News

• 85 percent of respondents saw the COVID-19 pandemic as a ‘wake-up call’ on sustainability
• 65 percent expect to realize financial benefits of ESG investment within the next two years
• Half of all respondents say they are prioritizing ESG because it is important to investors
• Balancing profit with sustainability is easier for some sectors than for others, with technology leading and transport lagging

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; April 28, 2021: Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), the global platform for accelerating sustainable development and its host Masdar, have today released the results of a global survey, which explores how businesses around the world are responding to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) in the wake of COVID-19.

ESG Beyond Tipping Point surveyed 525 executives from global businesses that deliver annual revenues of $250 million USD or more, suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic is having a profound impact on businesses’ perceptions of ESG issues.

The research found that 87 percent of respondents indicated that ESG performance is now one of their organization’s core strategic objective, while 85 percent saw the COVID-19 pandemic as a wake-up call on sustainability.

Many businesses anticipate that the pay-offs from strengthening ESG activities in their organization, or in the case of financial services companies incorporating ESG data into their decision-making, will accrue quickly. The research found that, 65 percent of respondents expect to realize the financial benefit of ESG investment within the next two years, including 35 percent who expect it within the next 12 months.

Yousef Ahmed Baselaib, Executive Director, Strategy & Corporate Development at Masdar, said, “ESG has always been part of the Masdar’s DNA and continues to be as the company delivers on its mandate of seeking quality investments in renewable energy and sustainable technologies. Fifteen years on since Masdar was formed, ESG has reached enough of a critical mass across all sectors that it is unlikely that we will see a return to the old profits-above-all models of the past. As we explored during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week earlier this year, the opportunities presented by the Green Recovery will further fuel investor appetite for backing smart, sustainable companies. Those companies that ignore ESG will lose their relevance in the post-COVID era.”

Shareholders are a driving force for ESG investment across sectors and regions. Nearly half of all respondents (49 percent) say they are prioritizing ESG because it is important to investors.

The research also provided deep insights on how different geographical regions and industry sectors are responding to the demand for greater ESG commitments. The research found that 70 percent of respondents from Asia-Pacific agreed that their company is committed to achieving net-zone emission, while only 33 percent of respondents from the Middle East agreed when asked the same question.

At a sector level, the research found that balancing profit with sustainability is easier for some sectors than for others, with 68 percent of respondents from the technology sector agreeing they were able to balance customer demands for sustainability with shareholder expectations for profits. However, responses from the transport sector were much lower, with only 38 percent agreeing that the sector was able to balance customer demand and shareholder expectations.

The ESG research was supported by a series of high-level interviews with industry leaders, including Dietmar Siersdorfer, Managing Director of Middle East and UAE at Siemens Energy, who said, “It is extremely gratifying to see the topics around ESG and sustainability draw more mainstream recognition,” said Dietmar Siersdorfer. “These issues need to recognized not just as a showpiece of corporate strategy but as a fundamental necessity of doing business. As a company founded to drive the energy transition and promote ESG and sustainability values, Siemens Energy has set an ambitious target of net zero emissions by 2030. We are dedicated to energizing society in line with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, to ensure the highest impact on societal development.”

At an employee level, businesses cannot overlook the growing role of sustainability in the battle to recruit and retain high quality talent at all levels of the company. The extent to which a company embraces ESG is becoming a crucial factor in whether people want to work for them – even more than remuneration policies for some. Strikingly, 52 percent of respondents say they would be prepared to take a pay cut to move to a company with a better ESG performance.

More than half of the respondents (51 percent) intend to create new ESG-focused management positions in the next 12 months, with organizations based in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East & Africa leading the way in this area.

Even before the pandemic, sustainability was rising up the corporate agenda, but this trend has accelerated dramatically during the crisis: improved ESG performance is now a core strategic objective for most organizations.

Crucially, the determination to embrace ESG principles is shared by all stakeholder groups, including investors, employees, customers and suppliers. And those organizations that are rising to the challenge are already beginning to see returns.

With business leaders now recognizing that we have moved past the tipping point: ESG is now a key battleground in the competition for investment and talent – and, ultimately, to attract and retain customers.

Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week has released the second in the series of three white papers, which capture the key takeaways from the 2021 ADSW Summit.

Each white paper will feature insights and quotes from global leaders across government, business and industry. To watch sessions from the ADSW Summit, please visit the ADSW YouTube channel.

The "Care & Engage" white paper examines how the measures put in place around the world to tackle the spread of Covid-19 have resulted in short-term benefits to the environment. Care & Engage goes on to highlight the technological solutions and political frameworks that will need to be adopted over the next decade to mitigate the challenges relating to climate change.


Download the white paper from here.

Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week has released the final white paper in a series, which capture the key takeaways from the 2021 ADSW Summit.

Each white paper features insights and quotes from global leaders across government, business and industry. To watch sessions from the ADSW Summit, please visit the ADSW YouTube channel.

The "Work & Invest" white paper examines how Covid-19 pandemic has greatly impacted and redirecting the way we conduct business, with companies increasingly focusing on sustainable investments. Sustainability has emerged at the top of business agenda, as research has revealed that Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) investments outperformed non-ESG investments in almost every month from January to September 2020.


Download the white paper from here.

Today Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week has released the first of a three part white paper series, which will capture the key takeaways from the 2021 ADSW Summit. 

The ADSW Summit, the flagship event of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, featured more than 90 global leaders from around the world and ran over three sessions focusing on the pillars of “Live & Move,” “Care & Engage,” and “Work & Invest,” with each pillar exploring social, economic and technological opportunities for delivering a green recovery.

