There are only 28 days before the World Future Energy Summit from January 17-20, 2011
Abu Dhabi is beset with a kind of sustainability schizophrenia. On the one hand there is Masdar City – an effort to achieve carbon neutrality and zero waste – and on the other certain irresponsible and extravagant moments such as the diamond-studded Christmas tree glimmering in the Emirates Palace Hotel.
Yet, since 2008 the Emirate has hosted the World Future Energy Summit, which spends a lot of carbon to bring together leaders, junior and senior, from around the globe to share ideas about renewable energy and other progressive initiatives. Last year’s event drew nearly 25,000 people from all sectors of the society. Next year’s summit – which will run from January 17-20, 2011 – promises to be equally well-attended.
A new feature of this year’s event is Project Village – a centrally located exhibition that allows visitors to peruse dedicated booths showcasing hundreds of renewable energy projects. There will also be a theater-style seminar room where certain presentations will take place.
Academics, representatives of the private and public sector, policy makers, world leaders, journalists, buyers, and investors are expected to appear at what is now labeled by organizers as a world-class event. In addition to exhibitions, there will be round table discussions, corporate meetings, and social events.
Among several, next year’s notable speakers will include: Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber – Masdar’s CEO, Dr. Sulaiman Al Jassim – Vice Chancellor of Zayed University, Adnan Amin – the interim Director General of Irena, and Gregory Barker – the UK’s Minister of State for Energy.
Also among others, platinum sponsors include Exxon Mobil, Total, the National Bank of Abu Dhabi, and the Alternative Energy branch of BP.
Certain facts about the 2010 summit:
- 24, 792 people attended;
- They came from 148 countries;
- 3,600 of them were CEOs or managing directors;
- 100 Official delegations attended;
- There were 145 keynote or expert speakers;
- And 600 companies from 38 countries exhibited their wares.
For more information or to register your company, please contact the summit organizers: http://www.worldfutureenergysummit.com
Other upcoming energy events in the Middle East:
World Future Energy Summit “WFES”
Eilat-Eilot Renewable Energy Conference
Author: Tafline Laylin
As a tour leader who led “eco-friendly” camping trips throughout North America, Tafline soon realized that she was instead leaving behind a trail of gas fumes, plastic bottles and Pringles. In fact, wherever she traveled – whether it was Viet Nam or South Africa or England – it became clear how inefficiently the mandate to re-think our consumer culture is reaching the general public. Born in Iran, raised in South Africa and the United States, she currently splits her time between Africa and the Middle East. Tafline can be reached at tafline (at) greenprophet (dot) com.
i am still hoping that through summit held every year, world leaders could come up with a sustainable use of energy resources for future used.