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His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, has attended the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week Summit inauguration, part of the ADSW Special Edition at COP28, at Expo City, Dubai.

The ADSW Summit was also attended by His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence; His Excellency Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of State; His Excellency Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and President of COP28; His Excellency Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure; Her Excellency Sara Awad Issa Musallam, Chairperson of Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge; His Excellency Engineer Awaidha Murshed Al Marar, Abu Dhabi Chairman of the Department of Energy; His Excellency Ahmed Jassem Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development; and His Excellency Saif Saeed Ghobash, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.

During the visit, His Highness the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi highlighted the high priority given by the UAE to sustainability initiatives as part of the country’s ongoing development journey. His Highness pointed out that declaring the year 2023 the Year of Sustainability under the theme ‘Today for Tomorrow’ reflects the UAE leadership’s unwavering commitment to championing environmental initiatives, encouraging local, regional, and international community engagement, and supporting global efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change and help build a more sustainable future for coming generations.

His Excellency Dr Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and COP28 President, said: "With the world coming together for climate action at COP28 here in the UAE, the ADSW Summit has provided a unique opportunity to further engage with leaders from across the world to focus keeping 1.5 within reach. Cooperation, collaboration, and the role of partnerships are vital in the climate conversation, and I look forward to the world uniting to take even more action during COP28.”

Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar, provided Opening Remarks at the Summit. During his remarks, he highlighted the important legacy of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week in bringing together public sector, civil society, and business to achieve climate action, and that as the world looks for solutions to tackle the greatest challenge of our lifetime, there is no better example than the United Arab Emirates and Masdar.

Under the theme ‘United on Climate Action’, the international gathering has brought together forward-thinking leaders from the public sector, civil society, and business to discuss sustainable investments, climate innovations and financial inclusion for a just transition to a net-zero future.

The ADSW Summit featured a series of keynote speeches, fireside chats and panel discussions focusing on sustainable investments, climate innovations, and financial inclusion for a just transition.

Throughout COP28, ADSW continues to provide a bridge for thought leadership by hosting events in both the blue and green zones, enabling timely and relevant climate action conversation and debate to accredited parties, observer delegates and the general public.

In the Green Zone, the ADSW Partnership Hub will run a series of structured collaborative activities on December 5 and 6, bringing together delegates and attendees to advance collaborations toward climate action. The Hub will host panels, roundtables, and networking events that will engage and encourage participants to exchange ideas, learn from each other, and build valuable partnerships.

The ADSW Special Edition is focused on enabling impactful and inclusive dialogue between all global stakeholders and translating pledges into practical solutions.

• Anchor event of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week Special Edition at COP28 will gather world leaders, global CEOs and international sustainability advocates to identify key sustainability issues for the coming year
• ADSW Summit speakers to include HE Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados, HE Dr. Leila Benali, Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, The Kingdom of Morocco; Ray Dalio, Founder, Bridgewater Associates; and Makhtar Diop, Managing Director, International Finance Corporation 
• Summit to support unlocking green finance, enabling the Just Energy Transition, and explore how organizations can positively impact society and integrate sustainable practices into every corner of their operations

The ADSW Summit at COP28 will take place December 4 at the Connect Conference Center in Expo City, Dubai. Under the theme “United on Climate Action,” the international gathering will bring together forward-thinking leaders from the public sector, civil society, and business to identify ways to accelerate the just transition to a net-zero future.

ADSW will be crucial in maintaining worldwide climate momentum at COP28 by enabling impactful and inclusive dialogue between all global stakeholders and translating pledges into practical solutions.

The ADSW Summit speakers and program will include:

HE Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados, who will participate in a Prime Ministerial interview, highlighting how global climate financing can help build resilience and how capital can be deployed efficiently, equitably and at scale to address the mitigation and adaptation needs of vulnerable regions and communities.

Makhtar Diop, Managing Director of the International Finance Corporation, who will discuss the pressure that the global community is under to unlock trillions of dollars of funds for the transition to a green economy that benefits all, outlining the structural reforms of the global financial system that will trigger funding on a global scale and accelerate the transition to a net-zero and climate-resilient future.

Ray Dalio, Founder and CIO Mentor of Bridgewater Associates, who will explore how we can mobilize the trillions of dollars required to address the pressing challenge of climate change. With a focus on the Blue Economy, Dalio will look at how such large-scale investment could change the global economy in positive ways, contribute to the creation of new industries and new technologies, and promote development in the global south, exploring how long-term investors can leverage these changes and the benefits that they anticipate.

A conversation with renewable energy leaders including Ignacio S. Galán, Executive Chairman of Iberdrola, S.A., and Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar will look at how the global community can ensure that all nations, particularly those with limited resources, can triple renewable power capacity needs by 2030, which is necessary to honor their commitments to the 1.5-degree target endorsed by the G20 in September of 2023.

Her Excellency Dr. Leila Benali, Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development for the Kingdom of Morocco, will talk about the pivotal role the energy transition plays in addressing the global energy and climate crisis. Laying out the collaboration, innovative solutions and bold policies needed for the transition, Benali will examine the ways that stakeholders can establish the necessary conditions to facilitate an inclusive energy transition process.

Other ADSW Summit speakers include: HE Seve Paeniu, Minister of Finance, Tuvalu; HE Adegboyega Oyetola, Federal Minister of the Marine and Blue Economy, Nigeria; HE Maria Susana Muhamad, Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development of Colombia; HE Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister for Energy and Infrastructure, United Arab Emirates; Jin Liqun, President and Chair of the Board of Directors, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank; Maví Zingoni, Chief Executive Officer, GE Power; Lorenzo Simonelli, Chairman and CEO, Baker Hughes; Maarten Wetselaar, Chief Executive Officer, Cepsa; and Cate Ambrose, Chief Executive Officer and Board Member, The Global Private Capital Association.

Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer, Masdar, said: “During the UAE’s Year of Sustainability, the world is coming together on climate action here in the UAE at COP28. Hosting the ADSW Summit during the Special Edition of ADSW at COP28, will strengthen international collaboration and cross-sector partnerships, and translate pledges into practical solutions for a net-zero future. I look forward to this timely and relevant ADSW Summit, featuring international leaders, and to working together to empower global climate action at a significant time for the world.”

Hosted on COP28’s thematic Finance, Trade and Gender Day, the ADSW Summit will explore what the global community must do to ensure that all nations, including those with limited resources, have access to technologies and innovations at scale, as governments worldwide work toward the goals of the Paris Agreement. The Summit will also examine how organizations can positively impact society and integrate sustainable practices into every corner of their operations. 

As an integral part of this year’s Special Edition of ADSW at COP28, the Summit will spotlight three critical strategic themes: Unlocking Financing for the Green Economy, Enabling the Just Energy Transition, and Making Business Sustainable.

Throughout COP28, ADSW will bridge the blue and green zones by providing a platform for thought leadership and positive stories to share best practices, innovations and solutions. ADSW’s extensive program of events and roundtables will enable timely and relevant climate action conversation and debate between accredited parties, observer delegates, and the general public. These events will empower global climate action at a significant time for the world, facilitating better decision-making at COP28 to keep 1.5°C within reach.

In the COP28 green zone, the ADSW Partnership Hub will run a series of structured collaborative activities at the Alif Pavilion December 5–6, creating a space for participants to exchange ideas and build successful and meaningful business relationships and partnerships.  
ADSW’s virtual content platform, ADSW Live, will live-stream a series of interviews directly from the Green Zone December 3–7, capturing daily reactions to climate discussions and sharing timely, relevant sustainability-oriented content wrap-ups. 

The Women in Sustainability Environment and Renewable Energy (WiSER) initiative will co-host the inaugural Arab Women Leaders’ Summit with the COP28 UAE Presidency, held under the theme Gender Inclusion and Climate Change: Advancing Equality for a Resilient Future, on December 4. 

The Y4S Annual Forum, taking place December 8 and hosted by Youth 4 Sustainability, will provide a platform for youth to engage in fruitful discussions and promote solutions for deepening youth participation in climate mitigation. 