Each white paper will feature insights and quotes from global leaders across government, business and industry. To watch sessions from the ADSW Summit, please visit the ADSW YouTube channel 

The "Live & Move" white paper examines how societies need to adapt to mitigate global challenges from climate change and the opportunities for delivering a green recovery post-COVID-19.

Download the white paper here.

• 2020 Annual Sustainability Report reveals Masdar’s global operating clean energy portfolio displaces close to 6.5 million metric tons of CO2 annually


Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; January 20, 2021: Masdar, one of the world’s leading renewable energy companies, released its 2020 Annual Sustainability Report that revealed it more than doubled its clean energy capacity over two years to generate enough electricity to power over four million homes. The capacity of the renewable energy projects that Masdar is a partner in has risen to over 10.7 GW in 2020 from 4 GW in 2019, with the company’s global operating clean energy portfolio displacing close to 6.5 million metric tons of CO2 annually.

The report spans the entire scope and scale of Masdar’s operations in the UAE and overseas and has been prepared in accordance with Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards: Core Option. It discloses Masdar’s impact in 2020, amidst the pandemic, examining KPIs across operational and environmental impact, social contribution, human capital, and governance.

“Masdar’s mission, since we launched in 2006, has been to put the UAE on a path to a sustainable, diversified economy, and we have grown to become an integral part of the UAE’s efforts to shape the climate change conversation globally. We have always led by example, in communicating the importance of sustainability, and last year was no exception. Our 2020 Annual Sustainability Report provides more information about our own ESG philosophy and offers greater insight into our activities and achievements in the past year,” said Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer, Masdar.

Top takeaways from the report, include:

• Over 6.5 million tons of CO2 displaced by clean energy portfolio during reporting period
• 11,000 GWh+ energy produced from clean energy sources during reporting period
• 561 (kgCO2/m2) consolidated embodied carbon intensity for Masdar-owned real estate assets
• 100,000+ m2 approximate gross floor area added to Masdar City

“When we published our first report dedicated to sustainability in 2012, the topic was rarely discussed in corporate boardrooms in the region, and indeed around the world. I am delighted to see that since then, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) reporting has moved from the exception to the rule for enterprises and businesses, and across diverse industries and sectors,” he added.

In spite of the pandemic, Masdar continued to make considerable progress on its business objectives, as a sustainability pioneer, and crucially while responding to COVID-19 and ensuring the health and safety of its staff, tenants, and partners across all Masdar’s entities. The year saw Masdar consolidate its leadership position in sustainable urban development and expand its footprint across the entire spectrum - from energy storage solutions, mobility and transport, green hydrogen and other essential parts of the wider clean energy value chain.

Key highlights from Masdar in 2020, include:
• Entering Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan with utility-scale solar and wind projects
• Signing a deal with EDF Renewables North America for the acquisition of 1.6 GW clean energy portfolio
• Expansion of presence in Australia with investments in two waste-to-energy projects in Western and Eastern Australia
• Signing an agreement to deliver the first floating solar photovoltaic plant in Indonesia
• Named as part of consortium that will develop the world’s largest solar power plant in Abu Dhabi, at a new record low rate
• UAE-Caribbean Renewable Energy Fund (UAE-CREF) successfully completes new development and funding agreements for eight Caribbean nations
• Masdar’s sustainable real estate investment trust (REIT) becomes the first ‘green’ REIT to be introduced in the UAE

#ENDS#

About Masdar
Abu Dhabi’s renewable energy company Masdar is advancing the commercialization and deployment of renewable energy, sustainable urban development and clean technologies to address global sustainability challenges. Wholly owned by Mubadala Investment Company, the strategic investment company of the Government of Abu Dhabi, our mandate is to help maintain the UAE’s leadership in the global energy sector, while supporting the diversification of both its economy and energy sources for the benefit of future generations. Today, Masdar is active in more than 30 countries, including the UAE, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Mauritania, Egypt, Morocco, the UK, the US, Australia, Spain, Serbia, India, Indonesia, Uzbekistan, and many more.
Contacts:
E-mail: press@masdar.ae
Tel enquiries in Arabic: +971 2 653 3333
Tel enquiries in English: +971 2 653 6014
For more information please visit: https://www.masdar.ae and connect: facebook.com/masdar.ae and twitter.com/masdar

• ADSW welcomes royal addresses from H.R.H, Charles, The Prince of Wales and H.S.H Prince Albert II of Monaco, Head of State, Principality of Monaco
• Flagship ADSW Summit took place in the presence of HH Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council
• ADSW featured more than 500 global leaders from government, business and technology

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; January 24, 2021: Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), the global platform for accelerating sustainable development, hosted by Masdar, concluded on Thursday with a resounding global commitment to deliver a green recovery in 2021. From January 18 to 21, ADSW took place in a reimagined virtual setting and attracted more than 100,000 views across its online platforms from 175 countries, reiterating its importance as the annual global sustainability event that sets the agenda for the year.

ADSW comprised high-level virtual events: ADSW Summit, which took place in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council; IRENA’s 11th Assembly; Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Forum; Atlantic Council Global Energy Forum; Youth 4 Sustainability Virtual Forum; and World Future Energy Summit Back to Business Webinar Series.

The ADSW speaker program featured more than 500 global leaders and decision-makers from policy, industry and technology, including: H.E. Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, and Special Envoy for Climate Change, and Chairman of Masdar; H.R.H, Charles, The Prince of Wales; H.S.H Prince Albert II of Monaco, Head of State, Principality of Monaco; António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations; H.E. Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Managing Director and Group CEO, Mubadala Investment Company; Rt. Hon. Alok Sharma MP, COP26 President; Laurence Fink, Chairman and CEO, BlackRock; Bernard Looney, CEO, BP; Brian Moynihan, Chairman of the Board and CEO, Bank of America; and Mark Carney, Finance Adviser to the UK Prime Minister for COP 26 and UN Special Envoy for Climate Action and Finance.

