UAE announces ‘Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week’ at Rio+20
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In an effort to focus on sustainable developme
nt at the recently concluded Rio+20, the UAE has announced the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), which will be held between January 13th – 17th, 2013.
“Through the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, we are providing numerous platforms of dialogue that will address sustainable development. ADSW will be held in continuation and in response to the UN Secretary-General’s call for significant commitments to action in support of his International Year of Sustainable Energy for All,” said Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, assistant minister and UAE Special Envoy of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Climate Change and Chief Executive Officer of Masdar.
Thousands of participants from governments, private sector, NGOs and other stakeholders will gather in Abu Dhabi next year during ADSW. The events which will be held during ADSW include: the Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA); the World Future Energy Summit (WFES); the International Renewable Energy Conference in Abu Dhabi (ADIREC); the International Water Summit (IWS); and the Awards Ceremony for the Zayed Future Energy Prize.
Dr Al Jaber added, “Now is the time to address real-world challenges by adopting clear and focused practical measures for developing practical national energy strategies and implementing sustainable development. We are determined to achieve tangible results through our discussions today at the Earth Summit, at COP-18 later this year which is being held in the Middle East for the first time, and through Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week in January, 2013.”
Following the launch of the International Year of Sustainable Energy for All announced by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon during WFES in January this year, the UAE has made significant commitments to meet global energy demands by providing assistance to developing countries, such as Tonga and Afghanistan to meet their energy needs from renewable energy sources.
