Abu Dhabi, U.A.E. – As centre-pieces of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW 2013) held at Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on January 13-17, the sixth World Future Energy Summit and the inaugural International Water Summit brought together 29,448 attendees from 155 countries to influence the global future of the renewable energy and water sectors.
The joint opening ceremony brought together 3,500 delegates and 91 official delegations, while the exhibition areas featured 800 exhibiting companies from 40 countries, 28 national pavilions.
6th World Future Energy Summit (WFES 2013)
165 speakers led the discussions during the International Renewable Energy Conference in Abu Dhabi (ADIREC), hosted by the World Future Energy Summit, which set the global future energy agenda for the next decade and provided a solutions blueprint for the 120 countries that have already set renewable energy targets.
1,045 conference delegates, a 7 percent increase over last year, discussed the need for innovation in renewable energy and greater support from governments in terms of policy development, investment and collaboration.
Thousands of visitors poured into the Exhibition at WFES 2013 to see the latest technologies and solutions in areas such as energy efficiency, solar energy and electric transport, including 70 new product launches.
“This is our fifth time to participate in WFES and we are keen on continuing to be part of this event. We believe this is an excellent platform for reaching international companies and networking with potential partners or clients. So far we have been able to link with our trade customers from the UAE, India and Europe,” said Leah Liu, Marketing and Communication Manager from Sun Tech Limited.
The Zero Tracer, an enclosed electric motorbike that can reach speed of around 250 kph, attracted large numbers of curious visitors, while the Eco-Home in the new Sustainable Living area was the centre of attention for developers, engineers and architects looking for the latest in energy efficiency.The upgraded Project & Finance Village also enticed bankers and financiers looking to invest in over $ 8 billion of renewable energy projects being showcased.
1st International Water Summit (IWS 2013)
Over 5,000 visitors attended the first International Water Summit to address global water issues such as water scarcity in Arab regions, sustainable growth and economic development in arid regions, the future challenges of water availability, and cross-boundary collaboration through international water governance.
The conference proceedings were led by more than 100 of the world’s leading water experts from world-leading organizations such as UN Habitat, the Global Water Operators’ Partnership Alliance (GWOPA), the World Bank, UN Water, the International Desalination Association, UNESCO, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI), the Public Utilities Board Singapore, the Arab Countries Water Utilities Association and the UN Secretary General’s Advisory Board on Water.
Strong local support also came from event sponsors such as the Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority and Environment Agency-Abu Dhabi.
“The whole event really places water and energy in the spotlight. World leaders, regional decision makers and the industry – from water and energy – came together to discuss solutions to global water and energy challenges,” said Craig Halgreen, VP Global Communications at Borouge, the principal sponsor of IWS 2013.
The Sustainable Solutions Village in the IWS exhibition area showcased ideas that have been successfully implemented in water scarce communities across the world, and the IWS Project Stream brought together buyers and sellers from the international water community to explore beneficial synergies and establish partnerships.
Meanwhile, the Green Ideas Fair, run in conjunction with the World Future Energy Summit, encouraged students to submit and display their environmental sustainability solutions. Winners were decided thorough an on-site voting system with cash prizes awarded to the top three candidates.
Source: Masdar and Reed Expo.