The Special Edition of ADSW at COP28 will include Abu Dhabi Global Market’s Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Forum on December 4 and the Atlantic Council Global Energy Forum on December 5 and 7.

ADSW at COP28 confirmed sponsors include the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy, Emirates Global Aluminium, Emirates Steel Arkan, Dubai Electricity & Water Authority, Investcorp, Abu Dhabi Chamber, Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, Mubadala, Huawei Tech, HSBC, GE Vernova, Baker Hughes, Agthia Group, Abu Dhabi Investment Office, BEEAH, SLB and Ne’ma. 

•  Held under the patronage of UAE President HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Special Edition of ADSW to take place during nation’s hosting of UN Climate Change Conference and mark the UAE’s Year of Sustainability
•  ADSW Summit, taking place on December 4, to support unlocking green finance, enabling the Just Energy Transition, and making business sustainable
•  ADSW partner-led events taking place at COP28 include the Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Forum and the Atlantic Council Global Energy Forum

Abu Dhabi, UAE – November 8, 2023: Under the patronage of UAE President HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), the global initiative championed by the UAE and its clean energy powerhouse Masdar, will drive and elevate worldwide climate action during COP28 in the UAE.

Through the hosting of critical, thought leadership led conversations, the Special Edition of ADSW will empower global climate action at a significant time for the world, and enable better decision making at COP28 to address the challenge of cutting 22 gigatons of greenhouse gas emissions in the next seven years to keep 1.5°C in reach.

As an integral part of this year’s Special Edition of ADSW at COP28, the ADSW Summit, taking place on December 4, will spotlight three critical strategic themes: Unlocking Financing for the Green Economy, Enabling the Just Energy Transition, and Making Business Sustainable.

The ADSW Summit will explore what the global community must do to ensure that all nations, including those with limited resources, have access to technologies and innovations at scale. The Summit will also examine how organizations can positively impact society and integrate sustainable practices into every corner of their operations.

Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer, Masdar, said: “This special edition of ADSW provides an important occasion to highlight the UAE’s Year of Sustainability at COP28 and reflects the legacy of climate action that Masdar’s global initiative, ADSW, continues to spearhead. We are proud to host this unique ADSW at COP28 and look forward to welcoming key stakeholders in sustainability and clean energy as we look to drive positive change to tackle the world's most urgent and pressing challenges together.”

In addition to its anchor event, the ADSW Summit, the Special Edition of ADSW at COP28 will include Abu Dhabi Global Market’s Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Forum on December 4, and the Atlantic Council Global Energy Forum on December 5 and 7.

Salem Mohammed Al Darei, Chief Executive Officer, ADGM Authority, said: “At ADGM, we see ourselves as an important driving force in bridging the capital gap required for achieving net-zero emissions as well the UAE’s journey towards a sustainable future by 2050, having created an ecosystem with a robust regulatory framework that champions sustainable finance and funding climate transition. Through the critical discussions at ADSFF this year, we are set to bring about concrete decisions that will contribute to the much-needed climate financing and position Abu Dhabi as not just any capital city, but a ‘Capital of Green Capital.”

Frederick Kempe, President and Chief Executive Officer, Atlantic Council, said: “All eyes are on Dubai as global energy and climate leaders gather for COP28 to assess the results of global action to curb emissions and meet net-zero goals. Hosting the eighth Atlantic Council Global Energy Forum at COP28 provides an unparalleled opportunity to convene world energy and climate leaders and inspire decisive action as they seek to tackle how to best respond to the geopolitics of the energy transition.”

In the COP28 green zone, the ADSW Partnership Hub will run a series of structured collaborative activities at the Alif Pavilion between December 5–6, that will encourage participants to exchange ideas and build successful business relationships.

Between December 3–7, ADSW’s virtual content platform; ADSW Live will be streaming a series of interviews live and direct from the Green Zone, capturing daily reaction to climate discussions, and sharing timely, relevant sustainability-oriented content wrap-ups.

The Women in Sustainability Environment and Renewable Energy (WiSER) initiative will co-host the inaugural Arab Women Leaders’ Summit with the COP28 UAE Presidency held under 'Gender Inclusion and Climate Change: Advancing Equality for a Resilient Future', on December 4.

The Y4S Annual Forum, taking place on December 8 and hosted by Youth 4 Sustainability, will provide a platform for youth to engage in fruitful discussions and promote solutions towards deepening youth participation in climate mitigation.

ADSW at COP28 confirmed sponsors include the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy, Emirates Global Aluminium, Emirates Steel Arkan, Dubai Electricity & Water Authority, Investcorp, Abu Dhabi Chamber, Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, Mubadala, Huawei Tech, HSBC, GE Vernova, Baker Hughes, Agthia Group, Abu Dhabi Investment Office, BEEAH and SLB.

Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), a global initiative championed by the UAE and its clean energy powerhouse Masdar, today announced its inaugural Global Digital Art Competition, aimed at harnessing the power of visual creativity to raise awareness about climate change and sustainable solutions.

With an overarching theme of preserving the planet, the competition invites artists from across the globe to submit their digital artworks, aligning with COP28's vital climate action themes. Through their submissions, entrants are called upon to capture how precious and vulnerable the planet is, a sense of urgency in addressing climate change, and the solutions and people that are changing the world for the better.

The ADSW Global Digital Art Competition is open to all and encourages current and aspiring artists to showcase their talent and dedication to climate action and sustainability. Exciting prizes lie in store for the finalists, with the overall winner set to be announced during the special edition of ADSW at COP28. 

Dr. Lamya Fawwaz, Executive Director of Brand & Strategic Initiatives at Masdar, said: "Art has the power to inspire change and raise awareness on critical global climate change issues. We are thrilled to launch this competition as part of the special edition of ADSW at COP28, and we look forward to the impactful artworks it will inspire."

Dyala Nusseibeh, Director of Abu Dhabi Art, said: “As global pioneers in the renewable energy sector, Masdar understand the need for youth engagement and leadership, in driving sustainable change across diverse communities. The ADSW Digital Art Competition invites young creatives globally to harness the power of the web and of visual culture to share positions on the urgent need for climate action. I look forward to discovering the submissions that come in for this exciting art competition over the next month, as young artists join a call to action in the lead up to COP28.”

Daria Prodaevich, Managing Director of the Theatre of Digital Art, said: “Climate change is one of the most pressing issues facing our world today. Through this art competition, I am eager to see artists from around the world utilize their creativity, possibly with AI to explore the impact of climate change on our lives, and of course to raise awareness of this important issue."

Submissions for the ADSW Global Digital Art Competition are now open, and artists are encouraged to visit https://abudhabisustainabilityweek.com/en/Digital-Art-Competition to submit their entries. Submissions should emphasize the importance of sustainable practices and the global commitment to addressing climate change. Together, through the fusion of art and climate advocacy, the competition will paint a brighter, more sustainable future for the planet.

The ADSW Summit, taking place on 4 December at the Connect Conference Center, Expo City, Dubai will be held under the theme of United on Climate Action at COP28, and will bring together forward-thinking leaders from the public sector, civil society, and business to identify ways to accelerate the just transition to a net-zero future. Hosted on COP28’s thematic finance day, the Summit will address issues such as investing for inclusion and climate finance, and identify pathways to accelerate sustainable development around the world.  
Throughout COP28, ADSW will provide a bridge for thought leadership by hosting events in both the blue and green zones, enabling timely and relevant climate action conversation and debate to accredited parties, observer delegates and the general public. 

Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) is a global initiative championed by the UAE and its clean energy powerhouse Masdar, to accelerate sustainable development and advance economic, social, and environmental progress. Established in 2008, ADSW provides a global platform for all who have a stake in the future of our planet. ADSW brings together leaders from across governments, the private sector and civil society, to discuss and engage on bold climate action and the innovations that will ensure a sustainable world for future generations.