These global leaders spoke across ADSW’s high-level event platforms, each designed to focus on different elements of the global sustainability agenda.  

The International Renewable Energy Agency held its 11th IRENA Assembly, which brought together heads of state, government, ministers and energy decision-makers to discuss the global energy transition and the further adoption of renewable technologies.

The flagship ADSW Summit featured more than 90 global leaders from around the world and ran over three sessions focusing on the pillars of “Live & Move,” “Care & Engage,” and “Work & Invest,” with each pillar exploring social, economic and technological opportunities for delivering a green recovery.

The third edition of Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Forum hosted by Abu Dhabi Global Market was held under the theme ‘Financing Sustainable Recovery and Future Resilience’ and highlighted the importance of a sustainable and equitable approach to rebuild the global economy.

The Atlantic Council’s Global Energy Forum and World Future Energy Summit Webinars highlighted the opportunities for advancing the energy transition and race to net zero.

Masdar’s Youth 4 Sustainability Virtual Forum was led by members of the global youth community and explored ways for young people to play an active role in the implementation of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the UAE’s 50-year Development Plan. The forum covered topics across leadership and sustainability, skills and future of work, and innovation challenges including the Ecothon Pitch, which was supported by Abu Dhabi’s Department of Energy, Khalifa Fund and The Catalyst, a venture fund in partnership with Masdar City and BP.

ADSW 2021 also featured The Global Innovation Award, which is organized on behalf of the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, named Cambrian Innovation from the US the overall winner of Award.

The week welcomed several commercial announcements relating to the adoption and development of hydrogen in the UAE.  Mubadala Investment Company, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company and ADQ announced the signing of an MoU to establish the Abu Dhabi Hydrogen Alliance (the Alliance), with the view to establish Abu Dhabi as a trusted leader of low-carbon green and blue hydrogen in emerging international markets.

Building on the Alliance, Masdar, the world’s leading renewable energy companies, announced it would join forces with Abu Dhabi Department of Energy, Etihad Airways, Lufthansa Group, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Siemens Energy, and Marubeni Corporation, in an initiative designed to support the development of the green hydrogen economy in Abu Dhabi. The initiative aims to establish a demonstrator plant at Masdar City.

Building on the 2020 Abraham Accords, Masdar also signed a strategic agreement with French group EDF Renewables to explore renewable energy opportunities in Israel and support the country’s clean-energy objectives. Israel is targeting 30 percent of its energy coming from renewable sources by 2030, up from a previous target of 17 percent, as it looks to phase out coal use. Achieving the new target will require an additional 15 gigawatts (GW) of solar capacity being developed over the period.

Masdar also released during ADSW its 2020 Annual Sustainability Report, which revealed it had more than doubled its clean energy capacity in the last two years, generating enough electricity to power over four million homes.

For over a decade, Abu Dhabi has provided a sustainable platform for the global community that has grown through its initiatives and events to emerge as a thought leader and catalyst that accelerates sustainable development around the world.

As a manifestation of the UAE’s proactive, forward thinking approach to sustainability and mitigating the impact of climate change, ADSW is committed to the sharing of knowledge, implementation of strategies and the delivery of real-world solutions. As the first global event in the UAE’s Golden Jubilee year, ADSW provides a global platform to set the sustainability agenda for the year and help deliver the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, January 19, 2021: In the presence of His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week Summit got underway this morning as part of ADSW 2021, the global platform for accelerating the pace of sustainable development. Hosted by Masdar, the event is being held virtually this year due to restriction in place to manage the COVID-19 pandemic.
His Highness welcomed the leaders, officials and experts participating in the sessions of this year’s summit to discuss how to enact a ‘green recovery’ to help economies rebound from the pandemic and build a more sustainable future for all.

His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan emphasized that the UAE is continuing its efforts under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and with the support of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, to stimulate sustainable development, and said that ADSW is particularly relevant this year as it represents a global platform for dialogue and setting the sustainable development agenda based on the principles of the green recovery.

His Highness said: "In light of the exceptional circumstances that the world is experiencing, there is an urgent need to take practical steps and initiatives that contribute to accelerating the application of the principles and foundations of sustainable development, with the need to take proactive steps, plan for a more flexible future and strengthen capabilities in order to efficiently face the existing and emerging challenges.
“The Emirati initiatives, present to the world a practical model on the economic feasibility of renewable energy, stressing the importance of cooperation and joint work to achieve tangible progress in the field of reducing the repercussions of climate change”.

His Highness said that Abu Dhabi continues, year after year, to consolidate its position and pivotal role as a platform that brings together the international community to discuss key issues in sustainability. He said that he hoped that this year’s ADSW would be the starting point for constructive global dialogue on building a secure and stable future for current and future generations.

H.S.H. Prince Albert II, Sovereign Prince of Monaco, delivered the Summit’s keynote speech, thanked Abu Dhabi for hosting this event under these circumstances and said: “I believe the crisis we are experiencing is urging us to reinvent the ways we live, produce and travel in a more radical manner. It is urging us to rethink our relationship with nature and to reevaluate our priorities. In this respect, the coming year will be full of opportunities which we need to grasp.”

His Excellency Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Special Envoy for Climate Change and Chairman of Masdar, delivered a speech in which he welcomed the guests and participants of the Summit, praising the wise leadership's support for sustainable development.

