifestyles and Education. The 10YFP aims to foster the uptake of sustainable lifestyles as a norm and ensure the contribution of sustainable lifestyles to addressing challenges such as biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation and adaptation, poverty eradication, resource efficiency and social well-being. [UNEP Press Release] [UNEP Deputy Executive Director Statement] [Website on 10YFP Programme on Sustainable Lifestyles and Education] [SWITCH-Med Website]