As the UAE’s clean energy champion, Masdar’s global footprint has expanded exponentially over the past 17 years, with new renewable energy projects currently under development in Europe, Africa, Central Asia, the Americas. This includes the Cirata floating solar plant in Indonesia, the largest in South-East Asia, and the Garadagh Solar PV Plant, Azerbaijan’s first foreign investment-based independent utility scale solar project.

Masdar is active in over 40 countries and has invested in a portfolio of renewable energy projects with a combined capacity of around 20 gigawatts (GW). Masdar aims to grow this to at least 100GW by 2030. The company is also targeting green hydrogen production of 1 million tonnes per annum by the same year.

· Held under the patronage of UAE President HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Special Edition of ADSW to take place during nation’s hosting of UN Climate Change Conference and mark the UAE’s Year of Sustainability
· ADSW Summit to take place on December 4th at Connect Conference Center, Expo City, Dubai
· Extensive program of ADSW events and roundtables planned for COP28 will discuss accelerating just transition to net-zero future, climate finance, sustainable development, the tripling of renewable energy capacity and the promotion of climate action
· Masdar’s global strategic initiative will bridge sustainability thought leadership throughout COP28 with active presence in blue and green zones

Under the patronage of UAE President HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan who continues to champion sustainability as a key pillar of the UAE’s economic and social progress and prosperity, Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), a global initiative championed by the UAE and its clean energy powerhouse Masdar, will host the next edition of ADSW at the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28).

ADSW will play a critical role in maintaining worldwide climate momentum at COP28, by enabling impactful and inclusive dialogue between all global stakeholders, translating pledges into practical solutions for a net-zero future.

HE Dr Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Chairman of Masdar and COP28 President-Designate, said: “As the UAE looks ahead to hosting COP28, it is vital that we use every opportunity at our disposal to fast-track a just and orderly energy transition and to keep 1.5 degrees within reach. Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) was set up by Masdar in 2008 and has grown into a leading global initiative that extends well beyond one week. The special edition of ASDW at COP28 provides an important platform for a wider community of key stakeholders to have their voices heard and to accelerate a just and inclusive transition to a net-zero future.”

Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer, Masdar, said: “This special edition of ADSW provides an important occasion to highlight the UAE’s Year of Sustainability at COP28 and reflects the legacy of climate action that Masdar’s global initiative, ADSW, continues to spearhead. We are proud to host this unique ADSW at COP28 and look forward to welcoming key stakeholders in sustainability and clean energy as we look to drive positive change to tackle the world's most urgent and pressing challenges together.”

The ADSW Summit, taking place on 4 December at the Connect Conference Center, Expo City, Dubai will be held under the theme of United on Climate Action at COP28, and will bring together forward-thinking leaders from the public sector, civil society, and business to identify ways to accelerate the just transition to a net-zero future. 

Hosted on COP28’s thematic finance day, the Summit will address issues such as investing for inclusion and climate finance, and identify pathways to accelerate sustainable development around the world.  

Throughout COP28, ADSW will provide a bridge for thought leadership by hosting events in both the blue and green zones, enabling timely and relevant climate action conversation and debate to accredited parties, observer delegates and the general public. 

In the Green Zone, the ADSW Partnership Hub will run a series of structured collaborative activities that will encourage participants to exchange ideas and build successful business relationships. In the evenings, the hub will host networking receptions for attendees to wind down, connect and share climate action thoughts.

ADSW’s virtual content platform; ADSW Live will be streaming a series of interviews live and direct from the Green Zone, capturing daily reaction to climate discussions, and sharing timely, relevant sustainability-oriented content wrap-ups.

ADSW at COP28 will also feature the WiSER initiative. WiSER is committed to positioning women and girls as drivers of change and innovation, in addition to ensuring their voices are heard across the sustainability debate. WiSER will work on a series of activations across COP28.

Youth 4 Sustainability, a Masdar initiative which invests in and actively supports the development of young people to become the sustainability leaders of tomorrow, will be hosting the Y4S Forum on 8 December.  

ADSW at COP28 confirmed sponsors include the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, Investcorp and HSBC.

As in previous years, ADSW will also feature partner-led events and opportunities for international engagement on sustainability-related topics, including the International Renewable Energy Agency, the Atlantic Council, Tamkeen, and others during COP28. 

Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) is a global initiative championed by the UAE and its clean energy powerhouse Masdar, to accelerate sustainable development and advance economic, social, and environmental progress. Established in 2008, ADSW provides a global platform for all who have a stake in the future of our planet. ADSW brings together leaders from across governments, the private sector and civil society, to discuss and engage on bold climate action and the innovations that will ensure a sustainable world for future generations.

As the UAE’s clean energy champion, Masdar’s global footprint has expanded exponentially over the past 17 years, with new renewable energy projects currently under development in Europe, Africa, Central Asia, the Americas. This includes the Cirata floating solar plant in Indonesia, the largest in South-East Asia, and the Garadagh Solar PV Plant, Azerbaijan’s first foreign investment-based independent utility scale solar project.

Masdar is active in over 40 countries and has invested in a portfolio of renewable energy projects with a combined capacity of around 20 gigawatts (GW). Masdar aims to grow this to at least 100 

GW by 2030. The company is also targeting green hydrogen production of 1 million tonnes per annum by the same year.

• Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week and Masdar-produced report finds decarbonization budgets are significant source of concern, with less than a third of executives believing their funds are adequate
• 60 percent of organizations taking steps to reduce emissions but have not yet set net-zero targets, with reliable financing the main barrier to accelerating commitments
• Half of industry executives now believe net zero is more feasible than previously but call on governments to boost support

Executives from ‘hard-to-abate’ industries have called for increased financing to support decarbonization efforts, following the release of a landmark report that outlines less than a third believe they have adequate budgets to do so, and over half have not yet set net-zero targets.

Reducing emissions in the hard-to-abate industries – cement, steel, aluminum, petrochemicals, shipping, aviation, heavy industry, and manufacturing – is vital in the effort to combat climate change, with industry and transport accounting for almost half of global emissions. 

The findings from ‘Hard to Abate, Ready to Start’, published today by Masdar, the host of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), in partnership with FT Longitude, furthers the discussion on decarbonization by identifying the biggest hurdles, and what is needed to drive greater action in the lead up to the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in the UAE.
Although challenging, the report finds that half of senior industry leaders are more confident that net zero in their business is more achievable today compared to a few years ago.

HE Dr Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, COP28 President-Designate, and Chairman of Masdar, said “COP28 will see the conclusion of the Global Stocktake, offering a review of progress against the Paris Agreement. We know that the results will show a significant gap in where we are and where we need to be. The UAE is committed to addressing this, to reigniting momentum and to bringing the goal of 1.5 within reach. Addressing carbon emissions in hard-to-abate sectors is a priority in that regard. There is simply no path to net-zero that does not include decarbonizing these essential industries.”

Despite the optimism that exists across the industry, and the emergence of innovative new technologies to capture and store carbon, reliable finance remains a major barrier for accelerating progress for many senior executives. Despite strong progress across the sector over the past decade, 60 percent of organizations surveyed across Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and North America have still not set decarbonization targets, and leaders from those organizations cite a lack of reliable finance as the main barrier for committing to targets. 83 percent and 62 percent of senior executives from the Middle East and Asia-Pacific respectively highlighted that they are taking steps to reduce emissions but have not set a target date for completion. Further, only 30 percent of senior executives overall, indicated their budgets will be able to meet decarbonization needs, and more than 50 percent are concerned about the impact of global economic headwinds on decarbonization investment.

Ahead of COP28, the UAE Presidency has made clear that access to finance and capital will be a priority, noting that both governments and private sector partners require the resources needed to commit to transformative action. This includes investing in the breakthrough technologies and innovations needed to drive ambition, such as carbon capture and storage, and other forms of decarbonization.

In addition to financing hurdles, the report also highlights the disparity in available technologies to accelerate decarbonization. Despite the progress made in recent years, the research outlines the gap in “frontier” technologies available at a commercial scale, delaying energy-intensive industries in ramping up decarbonization efforts. 

Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar, said “Building on important momentum gained during ADSW 2023, this report is a vital tool to drive forward decarbonization in hard-to-abate industries. Masdar, a global clean energy powerhouse, will continue to play a leading role by fostering global collaboration amongst governments and private sector partners. We intend to seize the opportunity of utility-scale renewable energy and focus our investments in frontier technologies like sustainable aviation fuel and green hydrogen to help accelerate global progress ahead of COP28 and beyond.”

As well as calling for greater industry collaboration, the report highlights the importance of increased public sector support and calls upon global governments to deliver innovative incentives across funding, legislation, and taxation to support national net-zero targets. As highlighted in the report, only 24 percent of senior executives expect to receive funding from government funds or incentives and 41 percent believe that without greater incentives and funding they will be unable to meet their domestic market’s net-zero targets.

Publication of today’s report comes ahead of the UAE’s preparations to host COP28 later this year. This global event will act as a major milestone in progressing conversations and inclusive solutions across all sectors, including those hard-to-abate industries. In convening key players from this sector, COP28 will aim to accelerate climate action and deliver concrete outcomes and solutions for climate change. 

In his role as COP President-Designate, Dr Al Jaber has emphasized the need to address gaps by bringing public and private partners together in a “COP of Action, and a COP for All”. The UAE is firmly committed to an inclusive approach to climate action that includes industry leaders, civil society, academics, women, youth, and indigenous peoples.  

In addition to COP28, ‘Hard to Abate, Ready to Start’ will help frame discussions at the upcoming International Energy Week in London and S&P CERA Week in Houston, Texas.

Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) is a global initiative championed by the UAE and its clean energy powerhouse Masdar, to accelerate sustainable development and advance economic, social, and environmental progress. Established in 2008, ADSW provides a global platform for all who have a stake in the future of our planet. ADSW brings together leaders from across governments, the private sector and civil society, to discuss and engage on bold climate action and the innovations that will ensure a sustainable world for future generations.

Read the full report here.

• Held under the patronage of UAE President, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, ADSW 2023 opening ceremony was attended by His Highness and 13 heads of state and prime ministers
• Across six days, a series of landmark agreements were signed, positioning the UAE as a leader on climate action
• Anchor event, ADSW Summit, covered the upcoming COP28, pathway to net zero, transformative tech, financing climate action, and food and energy security 
• ADSW’s first Green Hydrogen Summit convened global leaders to discuss the development of the UAE hydrogen economy, green energy in Africa and hydrogen’s value chain 
• ADSW 2023 hosted 36,000 participants from 170 countries, including 13 heads of state and more than 600 global speakers 

Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), successfully concluded its fifteenth edition, with a resounding show of commitment to climate action ahead of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), to be held in the UAE later this year.

Under the theme of ‘United on Climate Action Towards COP28,’ the six-day event was the first global sustainability gathering of a critical year, and it served as the first official platform for the recently announced COP28 leadership team, led by H.E. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, COP28 President-Designate, and Chairman of Masdar. In his keynote at the Opening Ceremony, H.E. Dr. Al Jaber called for the world to come together around COP28 to cooperate and collaborate and turn rhetoric into tangible results.

Global dignitaries, including 13 heads of state and a record number of attendees, convened to progress dialogue on the transition to a net-zero future. The event was held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE who attended the opening ceremony with Yoon Suk Yeol, President of the Republic of Korea, and Ilham Aliyev, President of Azerbaijan delivering keynote speeches. 

Championed by the UAE and its clean energy powerhouse, Masdar, ADSW 2023, also welcomed world leaders including: Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan; Wavel Ramkalawan, President of the Republic of Seychelles; João Manuel Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola; Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia; Nana Akufo-Addo, President of Ghana; Yoweri Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda; Surangel Whipps Jr., President of the Republic of Palau; Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, President of the Republic of Mozambique; Aziz Akhannouch, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Morocco; Abiy Ahmed, Prime Minister of Ethiopia; and Tiemoko Meyliet, Vice President of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire.

During the opening ceremony, 10 winners of the Zayed Sustainability Prize from five continents were recognized for their achievements in driving innovative and scalable sustainability solutions. 
Other major events that took place throughout the week included the 13th IRENA Assembly, the supreme decision-making body of the International Renewable Energy Agency. IRENA members confirmed their readiness to support the UAE’s COP28 presidency and committed to leveraging international cooperation through the Agency’s global platform.

The Atlantic Council Global Energy Forum, which annually convenes the world’s top energy and foreign policy decisionmakers hosted its seventh meeting at ADSW. Guests including H.E. Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, the Rt. Hon. Grant Shapps MP, Secretary of State for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy for the UK, John Kerry, U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, and Bernard Mensah, President of International for Bank of America discussed the geopolitical and geo-economic implications of the energy transition.

The flagship ADSW Summit brought together global decision-makers and thought leaders in sustainability to discuss innovative pathways to net zero, practical solutions to finance climate action, and transformative tech for food and energy security. The event featured past and present leaders of COP, including H.E. Razan Al Mubarak, the UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28, H.E. Laurent Fabius, President of France’s Constitutional Council, H.E. Sameh Shoukry, Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and COP27 President, and Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC. Collectively they highlighted the need to build on past successes and leverage the COP process to deliver on the Paris Agreement, ahead of the UAE’s hosting of COP28 and the highly anticipated Global Stocktake. 

The inaugural Green Hydrogen Summit was also held during ADSW. Hosted by Masdar’s green hydrogen business, the Summit convened more than 50 leading global hydrogen players, gathering key representatives across regulation, policy and the green hydrogen value chain.

Masdar, the host of ADSW, announced multiple global projects and agreements showing it is on track to meet the target of 100 GW of clean energy by 2030. These included up to 5GW of renewable energy projects with three African nations under the Etihad 7 UAE-backed funding umbrella. 

Also announced were agreements with the Kyrgyz Republic’s Ministry of Energy to develop renewable projects with a capacity of up to 1 GW, an agreement with the Kazakhstan Investment Development Fund to develop a wind power plant with up to 1 GW capacity, and an agreement with Azerbaijan state oil company SOCCAR to develop up to 4 GW of renewable energy projects. 
A first wave of investment of US$20 billion was also announced as part of the US-UAE Partnership to Accelerate Clean Energy (PACE), with Masdar and a consortium of US private investors leading the funding and development of 15 GW of clean energy projects in the US by 2035. 

ADSW provided a platform for engaging and empowering young people and women in sustainability in the lead-up to COP28. The Youth 4 Sustainability (Y4S) Hub brought together more than 3,000 leaders, experts, entrepreneurs, and young delegates to discuss ways to advance youth engagement across climate action. The annual Women in Sustainability, Environment and Renewable Energy (WiSER) Forum hosted influential figures from around the world for a roundtable discussion on ‘Empowering Women to Lead Climate Adaptation’. 

Returning to an in-person format this year, Abu Dhabi Global Market hosted the fifth edition of the Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Forum to conclude the week’s events. It convened 50 global institutional investors, government leaders, regulators, and financial institutions.

ADSW was supported by the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy, COP28 UAE, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, TAQA, Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, Mubadala Investment Company, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, General Electric, The Climate Pledge, Investcorp, Expo City Dubai, TotalEnergies, Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau, Schneider Electric, 1PointFive, Fertiglobe, PepsiCo, Emirates Development Bank, HSBC, Baker Hughes, BEEAH, UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, Ne’ma, Emirates Water and Electricity Company, McKinsey and Etihad Airways.

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and a number of world leaders today attended the opening ceremony of this year's Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), the global initiative championed by the UAE to accelerate sustainable development.