His Excellency said that the COVID-19 pandemic was a wake-up call to humanity as a whole, and that it demonstrated the importance of sustainability in its broadest sense, and revealed the interdependence between health and food and resource security. His Excellency explained how efforts made by the UAE  to face the pandemic, through proactive measures enacted by the wise leadership,  focused on enhancing resource security and supporting vital supply chains.
His Excellency stressed the concept of cooperation and building bridges of dialogue and communication, noting that the country will host the Dubai Expo later this year, with sustainability and the future as the main themes of this event.
His Excellency touched on the Zayed Sustainability Prize and its role in promoting global sustainability efforts, as it has achieved a positive impact on more than 350 million people around the world. He said that the award has a special place among the UAE’s leadership because it embodies the values and principles of the founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and especially his commitment to sustainable progress. His Excellency explained that the award will return in its usual form next year, with a focus on aspects of innovation and recovery for the post-COVID period.

The ADSW Summit comprises three sessions of two hours each, and focuses on three topics: restoring the circle of life (Live & Move), enhancing responsibility and interaction (Care & Engage), and doing business and investment (Work & Invest). Each topic addresses the main issues and topics that would open the way for the many social, economic and technological opportunities to achieve a post-pandemic green recovery.
As well as the Summit, ADSW, which runs from January 18-21, hosts a series of high-level virtual activities, including the General Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the Abu Dhabi Forum for Sustainable Finance, and the Global Energy Forum of the Atlantic Council. the virtual forum for the "Youth for Sustainability" platform, and the World Future Energy Summit forums.

In addition to His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco; speakers at the summit include: His Royal Highness Prince Khalid bin Al-Waleed bin Talal Al Saud, Chairman of the Board of Directors of "KBW" Investment; His Excellency Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority, Group Chief Executive Officer, and Managing Director of Mubadala Investment; Grace Fu, Minister of Sustainability and Environment of the Government of Singapore; Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), and founder and CEO of Kalimat Group; His Excellency Engineer Aweidah Morshed Al Marar, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy; Francisco Lacamera, Director General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA); Maymouna Mohamed Sharif, Executive Director of UN-Habitat; Noel Quinn, CEO of HSBC Holding Group; Lawrence Fink, Chairman and CEO of BlackRock; And Dr Lucas Juba, CEO of Environmental Practices at Microsoft,.

Through its various initiatives and events, ADSW advances the process of exchanging knowledge, implementing strategies, and developing realistic solutions to face the challenges of sustainability and climate change. As the first major global event in 2021, the year in which the UAE celebrates its 50th anniversary, the week contributes a pioneering role in enhancing cooperation between the public and private sectors in order to achieve the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.

Since the launch of its activities more than a decade ago, ADSW has grown to become one of the largest gatherings concerned with sustainability in the world. The 2020 edition of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week attracted more than 45,000 participants from more than 170 countries, and saw the participation of 10 heads of state, in addition to 160 ministers and ambassadors.
To view the full program of ADSW 2021, please visit www.abudhabisustainabilityweek.com

• High-level virtual events include ADSW Summit, IRENA Assembly, Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Forum, Atlantic Council Global Energy Forum, Youth 4 Sustainability Virtual Forums and World Future Energy Summit Webinars
• Agenda will explore the social, economic and innovation opportunities for delivering a green recovery, bringing together global leaders from policy, industry and technology
• First day starts with program dedicated to energy, youth and closes with 11th session of IRENA Assembly
• Flagship ADSW Summit will feature over 70 high-level speakers from around the world

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; January 18, 2021: Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), the global platform for accelerating sustainable development, hosted by Masdar, goes live today until 21 January 2021 in a reimagined virtual setting. Over the course of four days, global leaders from policy, industry and technology will explore social, economic and technological opportunities for delivering a green recovery in a post-pandemic world.

ADSW 2021 will feature a series of high-level virtual events, including the ADSW Summit, IRENA Assembly, Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Forum (ADSFF), Atlantic Council Global Energy Forum, Youth 4 Sustainability (Y4S) Virtual Forums and the World Future Energy Summit (WFES) Webinars.

The first day of ADSW kicks off with the WFES Webinars, Y4S Forum, followed by the 11th session of the IRENA Assembly that brings together heads of state, government, ministers and energy decision-makers, as well as global stakeholders and private actors to discuss the energy transition as an investment in our collective future.

The flagship ADSW Summit on January 19th will feature more than 70 high-level speakers from around the world and will broadcast online across different time zones to engage audiences across various geographies and markets. The agenda runs over three two-hour sessions that focus on the pillars of “Live & Move,” “Care & Engage,” and “Work & Invest,” with each pillar exploring social, economic and technological opportunities to set and support a sustainable recovery.

The speakers at the one-day virtual ADSW Summit include: H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, Head of State, Principality of Monaco, who will give a keynote speech on national resilience in the context of Coivid-19; H.E. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE's Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Special Envoy for Climate Change and Chairman of Masdar; H.R.H Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud, Founder and CEO, KBW Ventures; H.E. Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Managing Director and Group CEO Mubadala Investment Company; The Rt Hon. Alok Sharma MP, COP 26 President and UK Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy; H.E. Grace Fu, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment of the Republic of Singapore; H.E. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Founder & CEO, Kalimat Publishing Group; H.E. Eng. Awaidha Murshed Al Marar, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Department of Energy; Francesco La Camera, Director General, IRENA; Maimunah Mohd Sharif, Executive Director UN-Habitat; Noel Quinn, Group Chief Executive Officer, HSBC Holdings; Laurence Fink, Chairman and CEO BlackRock; and Dr. Lucas Joppa, Chief Environmental Officer, Microsoft, in addition to many other high-level speakers.

The third edition of ADSFF hosted by Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) will be held under the theme ‘Financing Sustainable Recovery and Future Resilience’ on January 20th. It will highlight the importance of a sustainable and equitable approach to rebuild the global economy. ADSW 2021 will conclude on January 21st with the last sessions of Y4S, Atlantic Council’s Global Energy Forum and WFES.

