ABU DHABI // More than 30,000 international decision-makers, environmentalists and sustainability experts are gathering as Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week begins on Saturday.
The event, which runs until January 25, is one of the largest global gatherings dedicated to renewable energies and sustainable development.
Key decision-makers from government, industry, academia and civil society will address some of the world’s most urgent energy and sustainability challenges.
They will also discuss topics such as the economics of renewable energy, effects of water scarcity and the impact on the environment and natural resources of population growth and ever-expanding cities.
The first day will begin with the fourth assembly meeting of the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena), which takes place over two days.
Irena is expected to detail how it aims to double renewable energy’s share of the world energy market by 2030. On Sunday it will publish its “REmap 2030”, which will outline its plan.
More than 1,000 people are expected to attend the assembly at the St Regis resort on Saadiyat Island.
“Renewable energy is the driving force in the global energy transition, and Abu Dhabi is emerging as a clean energy hub where the world’s renewable energy leaders convene to discuss the path forward,” said Adnan Amin, director general of Irena.
“Irena research provides analysis and data, as well as policy recommendations for this energy transition, and has become a partner of choice for leading countries and companies in the renewable energy space.”
In partnership with the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), Irena will this week announce funding of innovative renewable energy projects in developing countries.
Sustainability week also incorporates a number of other conferences, summits and awards, including the World Future Energy Summit (WFES) and the International Water Summit (IWS), both of which will open on Monday in a joint ceremony at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.
These two summits will have more than 30 events on topics such as energy, sustainability and water scarcity and will be attended by participants from about 172 countries.
New this year will be the Renewable Energy Jobs Conference, hosted on Tuesday by Irena.
It will gather private and public-sector experts to share knowledge, experience and best practice on converting renewable energy investment into secure employment opportunities.
Now in its seventh year, the WFES will be the centrepiece of the sustainability week.
Hosted by Masdar between Monday and Wednesday, it will stage a sustainable living expo, a green careers fair and about 125 speakers, among other attractions.
“With the World Future Energy Summit as its cornerstone, Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week will set a new benchmark for attendee numbers – 30,000, up from 26,000 last year,” said Naji El Haddad, WFES show director.
The water summit, also hosted by Masdar, will display an EcoWaste exhibition focusing on sustainable waste management and the recycling sector.
It will also feature a sustainable water solutions village, which looks at developments in agriculture.
Other notable events during the week include the Zayed Future Energy Prize and China Day, celebrating the country joining Irena and its growing status in renewable energies.
The first Blue Economy Summit, organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Republic of Seychelles, will focus attention on policy guides for the conservation of oceans and the sustainable development of ocean-linked communities.
Notable speakers during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week include Jeffrey Sachs, director of the Earth Institute, Columbia University; Christof Ruehl, chief economist of BP Global; and Marie-Jose Nadeau, president of the World Energy Council.
Also speaking will be Santiago Seage, chairman of Abengoa Solar; Jos Verbeek, lead economist, of development prospects at the World Bank; James Cameron, executive chairman of Climate Change Capital; and Bernard Clement, senior vice president for new energies and operations at Total.
newsdesk@thenational.ae