The inauguration, which was held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), was also attended by Yoon Suk Yeol, President of the Republic of Korea; Ilham Aliyev, President of Azerbaijan; Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan; Wavel Ramkalawan, President of the Republic of Seychelles; João Manuel Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola; Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia; Nana Akufo-Addo, President of Ghana; Yoweri Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda; Surangel Whipps Jr., President of the Republic of Palau; Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, President of the Republic of Mozambique; Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania; Aziz Akhannouch, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Morocco; and Abiy Ahmed, Prime Minister of Ethiopia; Tiemoko Meyliet, Vice President of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire.

H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior; H.H Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court; H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Member of Abu Dhabi Executive Council; H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Advisor for Special Affairs at the Ministry of Presidential Court; Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence; and a number of sheikhs and senior officials also attended the opening.

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed welcomed heads of state, policymakers, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs to ADSW 2023, which will explore issues and aim to find solutions to the challenges the world faces as it looks to a more sustainable future for future generations.

He stressed that ADSW is a global platform, reflecting the UAE's commitment to convening the international community and ensuring collaboration in driving sustainable economic and social development.

The UAE is making intensive efforts to find feasible and pragmatic solutions to climate change issues, His Highness said, stressing that its strategic initiative to achieve Net Zero by 2050 was a natural progression of the comprehensive approach to sustainability the company has followed since its inception, inspired by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s vision. The UAE’s Founding Father laid the groundwork for building a prosperous and sustainable future through this commitment to protecting nature and preserving the environment.

His Highness the President stated that ADSW this year is an essential step towards the UAE hosting the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28). The country’s selection to host COP28 reflected the UAE’s continued efforts to promote practical climate action, sustainable economic development, and progress towards desired global goal, he said.

The opening ceremony began with the national anthem of the UAE, followed by a film on the importance of effective climate action and the need for concerted global efforts. The film included statements from global leaders and officials calling for urgent and serious action to confront the problem of climate change and strengthen collective action, in order to achieve a sustainable future.

During his keynote speech, Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, expressed his deepest gratitude for His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed for inviting him to ADSW, and stressed the depth of the bilateral relations between the UAE and Azerbaijan. He also praised the UAE’s remarkable growth trajectory, particularly in the sustainability and renewable energy sectors.

President Aliyev highlighted his country’s ambition to strengthen its reliance on clean energy sources as an essential part of national development efforts, and to contribute to the global drive for a more environmentally friendly economy. He referred to the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Masdar and the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) for the joint development of renewable energy sources, which aim to produce 10 GW of renewable energy in the long term.

ADSW 2023, hosted by the UAE's clean energy powerhouse Masdar, features a series of key events throughout the week that seek to engage all sections of society. It will be held under the theme of ‘United on Climate Action Towards COP28’ and will convene heads of state, policymakers, industry leaders, investors, youth, and entrepreneurs for a series of high-level sessions focused on key priorities for sustainable development ahead of the UN conference. Hosted by the UAE from 30th November to 12th December, 2023, COP28 aims to leverage the country’s strategic position as a connector between north and south, east and west, and its global position to facilitate dialogue and conversations that enable a consensus for the most pressing climate challenges of our time.

Delegates at ADSW will look to set global climate agenda priorities for COP28 – which will cement the UAE’s position as a bridge connecting the global North, South, East and West – and will discuss the need for all groups across society to be engaged, and determine how to leverage outcomes from the first Global Stocktake of the Paris Agreement.

The ADSW Summit, the two-day flagship event of ADSW, focuses on a wide range of important topics, including food and water security, energy savings, decarbonisation of industries, health and climate adaptation.

ADSW 2023 will also see the arrival of a new platform for the global energy sector through the launch of the inaugural Green Hydrogen Summit, which will highlight green hydrogen’s role in the process of decarbonising key sectors and supporting countries' efforts in the journey to net zero.

ADSW 2023 seeks to involve young people in climate action through the Youth 4 Sustainability Forum and Hub, annually engaging 3,000 young men and women. ADSW will also include the annual forum of Masdar’s Women in Sustainability, Environment and Renewable Energy platform (WiSER), aiming to give women more space to discuss sustainability, and ‘Innovate’ A Masdar City Initiative to showcase the latest global technologies. In addition, ADSW will focus on startups and SMEs, with more than 70 companies exhibiting, alongside Masdar’s ‘Innovate’ initiative which will showcase the latest groundbreaking technologies globally.

ADSW began with the General Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the Global Energy Forum of the Atlantic Council on 14th and 15th January. The ADSW Summit takes place on 16th and 17th January, and the World Future Energy Summit, the “Innovate” initiative, and the Youth Center for Sustainability takes place on 16th to 18th January.

The (WiSER) summit takes place on 17th January, the Green Hydrogen Summit on 18th January, and the Abu Dhabi Forum for Sustainable Finance on 19th January, with the week concluding with the festival in Masdar City.

• Anchor event of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2023 will gather world leaders, global CEOs, and international sustainability advocates to identify key sustainability issues for coming year 
• ADSW Summit speakers to include H.E. Mariam bint Mohammed Al Mheiri, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, and UAE and Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary, UNFCCC
• Summit agenda will cover the upcoming COP28, pathway to net zero, transformative tech, financing climate action, and food and energy security 
• Other global speakers at ADSW 2023 will include John Kerry, US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; January 13, 2023: The ADSW Summit will take place on Monday and Tuesday, January 16 and 17, bringing together heads of state, policymakers, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs from around the world to discuss the most pressing issues and opportunities on the road to net zero.

The two-day summit is the flagship event of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) which runs from January 14 to 19. The summit will focus on how to scale up transformative technology, the importance of international partnerships, food security, how to shape the global financial architecture for climate action, and how to secure a stable energy pathway to net zero. It will ensure an ongoing dialogue between key stakeholders and provide opportunities to translate pledges into practical solutions.

The ADSW Summit 2023 also comes in a vital year of climate action for the UAE, with the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) being held in the country from November 30-December 12.  COP28, the Emirates Climate Conference, will see the conclusion of the first Global Stocktake of the Paris Agreement – assessing the progress made by countries on their national climate plans. Also speaking at ADSW will be COP28 President-Designate, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, and Chairman of Masdar, Dr. Sultan Al Jaber.

Confirmed speakers at the event include H.E. Majid Al Suwaidi, Director General, COP28; H.E. Sameh Shoukry, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Egypt, COP27 President; H.E. Mariam bint Mohammed Al Mheiri, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, UAE; H.E. Agnès Pannier-Runacher, Minister for Energy Transition, France; H.E. Khadheeja Naseem, Minister of State for Environment, Climate Change and Technology, Maldives; H.E. Sarah Ryglewski, Minister of State for Sustainable Development, Federal Government, Germany; Amb. Patricia Espinosa-Cantellano, Former Executive Secretary, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Founding & Managing Partner, Onepoint5; Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary, UNFCCC; Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, World Health Organisation; Dr. Ing. Christian Bruch, CEO, Siemens Energy; Noel Quinn, Group Chief Executive Officer, HSBC; Dr. Andrew Steer, President and CEO, Bezos Earth Fund, among others.

Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer, Masdar, said, “More than ever, it is critical that the world’s leaders across business, government, and civil society come together to address the most pressing issue of our time; climate change. That is why Masdar, as host of ADSW, is bringing together leaders from around the world at the ADSW Summit 2023. We look forward to hosting one of the most impactful and significant ADSW Summits to date, while marking the first physical ADSW since 2020.”

Hosted by the UAE’s clean energy powerhouse Masdar, in addition to the ADSW Summit, ADSW 2023 features a series of key events throughout the week that seek to engage all sections of society. 

These include the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Assembly; the Atlantic Council Global Energy Forum; the ADSW Opening Ceremony and Zayed Sustainability Prize Awards Ceremony; the World Future Energy Summit Exhibition and forums; the inaugural Green Hydrogen Summit; the Women in Sustainability, Environment and Renewable Energy (WiSER) Forum; Youth 4 Sustainability Forum and Hub; Innovate – A Masdar City Initiative; and the Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Forum.