Through initiatives and events, ADSW is committed to the sharing of knowledge, implementation of strategies and the delivery of real-world solutions to address the challenges related to sustainability and climate change. As the first global event in the UAE’s Golden Jubilee year, ADSW 2021 will help galvanize further collaboration among government, business and community stakeholders to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

For over a decade, Abu Dhabi has provided a sustainable platform for the global community that has grown through its initiatives and events to emerge as a thought leader and catalyst that accelerates sustainable development around the world.

The 2020 edition of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week hosted around 45,000 attendees from 170 countries, with more than 500 high-level speakers from around the world.

To ensure the safety of all participants, ADSW 2021 and all related high-level events will take place virtually. The physical program of ADSW will return in 2022.

Register now for the ADSW Summit at www.adsw.ae

• Reimagined ADSW 2021 comprises high-level virtual events including ADSW Summit, IRENA Assembly, Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Forum, Atlantic Council Global Energy Forum, Youth 4 Sustainability Virtual Forums and World Future Energy Summit Webinars
• Global leaders from policy, industry and technology to explore social, economic and technological opportunities for delivering a green recovery

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; January 16, 2021: H.S.H Prince Albert II of Monaco, Head of State, Principality of Monaco will deliver a keynote address at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), the global platform for accelerating sustainable development, hosted by Masdar, which runs from 18-21 January 2021 as a reimagined virtual event this year.

His speech on national resilience in the face of COVID-19 at the ADSW Summit on 19 January, will follow the keynote by His Excellency Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE's Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Special Envoy for Climate Change and Chairman of Masdar, and is expected to help set the agenda for a green recovery in a post-pandemic world.

ADSW Summit will feature more than 70 high-level speakers from around the world and broadcast online across different time zones to engage audiences across various geographies and markets. The agenda runs over three two-hour sessions that focus on the pillars of “Live & Move,” “Care & Engage,” and “Work & Invest,” with each pillar exploring social, economic and technological opportunities to set and support a sustainable recovery.

The speakers at the one-day virtual ADSW Summit will also include: H.E. Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Managing Director and Group CEO Mubadala Investment Company; H.R.H Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud, Founder and CEO, KBW Ventures; H.E. Grace Fu, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment of the Republic of Singapore; H.E. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Founder & CEO, Kalimat Publishing Group; H.E. Eng. Awaidha Murshed Al Marar, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Department of Energy; Francesco La Camera, Director General, IRENA; Maimunah Mohd Sharif, Executive Director UN-Habitat; Noel Quinn, Group Chief Executive Officer, HSBC Holdings; Laurence Fink, Chairman and CEO BlackRock; and Dr. Lucas Joppa, Chief Environmental Officer, Microsoft, in addition to many other high-level speakers.

ADSW 2021, which is supported by Abu Dhabi’s Department of Energy as a Principal Partner, will feature a series of high-level virtual events, including the ADSW Summit, IRENA Assembly, Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Forum, Atlantic Council Global Energy Forum, Youth 4 Sustainability Virtual Forums and the World Future Energy Summit Webinars.

Through initiatives and events, ADSW is committed to the sharing of knowledge, implementation of strategies and the delivery of real-world solutions to address the challenges related to sustainability and climate change. As the first global event in the UAE’s Golden Jubilee year, ADSW 2021 will help galvanize further collaboration among government, business and community stakeholders to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals

For over a decade, Abu Dhabi has provided a sustainable platform for the global community that has grown through its initiatives and events to emerge as a thought leader and catalyst that accelerates sustainable development around the world.

The 2020 edition of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week hosted around 45,000 attendees from 170 countries, with more than 500 high-level speakers from around the world.

To ensure the safety of all participants, ADSW 2021 and all related high-level events will take place virtually. The physical program of ADSW will return in 2022.

Register now for the ADSW Summit at www.adsw.ae

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, January 14, 2021: Some of Abu Dhabi’s most iconic buildings were lit up in green and with the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week logo, to mark the launch of the week’s activities. ADSW, the global platform for accelerating sustainable development, hosted by Masdar, will be held from 18 to 21 January 2021 and reimagined virtually.

The Wind Tower and Siemens headquarters located in Masdar City, ADNOC’s headquarters, Abu Dhabi Global Market in Al Maryah Island, Khalifa University, and prominent tourist attractions on Yas Island and Al Ain Municipality were among the buildings to display the ADSW logo.

Through initiatives and events, ADSW is committed to the sharing of knowledge, implementation of strategies and the delivery of real-world solutions to address the challenges related to sustainability and climate change. As the first global event in the UAE’s Golden Jubilee year, ADSW 2021 will help galvanize further collaboration among government, business and community stakeholders to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.


Register now for the ADSW Summit at www.adsw.ae

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; 07, 2020: Masdar, host of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), today announced that Abu Dhabi’s Department of Energy (DoE) will support the global platform for accelerating sustainable development as ADSW’s Principal Partner. The partnership with the DoE will support ADSW’s initiatives and events, which are bringing global leaders together virtually from 18 – 21 January 2021, to engage in dialogue and take action to advance the global sustainability agenda. 

“As the entity tasked with leading the energy sector in the emirate, the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy is always present at major local and international events in search of opportunities to showcase its vision for promoting sustainability in the sector,” said DoE Undersecretary His Excellency Mohammad bin Jarsh Al Falasi. “Our participation in Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week as a key partner paves the way for the exchange of expertise, allowing us a glimpse into the latest developments from major international players in the fields of sustainability and energy. This, in turn, offers a significant boost to our efforts to create a global model for clean and renewable energy in Abu Dhabi.”

