UAE is committed to accelerate clean energy and adopt sustainable development: Mohammed bin Zayed

Abu Dhabi, Jan 16, 2013 (WAM) - In the Presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai; His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, yesterday inaugurated the first Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) during the opening ceremony of the sixth World Future Energy Summit, the fifth International Renewable Energy Conference and the first International Water Summit. ADSW is among the largest sustainability gatherings in the world, and the largest in the Middle East. Attracting over 30,000 participants from 150 countries, including world leaders, policy makers, thought leaders, decision-makers, experts, scientists, business leaders and academics, the significant platform for international dialogue and cooperation will tackle the world's pressing issues in energy, water and environment, accelerate the global adoption of renewable energy, address water challenges in arid regions, elevate the water - energy nexus topics on the global agenda, and encourage the dialogue between broad industry stakeholders to strengthen strategic partnerships as well as stimulate investment in water, energy and environment projects and empower the young generations and entrepreneurs. Organised under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed and hosted by Masdar, Abu Dhabi's renewable energy company, ASDW and its participating events will run until January 17 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. In his opening remarks, His Highness General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed said: "Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week is an important platform, as the world must work together to address energy and water access, food security and tackle the consequences of climate change. The United Arab Emirates is committed to face this challenge and is pushing forward to accelerate clean energy and adopt sustainable development. "Since its inception, the UAE has been dedicated to sustainable practices and to reducing its environmental footprint," said His Highness. "Backed by the wise vision of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, we continue to cherish the legacy of promoting sustainability left behind by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, founder of the UAE. "Delivering the world with important supplies of hydrocarbons for almost half a century, it's natural for the UAE to invest and play an active role in diversifying the energy mix to include renewable sources of energy," he continued. "Through initiatives like Masdar and hosting global platforms, the UAE is encouraging the collaboration, strategic partnerships and practical solutions necessary to seriously address the energy and climate challenge. ADSW builds on the success of the World Future Energy Summit (WFES), the world's foremost annual event dedicated to advancing future energy, energy efficiency and clean technologies. WFES has been hosted by Masdar since 2008. This year's opening ceremony included keynote speeches from Francois Hollande, the President of France, and Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, the President of Argentina. Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan also took the stage and urged for more collaboration between Arab nations. - Emirates News Agency, WAM