Since 2008, ADSW has educated and inspired tens of thousands of participants each year by enabling discussion, debate and action around some of the world's most pressing sustainability challenges. Last year alone 30,000 attendees came to ASDW, some 600 speakers, and representatives of 150 different countries. The event is rooted in the firm belief that global challenges can only be addressed through collaboration. 

Key dates for ADSW 2023 include: 
• 14 – 15 January: IRENA Assembly, Atlantic Council Global Energy Forum 
• 16 January: Opening Ceremony, COP28 Strategy Announcement and Zayed Sustainability Prize Awards Ceremony 
• 16 – 17 January: ADSW Summit
• 16 – 18 January: World Future Energy Summit, Youth 4 Sustainability Hub, Innovate 
• 17 January: WiSER Forum 
• 18 January: Green Hydrogen Summit 
• 19 January: Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Forum 

• ‘United on Climate Action Towards COP28’ will be theme of ADSW 2023, taking place next week in UAE capital and hosted by Masdar 

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; January 11, 2023: The clock is ticking… on the countdown to a sustainable future. Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, the global platform for accelerating sustainable development hosted by Masdar, has responded to the need for immediate climate action with the launch of a campaign dedicated to uniting global leaders on the journey to net zero. 

The ‘#UnitedonClimateAction’ campaign kicks off with an impactful video, featuring calls to climate action from international leaders like His Majesty King Charles III, King of the United Kingdom, HE Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Special Envoy for Climate Change and Chairman of Masdar, and John Kerry, United States Special Presidential Envoy for Climate. The UAE will be hosting the United Nations Climate Change Conference 2023 (COP28) from November 30-December 12 this year. 

ADSW 2023, taking place from January 14 to 19, will convene heads of state, policymakers, industry leaders, investors, youth, and entrepreneurs, for impactful dialogues on the transition to a net-zero future. The Week will feature high-level sessions focused on the key priorities for sustainable development, and will drive discussion and debate around climate action in the run-up to COP28. 

• International experts and decision makers to highlight green hydrogen’s potential to support global net-zero goals ahead of UAE-hosted COP28 later this year
• Summit to be one of series of high-level events held at ADSW 2023 – highlighting UAE leadership’s commitment to practical, inclusive climate action

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, January 3, 2023: Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), the global initiative championed by the UAE and its clean energy powerhouse Masdar to accelerate sustainable development, will hold its first annual Green Hydrogen Summit this year, highlighting green hydrogen’s growing importance in the global drive toward net zero. 

The Green Hydrogen Summit 2023, taking place on January 18, will be one of the key events taking place at ADSW 2023, which will convene heads of state, policymakers, industry leaders, investors, youth, and entrepreneurs, for a series of impactful dialogues ahead of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), to be held in the UAE from November 30-December 12. COP28, the Emirates Climate Conference, will see the conclusion of the first Global Stocktake of the Paris Agreement – assessing the progress made by countries on their national climate plans. 

H.E. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Special Envoy for Climate Change, and Chairman of Masdar, said, “We stand at a critical moment as nations prepare to gather in the UAE to highlight progress on meeting climate objectives and to explore pathways to net zero. Ahead of COP28, ADSW2023 will provide a platform for vital dialogue between key stakeholders and decision makers, as we look to forge alliances and develop innovative solutions to deliver an inclusive energy transition. The UAE and Masdar have long believed that green hydrogen will play a key role in that energy transition and as we continue to explore low-carbon and zero-carbon energy solutions, the time is right for green hydrogen to take a more central role at ADSW.”  

The inaugural Green Hydrogen Summit at ADSW will cover topics including, developments in hydrogen production, conversion, transport, storage, and use. It will include high-level discussions focused on the development of the UAE hydrogen economy, the role of government and regulation, and panel sessions on a broad range of topics including innovation, sustainable finance, green energy in Africa, and hydrogen’s value chain. 

Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer, Masdar, said, “As green hydrogen continues to show growing promise as a critical enabler of our net-zero future, we must unlock its full potential by accelerating research and development and investment in this vital sector. Masdar is excited to launch the ADSW Green Hydrogen Summit to support the development of the UAE’s green hydrogen economy and help realize the global energy transition. This inaugural Summit will also pave the way toward COP28 in the UAE, where we can expect green hydrogen to be a key component of a future low-carbon energy market.”

The Green Hydrogen Summit is held in partnership with the Hydrogen Council, Atlantic Council, International Renewable Energy Agency and Dii Desert Energy. 

ADSW host Masdar announced in December the formation of its new green hydrogen business to support the UAE’s green hydrogen economy. Masdar’s green hydrogen business aims to produce up to one million tonnes of green hydrogen per annum by 2030. Masdar is already actively involved in a number of projects related to green hydrogen production, including agreements with leading Egyptian state-backed organizations to cooperate on the development of green hydrogen production plants, targeting an electrolyzer capacity of 4 gigawatts by 2030, and output of up to 480,000 tonnes of green hydrogen per year.

The first international sustainability gathering of the year, ADSW 2023 will again feature the ADSW Summit, hosted by Masdar. Taking place on January 16, the Summit will focus on a wide range of critical topics including Food and Water Security, Energy Access, Industrial Decarbonization, Health, and Climate Adaptation.

As in previous years, ADSW 2023 will feature partner-led events and opportunities for international engagement on sustainability-related topics, including the International Renewable Energy Agency’s IRENA Assembly, the Atlantic Council Global Energy Forum, the Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Forum, and the World Future Energy Summit.

ADSW 2023 will also mark the 15th anniversary of the Zayed Sustainability Prize – the UAE’s pioneering global award for recognizing excellence in sustainability. Masdar’s Youth for Sustainability platform will hold the Y4S Hub during the week, which aims to attract 3,000 young people, while the annual forum for Masdar’s Women in Sustainability, Environment and Renewable Energy (WiSER) platform will also be held, giving women a greater voice in the sustainability debate.

Key dates for ADSW 2023 include:
• 14 – 15 January: IRENA Assembly, Atlantic Council Energy Forum
• 16 January: Opening Ceremony, COP28 Strategy Announcement and Zayed Sustainability Prize Awards Ceremony, ADSW Summit
• 16 – 18 January: World Future Energy Summit, Youth 4 Sustainability Hub, Innovate
• 17 January: WiSER Forum WiSER Forum
• 18 January: Green Hydrogen Summit and Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Forum

• Held under the patronage of UAE President HH Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, ADSW will contribute to setting sustainability agenda ahead of COP28, the Emirates Climate Conference.
• Under theme of ‘United on Climate Action Toward COP28,’ ADSW 2023 will demonstrate UAE leadership’s commitment to practical, inclusive climate action
• ADSW will convene global sustainability decision makers and key stakeholders for impactful dialogue ahead of critical Global Stocktake that will take place at COP28<
• ADSW 2023 will also feature inaugural Green Hydrogen Summit

Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2023, the global initiative championed by the UAE and its clean energy powerhouse Masdar to accelerate sustainable development, will feature a series of high-level sessions focused on the key priorities for sustainable development ahead of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), to be held in the UAE from November 30-December 12.

The fifteenth edition of the annual event will be held under the patronage of UAE President HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan who has championed sustainability as a key pillar of the UAE’s economic and social progress and prosperity.

ADSW, taking place from January 14 to 19, under the theme of ‘United on Climate Action Toward COP28,’ will convene heads of state, policymakers, industry leaders, investors, youth, and entrepreneurs, for a series of impactful dialogues on the transition to a net-zero future. Key stakeholders will discuss priorities for the global climate agenda at COP28, the need for all stakeholders across society to be engaged and included, and how to leverage the assessments from the first Global Stocktake of the Paris Agreement to accelerate climate progress at COP28 and beyond.

H.E. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Special Envoy for Climate Change, and Chairman of Masdar, said, “For over 15 years, ADSW has reinforced the UAE’s commitment to addressing global challenges as a responsible leader driving climate action and sustainable economic development. ADSW 2023 will help shape the sustainability agenda and drive momentum toward COP28 in the UAE by convening the global community and facilitating meaningful dialogue to foster consensus, groundbreaking partnerships and innovative solutions.

