His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, today inaugurated the World Future Energy Summit (WFES) 2011, a global platform for open dialogue between government and industry leaders, international policy makers, investors and experts from across the sector, in Abu Dhabi.
Organised under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed and hosted by Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s multi-faceted initiative advancing the development and deployment of renewable energy and clean technologies, the fourth edition of WFES themed ‘Enabling future energy solutions – finding practical answers to the energy security global challenge’, runs until 20 January at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, said: “Under the visionary leadership and guidance of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, the nation is placing a high priority on sustainable development as a key driver in improving the lives and economic stability for future generations.
“Hosting the World Future Energy Summit is a result of our founder’s vision and the initiative by the UAE to provide a global platform for meaningful dialogue around renewable energy and clean energy innovation.â€
His Excellency Ban Ki-Moon, Secretary General, United Nations, His Excellency Ólafur Ragnar Grimsson, President, Iceland; His Excellency Asif Ali Zardari, President, Pakistan ; His Excellency Jose Socrates Carvalho Pinto de Sousa, Prime Minister of Portugal; Her Excellency Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister, Bangladesh; His Excellency Nikoloz Gilauri, Prime Minister, Georgia; Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Victoria, Princess of Sweden, His Royal Highness Guillaume, Crown Prince of Luxembourg, and other royals and Heads of State were present on the occasion.
Government and industry leaders, CEOs, high-ranking private and public sector officials also attended the opening ceremony.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed remarked: “The UAE is proud of its tradition of tackling challenges and working closely with the international community. Today, the world is faced with serious challenges, including finding scalable sources of clean energy, providing a fresh water supply and battling climate change.
“Addressing these challenges requires that the international community find synergies and common ground to work together in finding real, meaningful solutions. In the spirit of global collaboration, it is a pleasure to welcome the participating WFES delegates to discuss ways to find an effective international response, both at the policy and legislation level, and in fostering innovation and cleantech solutions,†added His Highness Sheikh Mohammed.
In his welcome message, His Excellency Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, CEO, Masdar, said: “The Masdar initiative is a testament of our wise and visionary leadership’s determination to advancing renewable energy technologies, mitigating climate change, diversifying our economy, and preparing our nation for a clean energy future. Through Masdar, Abu Dhabi provides an open global platform for cooperation and partnerships.
“We are delighted to welcome you to this Summit that encourages an open dialogue and promotes new ideas, innovation and investment, in the renewable energy and clean technology sector.â€
More than 25,000 delegates are participating in the event that is expected to discuss renewable and future energy solutions, innovations, investments, policy and vision. The event will also cover a wide range of themes including energy policy, investment and funding, green buildings, clean transport, solar, wind and biofuels.
