03 JAN 2023
Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week Hosts First Green Hydrogen Summit in Year of Climate Action for UAE
• 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
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04 DEC 2023
Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed attends ADSW Summit Inauguration at COP28
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.
29 NOV 2023
ADSW Summit at COP28 Brings Together Global Voices Driving Climate Action
• 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.
08 NOV 2023
Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week Sets Out Bold Global Climate Action Agenda at COP28
• 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.