“The world needs a just and inclusive energy transition that supports the needs of developing nations while ensuring a more sustainable future for us all. ADSW can serve as an ideal platform to accelerate the adoption of clean technologies and put partnerships together that can take them to scale around the world, leaving no one behind.”

ADSW 2023 will feature for the first time a Green Hydrogen Summit, hosted by Masdar’s green hydrogen business, highlighting its potential to decarbonize key industries – helping countries to achieve their net-zero objectives.

Earlier this month, Masdar formally announced a new shareholding structure and the launch of its green hydrogen business – forming a clean energy powerhouse that will spearhead global decarbonization efforts. Masdar is now one of the largest clean energy companies of its kind and is well-positioned to lead the industry on a global scale, strengthening the UAE’s role as an energy leader.

The first international sustainability gathering of the year, ADSW 2023 will drive discussion and debate around climate action in the run-up to COP28. The ADSW Summit, hosted by Masdar and taking place on January 16, will focus on a wide range of critical topics including Food and Water Security, Energy Access, Industrial Decarbonization, Health, and Climate Adaptation.

ADSW 2023 will also seek to engage youth in climate action, with its Youth for Sustainability platform holding the Y4S Hub, which aims to attract 3,000 young people. ADSW 2023 will also feature the annual forum for Masdar’s Women in Sustainability, Environment and Renewable Energy (WiSER) platform, giving women a greater voice in the sustainability debate.

As in previous years, ADSW 2023 will also feature partner-led events and opportunities for international engagement on sustainability-related topics, including the International Renewable Energy Agency’s IRENA Assembly, the Atlantic Council Global Energy Forum, the Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Forum, and the World Future Energy Summit.

The 2023 ADSW will also mark the 15th anniversary of the Zayed Sustainability Prize – the UAE’s pioneering global award for recognizing excellence in sustainability. With 96 winners across its categories of Health, Food, Energy, Water, and Global High Schools, the Prize has positively impacted the lives of over 378 million people around the world, including in Vietnam, Nepal, Sudan, Ethiopia, Maldives and Tuvalu.

Over the years, the Prize has provided communities across the world with access to quality education, clean food and water, quality healthcare, energy, jobs, and improved community safety.

With small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) making up roughly 90 percent of businesses worldwide, ADSW 2023 will welcome over 70 SMEs and start-ups across several sectors, including Masdar City’s global initiative Innovate, which will showcase groundbreaking international technologies.

Key dates for ADSW 2023 include:

• 14 – 15 January: IRENA Assembly, Atlantic Council Global Energy Forum
• 16 January: Opening Ceremony, COP28 Strategy Announcement and Zayed Sustainability Prize Awards Ceremony, ADSW Summit
• 16 – 18 January: World Future Energy Summit, Youth 4 Sustainability Hub, Innovate
• 17 January: WiSER Forum
• 18 January: Green Hydrogen Summit and Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Forum

Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), Masdar’s global platform for accelerating sustainable development, today announced that the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE) has signed an agreement to return as Principal Partner of both ADSW 2023 and 2024. 

Signed by Undersecretary of the DoE, His Excellency Eng. Ahmed Mohammed Al Rumaithi, and Masdar Chief Executive Officer, Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, the agreement ensures that the DoE, a Principal Partner since 2019, will continue to support ADSW in its efforts to accelerate sustainable socioeconomic development and positive climate action, in line with the United Arab Emirates’ long-term sustainability vision and net-zero commitments.

Established in 2008 by Masdar, one of the world’s fastest-growing clean energy companies, and hosted every January, ADSW is the year’s first major sustainability gathering. ADSW 2023 will convene global stakeholders 14–21 January in Abu Dhabi to take stock of progress on commitments resulting from this year’s COP27, which concluded last week in Sharm Al-Sheikh, Egypt; and drive forward momentum to next November’s COP28 in the UAE. 

Undersecretary of the DoE, H. E. Eng. Ahmed Mohammed Al Rumaithi, said: “The Department of Energy is keen on promoting global dialogue on sustainability in order to stimulate all components of the energy sector. Dialogue and coordinated action will enable us to connect and exchange visions on the best ways to move the sector towards a carbon-neutral future. The Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week is an ideal platform to achieve this, as it continues to push efforts to combat climate change on the local and international stage, in line with our endeavor to help the UAE achieve its Net Zero 2050 goal. We are pleased to continue participating in this pioneering event and partner with ADSW for the next two editions to help consolidate Abu Dhabi’s leading position in energy transition and sustainability.”

“Climate action continues to top the agenda of policymakers, which increases the need for specialized events such as ADSW that bring together specialists in this field to find solutions to climate challenges posed by the increasing demand for energy around the world,” added H.E. Undersecretary Al Rumaithi.

Masdar CEO, Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, said: “Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week and the Department of Energy are united in our long-standing joint efforts to cement the UAE’s position as a pioneering leader of the global clean energy transition. As we look back on this year’s COP27 in Egypt, and ahead to next year’s COP28 in the UAE, ADSW will provide the ideal platform for global stakeholders to hold each other to account and continue to engage on bold climate action and practical innovation.” 

ADSW 2023 also aligns with the DoE’s mission to position Abu Dhabi as a global hub for clean-tech innovation to support the UAE’s economic diversification and decarbonization efforts, for the benefit of future generations. 

With the October 2021 launch of its Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative, the UAE became the first country in the Middle East and North African (MENA) region to commit to decarbonizing its energy grid by mid-century, in line with the Paris Agreement, which calls on countries to prepare long-term strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit the rise in global temperature to 1.5 C compared to pre-industrial levels.

• Africa could capture up to 10% of global green hydrogen market, helping to create up to 3.7 million jobs and adding as much as US$120bn to GDP by 2050, report released at COP27 shows
• Green hydrogen production on this scale would accelerate deployment of renewable energy across continent and increase electrification rate
• Report produced by Masdar and Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week with analytical support provided by McKinsey & Company 

Africa could capture as much as 10 percent of the global green hydrogen market, helping to create up to 3.7 million jobs and adding as much as US$120 billion to the continent’s gross domestic product (GDP), according to a landmark report issued jointly by Masdar and its Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) platform on the sidelines of the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27).  

Africa’s plentiful solar and wind resources could be leveraged to produce 30 to 60 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of green hydrogen by 2050, about 5 to 10 percent of global demand, according to the report, “Africa’s Green Energy Revolution: Hydrogen’s role in unlocking Africa’s untapped renewables,” produced with analytical support provided by McKinsey & Company.

An African hydrogen industry with that production capacity would likely create 1.9 to 3.7 million jobs and boost GDP by as much as US$60 to 120 billion by 2050, the report finds.

Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Masdar Chief Executive Officer, said, “This report provides a blueprint for African nations to deliver sustainable, low-carbon growth while extending energy access across the continent. Green hydrogen has the potential to reduce emissions, unlock economic opportunities, and create new and valuable jobs for countries across the Middle East and North Africa region. Masdar has long recognized green hydrogen’s potential, with investments as far back as 2008. With several green hydrogen projects underway today around the world – including a number in Africa – we look forward to continuing to work closely with our African partners to maximize the many achievable benefits of green hydrogen highlighted in this report.”  

Africa could be among the most competitive sources for green hydrogen in the world, the report shows, with a cost of US$1.8 to 2.6 per kilogram (kg) in 2030, further decreasing to about US$1.2 to 1.6 per kg by 2050 as hydrogen production technology matures and renewable energy costs continue to decline. 

Proximity to demand centers in Europe and Asia also optimally positions the continent to build an export-oriented hydrogen sector, the report suggests, noting African energy exports via green hydrogen and derivatives would reach 20 to 40 mtpa by 2050.  

The remaining 10-20 mtpa would serve domestic hydrogen demand, helping to boost electrification of African communities and delivering other socioeconomic benefits, including a more sustainable energy grid, expanded clean energy access, and reduced reliance on fossil fuel imports.