“We are delighted to partner with Abu Dhabi’s Department of Energy for the third year in a row. In 2021, ADSW will be one of the first major international events of the year and the agenda will focus on drawing up a roadmap for a green recovery,” said Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar.  “We are proud to have the continued support of the Department of Energy, which is driving Abu Dhabi’s energy transition efforts and supporting the UAE’s Energy Strategy 2050.”  

H.E. Eng. Awaidha Murshed Ali Al Marar will be highlighting the importance of sustainable water at the ADSW Summit, taking place virtually on Tuesday 19 January 2021. The Summit will, over three two-hour sessions, focus on the pillars of “Live & Move,” “Care & Engage,” and “Work & Invest,” with each pillar exploring social, economic and technological opportunities to achieve a ‘green recovery’ post COVID-19.  

As a global leader in tackling climate change, the UAE and Abu Dhabi has for over a decade, provided a platform to bring together the world’s policy makers, industry specialists, technology pioneers and the next generation of sustainability leaders to engage in dialogue and take action to advance the global sustainability agenda. ADSW has grown through its initiatives and events to emerge as a catalyst for accelerating sustainable development around the world. 

ADSW 2020 welcomed 45,000 attendees from over 170 countries, including the UAE’s leadership, 10 heads of state, 180 international ministers, and over 500 representatives from the world’s media.

To register for the ADSW Summit 2021, visit https://www.adsw.ae

• Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar and Carlos Pascual, Senior Vice President for Global Energy at IHS Markit, participate in latest episode of ADSW Web Series, held in partnership with Atlantic Council

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, December 20, 2020 – Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar, was joined by Carlos Pascual, Senior Vice President for Global Energy at IHS Markit, during the latest episode of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) Web Series, which was held in partnership with the Atlantic Council. 

Joining the episode from Jakarta, Indonesia, Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar said: Masdar and its Indonesian partners recently kicked-off South-East Asia’s largest floating solar PV project and one of the largest in the world. This is a tremendous step for a nation that relies heavily on coal and diesel generation, but this is only the beginning. 

“We can expect a new approach from the US administration on energy priorities, while there is optimism that clean technologies will take the lion’s share of the stimulus package the world needs after Covid-19 – to get people back to work and re-ignite economic activity.” 

This year, Masdar made its second strategic investment in the US market to acquire a 50 percent stake in eight utility-scale projects across Nebraska, Texas and California. Strategic partnerships have been central to Masdar’s global success, with the company deploying nearly 11GW of capacity in over 30 countries. 

Carlos Pascual, Senior Vice President for Global Energy at IHS Markit said, "The global movement to Net 0 emissions will send national governments into a hyper-regulatory period to meet the commitments of about 125 countries that, with the addition of the Biden Administration, will cover 66% of global emissions. Investment incentives and flows for energy producers and financial investors will shift profoundly toward clean energy. For Masdar and the United States, the opportunities to partner on technology and innovation will be unprecedented.”

According to the International Renewable Energy Agency, the transition towards a decarbonized global energy system will require scaling up investments in the energy sector by an additional US$15 trillion by 2050, with a total of US$110 trillion being invested in the global energy system during that period. 

The ADSW Web Series provides a year-round global platform for maintaining dialogue on issues and topics that are shaping the global sustainability landscape.
Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week will be held virtually from 18 – 21 January 2021, featuring a series of high-level virtual events, including the ADSW Summit, IRENA Assembly, Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Forum, Atlantic Council Global Energy Forum, Youth Dialogue program and the World Future Energy Summit Webinars. 


Registration is now open for the ADSW Summit, which will focus on the pillars of “Live & Move”, “Care & Engage”, and “Work & Invest” – with each pillar exploring social, economic and technological opportunities to achieve a ‘green recovery’ post COVID-19.  

ADSW 2020 welcomed 45,000 attendees from over 170 countries, including the UAE’s leadership, 10 heads of state, 180 international ministers, and over 500 representatives from the world’s media.


To watch the full web series episode click here. 
To register for the ADSW Summit click here
To register for the Atlantic Council Global Energy Forum click here
For more information on ADSW 2021 and future web series episodes, please visit ADSW.ae or follow us @ADSWAgenda on social media.
#ENDS#

About Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week
Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week is a global platform for accelerating the world’s sustainable development. The week brings together a unique fusion of policy makers, industry specialists, technology pioneers and the next generation of sustainability leaders. Through its initiatives and events, ADSW is a catalyst for sharing knowledge, implementing strategies and delivering solutions to drive human progress.
ADSW is committed to furthering our understanding of the major social, economic and environmental trends shaping the world’s sustainable development. 
About Masdar
Abu Dhabi’s renewable energy company Masdar is advancing the commercialization and deployment of renewable energy, sustainable urban development and clean technologies to address global sustainability challenges. Wholly owned by Mubadala Investment Company, the strategic investment company of the Government of Abu Dhabi, our mandate is to help maintain the UAE’s leadership in the global energy sector, while supporting the diversification of both its economy and energy sources for the benefit of future generations. Today, Masdar is active in more than 30 countries, including the UAE, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Mauritania, Egypt, Morocco, the UK, the US, Australia, Spain, Serbia, India, Indonesia, Uzbekistan, and many more.

• The ADSW Summit, part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, will explore the social, economic and technological opportunities for delivering a green recovery, bringing together global leaders from policy, industry and technology
• Hosted by Masdar, the virtual ADSW Summit will be held in partnership with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Abu Dhabi Global Market and the Atlantic Council
• To ensure the safety of all participants, Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2021 and all related high-level events will take place virtually
  
  

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; November 29, 2020: Registration is now open for the ADSW Summit, part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), the global platform for accelerating sustainable development, which will take place virtually in January 2021.

