Mexican President, UN Secretary-General to deliver keynote speeches at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week

ABU DHABI, 14th January 2016 (WAM)--- Enrique Pena Nieto, President of Mexico, will deliver the keynote address to global sustainability leaders convening at the January 18 Opening Ceremony of the upcoming Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW). He will be joined at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who will also deliver remarks, as well as nine heads of state. The heads of states in attendance at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week will be: James Michel, President, Seychelles; Tommy Remengesau, President, Palau; Atifete Jahjaga, President, Republic of Kosovo; Tomislav Nikolie, President of Serbia; Muhammadu Buhari, President, Nigeria; Henry Puna, Prime Minister, Cook Islands; Abdelilah Benkirane, Prime Minister, Kingdom of Morocco. Commenting on his planned visit to Abu Dhabi, President Pena Nieto highlighted that Mexico clearly understands the challenges associated with climate change, as well as economic benefits of smart action to advance sustainable development. "Mexico underscores the critical role that developing countries have to play in promoting sustainable economic and social development through adopting renewable energy and ensuring water security all the while focusing on keeping climate change in check. This highlights the need for discussions and collaboration across all sectors and countries," President Peña Nieto says. "Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week is a testament to the commitment the United Arab Emirates has for sustainable development and a new diversified, low carbon economy. Similar to how Mexico is leading the way as a developing country, the UAE was in fact the first country in the Middle East to set renewable energy targets at a time when there was widespread doubt about renewable energy’s viability and value." For the past decade Abu Dhabi and the UAE have been playing a key role as an international energy hub assembling the most influential decision makers, spanning world leaders, captains of industry, policymakers, economists and investors, to explore new ideas and collaboration opportunities that will usher in an era of sustainability and economic growth. Dr Sultan Ahmed Al-Jaber, Minister of State of the UAE and Chairman of Masdar commented: "The UAE’s experience in expanding our energy leadership to clean energy has demonstrated the extraordinary economic opportunity associated with sustainable development. It has supported job creation, innovation, and prosperity for our citizens." "The participation of the nine esteemed heads of state, as well as Secretary Generals Ban and Al Zayani, in Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week is a testament to the platform’s power to convene the world leaders who stand at the forefront of sustainable development." "I greatly look forward to President Pena Nieto’s remarks at the Opening Ceremony. Mexico, like the UAE, is a pioneer in adopting policies that underpin a sustainable future – and taking steps to put those policies into action." President Peña Nieto, who will deliver his address on 18 January during the Opening Ceremony of ADSW, will also visit Masdar City – Masdar’s greenprint for the development of the world’s most sustainable low-carbon city. Mexico, the first developing country to pass ground-breaking climate change legislation in April 2012, was also the first developing country to submit its proposed national climate action plan, known as its Intended Nationally-Determined Contribution (INDC) to the United Nations, in March last year. Mexico is highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Its INDC committed to peaking its greenhouse gas emissions in 2026 to achieve its 22% reduction target – with a long-term goal of halving emissions by 2050 relative to 2000 levels – is particularly encouraging and should inspire others to follow in the same track. ADSW – hosted from 16 to 23 January by Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s renewable energy company – is the Middle East’s largest gathering of international players focused on addressing the interconnected challenges of energy and water security, climate risk and sustainable development. In excess of 33,000 delegates, over 80 heads and ministers of state, and other visitors from more than 170 countries are expected to attend the policy dialogues, conferences, exhibitions and events that make up ADSW 2016. Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) is an Abu Dhabi government initiative to address the interconnected challenges affecting energy, water and sustainable development. Taking place every January, ADSW comprises the World Future Energy Summit, International Water Summit and EcoWaste, as well as the general assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency. ADSW is the largest gathering on sustainability in the Middle East, attracting global policy makers, industry thought-leaders and clean technology innovators together with 33,000 delegates and visitors from more than 170 countries. Masdar is Abu Dhabi’s renewable energy company which works to advance the development, commercialisation and deployment of clean energy technologies and solutions. The company serves as a link between today’s fossil fuel economy and the energy economy of the future. Wholly owned by the Mubadala Development Company PJSC, the strategic investment company of the Government of Abu Dhabi, Masdar is dedicated to the Emirates’ long-term vision for the future of energy and water. – Emirates News Agency, WAM -http://www.wam.ae/en/news/emirates/1395290264078.html