Masdar Director of Asset Management and Technical Services, Mohammad Abdelqader El Ramahi, said: “Scaling up green hydrogen is an opportunity to not only build a robust global-export sector on the African continent, but also to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy overall. The grid-connected renewables used for green hydrogen production can feed energy into the grid to provide affordable clean energy to under-resourced areas – notably, in Sub-Saharan Africa, which has an average electrification rate of only 48 percent.” 

Enabling production on the scale of 30-60 mtpa would require between 1,500 and 3,000 terawatt hours (TWh) of renewable energy – equivalent to more than 50 times Africa’s current total production from solar and wind, the report states. The largest share of the investments (US$320- 610 billion) would go to the renewables needed to produce the hydrogen, followed by electrolysis plants (US$115-220 billion). For export projects, most of the needed capital is expected to come from foreign investors, according to the report.

Beyond investments, the report recommends six broad areas for action: development of an integrated master plan; governance, international coordination, and mobilization; establishment of regulatory frameworks for hydrogen exports; investments in infrastructure; sourcing and building a highly skilled workforce; and deployment of project de-risking mechanisms.

Masdar, one of the world’s leading clean energy companies, is actively involved in a number of projects related to green hydrogen production. In April, Masdar and Egypt’s Hassan Allam Utilities signed agreements with leading Egyptian state-backed organizations to cooperate on the development of green hydrogen production plants in the country, targeting an electrolyzer capacity of 4 gigawatts by 2030, and output of up to 480,000 tonnes of green hydrogen per year.

The Masdar-ADSW report on Africa’s green hydrogen potential can be found online  here

Over 120 world leaders and 35,000 delegates gathered in Sharm El-Shiekh, Egypt, for the COP27 climate summit in Nov 2022.

Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) was there in full force too.

As a global initiative championed by the UAE and its clean energy powerhouse Masdar, ADSW is dedicated to engaging impactful dialogue between global stakeholders on practical, pro-climate, pro-growth solutions for a net-zero future.

At COP27, ADSW held a comprehensive suite of events that convened policymakers, clean energy experts, women, young people, inventors, and business leaders.

Events included bringing young people from the UAE, Africa and Europe together to talk about how to boost youth resilience in the face of the climate crisis. Panel discussions between young female professionals, who had spent time in rural Rwanda, explored how to increase access to clean energy in villages. ADSW also hosted speakers who shared sustainability success stories and discussed how to scale up net-zero buildings.

Africa’s potential to become a global leader in green hydrogen was also highlighted in a landmark report published by ADSW and Masdar. The continent could capture 10 percent of the world’s green hydrogen market, helping to create 3.7 million jobs by 2050, the report found.

Following on from the success of its events at COP27, ADSW 2023 will keep the vital climate conversation going. ADSW 2023 runs from Jan 14 to 19.

Download ADSW Agenda at COP27 program

Videos

Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, the sustainability platform hosted by Masdar, has produced a white paper highlighting some of the key findings from the ADSW Summit 2022, held in January. The Journey to Net Zero reflects the key themes of the event: Global Collaboration & Leadership, Innovation and Technology, and Sustainable Finance.

Attended by more than 80 specialists, heads of states, policy makers, global CEOs and leaders of international organizations, the ADSW Summit 2022 tackled the vital energy conversation, as well as the transition to sustainable economies and societies. 

“Today, world leaders have a responsibility towards the global population to act on climate,” the white paper states in its conclusion. “This includes mitigation measures, phasing out coal, focusing on the energy mix to bring in green technologies and green jobs, and reducing emissions to set forth the net zero path. Investing in energy, connectivity, and food systems, while using the necessary resources to make the required sustainable changes and ensuring jobs are at the heart of it, will render such a path all-inclusive.” 

For more information on the ADSW Summit, its sessions and to download The Journey to Net Zero, please visit www.adsw.ae. 

Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week will return from January 14-21, 2023. 

Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, hosted by Masdar, partnered with Harvard Business Review to conduct survey-led research into issues around the adoption of environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices and try to understand just how businesses are implementing ESG strategies.

The report, Reaping Returns on Environmental, Social and Governance Investments, which surveyed 249 executives from global businesses across a range of industries, found that interest in ESG adoption is strong, with 83 percent of respondents indicating that their organization will increase investment in ESG initiatives over the next 12 months. While only 9 percent of respondents said they have already seen a financial return on their ESG investment, most organizations believe this will lead to future financial benefits, with 22 percent saying they will see this within a year, although 41 percent said it would take two to five years.

According to the report, “strong tailwinds of change are encouraging organizations to assume greater corporate responsibility for their impact on the world’s natural resources, the well-being of employees, and ethical decision making in the boardroom.” However, developing an ESG strategy, one that evaluates and addresses issues that affect an organization’s operations and practices – and potentially its value – is still proving challenging, with 27 percent of respondents indicating that they have yet to put a formal ESG strategy in place, and 10 percent saying they are not currently working on improving their ESG performance.

To support the research, Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week recently hosted Alex Clemente, Founding Managing Director of Harvard Business Review Analytic Services who examined the report findings and discussed ESG in more detail. Moderated by Zainab Al Ali, Head of Outreach and Stakeholder Relations at Masdar, the virtual session can be watched here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebzyckDlASk

More information on the topic of ESG, including the full Harvard Business Review report can be found at adsw.ae.

• Partnership between Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) and Emirates Water and Electricity Company represents first step on ADSW’s journey to  become carbon neutral; in alignment with UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative

Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), the global platform for accelerating sustainable development hosted by Masdar, has today announced that the World Future Energy Summit, a key event at ADSW 2022, was powered by clean energy, thanks to a partnership with Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC).

EWEC provided ADSW with Clean Energy Certificates covering the energy used by the event, reflecting the platform’s commitment to becoming carbon neutral. ADSW, which took place earlier this week, brought together heads of state, policy makers, and international business leaders, as the UAE aims to drive the global sustainability agenda forward and accelerate pathways to net zero
Othman Al Ali, Chief Executive Officer of EWEC, said "We are delighted to see Clean Energy Certificates used to offset the carbon footprint of WFES, continuing the rapid expansion of the CEC market to date, with the events sector joining the energy, real estate and healthcare sectors. We see the potential for many more sectors and entities looking to decarbonise to enter the market, as the UAE strives to meet the goals of the UAE Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative and UAE Energy Strategy 2050"

EWEC is currently working on a range of clean energy projects, including  the Al Dhafra Solar PV IPP project, which will be the world’s largest single-site solar power plant, using around 4 million solar panels to generate enough electricity for 160,000 homes across the UAE. Upon full commercial operation, Al Dhafra Solar PV is expected to reduce Abu Dhabi’s CO2 emissions by more than 2.4 million tonnes per year, equivalent to removing approximately 470,000 cars from the road.

ADSW 2022, the first major sustainability event after the COP26 climate change conference, will act as a global catalyst for COP27, which will be held in Egypt this year, and COP28, which will be hosted by the UAE next year. Held annually since 2008, ADSW has become one of the latest sustainability platforms in the world, with more than 45,000 people from 175 countries participating in ADSW 2020. 

ADSW is a key component in the UAE’s positioning as a regional and global leader in sustainability and climate action. Last October, the UAE announced its Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative, a national drive to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, the first such initiative in the MENA region. The UAE was also the first Arab country to set voluntary clean energy targets, and the first Gulf state to sign the Paris Agreement.

ADSW was supported by Abu Dhabi Department of Energy; Aramex, Bloomberg Media, Bee’ah, Crédit Agricole, Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation; Emirates Water and Electricity Company; Engie, Etihad Airways, General Electric, InvestCorp, McKinsey & Company, Mubadala Investment Company, PepsiCo, Power China; Tabreed, and the UAE Space Agency. 

ADSW took place from January 15 – 19, 2022.  Events and sessions from the week can be watched again on the platform’s new channel - ADSW Live - https://adsw.live/all-videos.html