Hosted by Masdar, the ADSW Summit will, over three two-hour sessions, focus on the pillars of “Live & Move”, “Care & Engage”, and “Work & Invest”, with each pillar exploring social, economic and technological opportunities to achieve a ‘green recovery’ post COVID-19.  

Alongside its health impact, the pandemic has heavily affected the global economy, with the International Monetary Fund estimating it could cost as much as US$28 trillion in lost output. Governments around the world are being urged to align their recovery efforts with sustainable development initiatives – the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has estimated that doubling annual global energy transition investments to US$2 trillion over the next three years would boost global GDP by 1 percent. 

“The ADSW Summit along with Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week’s other high-level events will help set the global sustainability agenda for the year ahead – a year when sustainability will be at the center of the post COVID-19 discussion,” said Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar “By bringing together world leaders from government, industry and technology, we have an opportunity to accelerate the energy transition and demonstrate that green growth goes hand-in-hand with economic growth”

The ADSW Summit will be held on January 19, 2021, with the full ADSW program running from January 18-21. To ensure the safety of all participants, ADSW 2021 and all related high-level events will take place virtually. The full physical program of ADSW will return in 2022. 

Alongside the ADSW Summit, ADSW will feature a series of high-level virtual events, including the IRENA Assembly, Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Forum, Atlantic Council Global Energy Forum, and the World Future Energy Summit Forums. 

Masdar will also host the Youth Dialogue Week, which will bring young people from around the world together virtually to discuss how they can play a more active role in the implementation of both the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the UAE’s 50 Year Development Plan.

As the first global event in the year of the UAE’s Golden Jubilee, ADSW will help galvanize further collaboration among government, business and community stakeholders to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. 

For over a decade, Abu Dhabi has provided a sustainable platform for the global community that has grown through its initiatives and events to emerge as a thought leader and catalyst that accelerates sustainable development around the world. 

ADSW 2020 welcomed 45,000 attendees from over 170 countries, including the UAE’s leadership, 10 heads of state, 180 international ministers, and over 500 representatives from the world’s media. High-level speakers included HE Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia, HE Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda and HE Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh.

To register for the ADSW Summit 2021, visit link.

• HE Mariam bint Mohammed Saeed Hareb Almheiri, UAE Minister of State for Food  and Water Security and HE Minister Cora van Nieuwenhuizen, Minister of Water and Infrastructure for the Netherlands meet virtually during 2nd episode of ADSW Web Series 

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, November 26, 2020 – The UAE Minister of State for Food and Water Security, HE Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri was joined by HE Minister Cora van Nieuwenhuizen, Minister of Water and Infrastructure for The Netherlands, during the 2nd episode of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) Web Series, today.

Hosted by Masdar, the episode explored how the Covid-19 pandemic was affecting food and water security, how developing nations can address resource scarcity and the role innovation was playing to overcome challenges in the sector.

During the Web episode, HE Mariam Almheiri said: “The current Covid-19 pandemic has tested the resilience of the global food supply network, both its physical infrastructure and through the willingness of countries to continue exporting food because of increased domestic pressures. Now more than ever the global community needs to work together to both ensure the continued capacity of food chains and to share knowledge and expertise to develop countries’ own food systems, especially in the area of agricultural technology, as this will enhance their capacity to become self-sufficient with their food security needs.”

Her Excellency Cora van Nieuwenhuizen said, "The problems related to water are increasing. Water shortages, but also floods can propel instability in regions around the world. I believe that we need to cooperate, share knowledge, upscale proven technologies and build strong coalitions, especially in times like these. Global platforms, like Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, are important to delivering solutions and the Netherlands will host the first ever global summit of world leaders entirely focused on climate change adaptation. The Climate Adaptation Summit will be held on January 25, 2021, and we look forward to welcoming the UAE." 

Remaining committed to accelerating sustainable development, ADSW launched its Web Series to provide a year-round platform for maintaining dialogue on issues and topics that are shaping the global sustainability landscape and help drive a green recovery.  

To watch the full web series episode click here. 

The series kicked off in October with Co-Founder and Chair of IMAGINE, and former Unilever CEO, Paul Polman.

The next edition of ADSW will be held virtually January 18-21, 2021 to ensure the safety of all participants. 

For more information on ADSW 2021 and future web series episodes, please visit ADSW.ae or follow us @ADSWAgenda on social media..

• Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Forum, ADSW Summit and other high-level events set to take place virtually in January
• Full physical program of ADSW postponed until 2022 to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants 

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; September 9, 2020: Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), the global platform for accelerating sustainable development, hosted by Masdar, will be held from 18 to 21 January 2021 and reimagined virtually.

Ensuring the safety of all participants, ADSW 2021 and related high-level events during the week are set to take place virtually. In addition, partners including its host Masdar will collaborate on all events, including the ADSW Summit. The full physical program of ADSW is postponed to 2022. 

The ADSW Summit hosted by Masdar will be held on January 19. Dedicated to ensuring a green recovery, the Summit will feature three sessions of speeches, presentations and panel debates, reaching a global audience across multiple time zones.  

His Excellency Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE's Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Chairman of Masdar, said: “Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week embodies the United Arab Emirate’s proactive and forward-thinking approach to sustainability and its commitment to furthering our understanding of the major social, economic and technological issues shaping the world today. 

“Holding ADSW in a virtual format in 2021 will allow us to continue to drive the sustainability agenda forward in the line with the vision of the UAE, ensuring that the world’s attention remains focused on the actions required to achieve a healthier, safer and more sustainable future for all.”

ADSW 2021 will reinforce the message that a decade of concerted action is required to deliver on the Sustainability Development Goals, and that the unprecedented challenges of COVID-19 have further illustrated the critical importance of achieving a truly sustainable recovery for all – one that combines the commitment, ambition and collaboration of governments, businesses and community stakeholders. 

The IRENA Assembly takes place each year in the context of ADSW. Director-General, Francesco La Camera, said: “The annual Assembly is the supreme decision-making body of IRENA, tasked with addressing the most pressing matters on the global energy agenda and establishing the Agency’s priorities. As ever, the Agency remains responsive to the needs of its global membership. Despite the exceptional circumstances, we are confident that the next Assembly will embody the inclusiveness and transparency that has come to define it, while ensuring that IRENA retains a position at the forefront of a sustainable recovery and the broader global energy transformation. 

The 2020 edition of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week hosted around 45,000 attendees from 170 countries, with more than 500 high-level speakers from around the world.

Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2020, the region’s largest sustainability gathering, has again achieved new milestones for attendance, participation and business deals.

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces, the opening ceremony at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre on January 13 was attended by a number of distinguished guests, including HE Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia, who delivered the keynote address; Armen Sarkissian, President of the Republic of Armenia; HE Danny Faure, President of the Republic of Seychelles; HE Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta, President of the Republic of Mali; HE Julius Maada Bio, president of the Republic of Sierra Leone; HE Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda; HE Anna Brnabić, Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia; HE Sheikh Hasina Wajed, Prime Minister of the Republic of Bangladesh; HE Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama, Prime Minister of the Republic of Fiji.

HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, also attended the opening ceremony, as well as HH Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman; HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah; HH Sheikh Suroor Bin Mohammed Al Nahyan; HH Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council; HH Lt. General Sheikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior; HH Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs; HH Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Member of the Executive Council and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Office; and HH Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Member of the Executive Council and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince's Court. 

A total of 10 heads of state and more than 160 government ministers attended the ceremony, while His Excellency Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of State and Chairman of Masdar, delivered the welcome address.

Throughout the week-long event, ADSW hosted more than 840 exhibiting companies, as well as 45,000 attendees from 170 countries, more than 500 speakers, 4,000 opening ceremony delegates and 3,000 students at Youth 4 Sustainability (Y4S). 

To align more closely with the UAE Vision 2021 and the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals, ADSW has widened its scope beyond renewable energy since first being launched in 2008, becoming a key platform for the Women in Sustainability Environment and Renewable Energy (WiSER) Forum and Y4S, which was held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan The Festival at Masdar City was also a runaway success, with the city’s newest attraction, Central Park, proving popular with families. 

The newest platform launched at ADSW 2020 was the Smart Cities Expo & Forum, which brought forward-thinking governments and municipalities together with pioneers in smart infrastructure, future transportation and next-generation building technology to develop the potential of connected communities – from sustainable planning to smart mobility.
The second edition of the Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Forum (ADSFF) also continued the momentum generated by last year’s event, with ADSFF 2020 highlighting the latest progress in Abu Dhabi’s Sustainable Finance Agenda, as well as promoting the second edition of the Abu Dhabi Declaration, and revealing new UAE Sustainable Finance Principles.

Key to the event’s success in 2020 was the closer involvement of ADSW’s sponsors, partners and stakeholders, including the Department of Energy Abu Dhabi, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, Abu Dhabi Power Corporation, Mubadala Investment Company, and Abu Dhabi Global Market. 

Since its inception in 2008, Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) has grown into one of the world’s largest sustainability gatherings, attracting a unique mix of policymakers, industry experts, technology pioneers and the next generation of sustainability leaders. 

A manifestation of the UAE’s proactive, forward-thinking approach to sustainability and its commitment to furthering our understanding of the major social, economic and technology trends shaping the world today, ADSW is committed to the sharing of knowledge, the implementation of strategies and the delivery of real-world solutions that drive human progress.

As Masdar prepares to host Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2020 from January 11-18, advances in technology and artificial intelligence – and the impact they have had on driving global sustainable development – will be in the spotlight at The Future Sustainability Summit.

As the anchor event of ADSW, the Future Sustainability Summit is a platform for engaging, thought-provoking discussions on the global sustainability agenda and how advancements in artificial intelligence, big data and the Internet of Things (IoT) can accelerate sustainable development in the energy, climate change, water, mobility, space, health, and biotechnology sectors. 

Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week also features the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) General Assembly, the Atlantic Council’s Global Energy Forum, the World Future Energy Summit, the Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Forum and the Zayed Sustainability Prize Awards. The week also offers events dedicated to  women, youth and all segments of society, such as the Youth 4 Sustainability initiative, Women in Sustainability, Environment and Renewable Energy (WiSER), and The Festival at Masdar City.

• Aim of the Sustainability Bus tour is to encourage sustainable activities in local communities and raise awareness of ADSW 2020, one of the world’s largest sustainability gatherings that takes place from January 11-18
• The all-electric bus will tour the UAE’s seven emirates from November 28

 

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; November 26 2019: Masdar, the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company and host of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), has launched an eco-bus initiative that will tour the United Arab Emirates to raise awareness about the world’s largest sustainability gathering in January.

In partnership with Abu Dhabi Power Corporation and Hafilat Industry LLC, the Sustainability Bus will travel to key locations across all seven emirates to educate local communities about sustainability and climate change.

“This campaign is a great opportunity to engage local communities across all the seven emirates of the UAE to raise awareness about ADSW’s commitment to sustainable development,” said Dr Lamya Nawaf Fawwaz, Executive Director for Brand & Strategic Initiatives at Masdar. “Furthermore, it will highlight the UAE’s pledge to deliver on the UN Sustainable Development Goals and Masdar’s mission to advance renewable energy and clean technologies around the world over the past 13 years.”

“Through the Sustainability Bus, our aim is to get everyone in the UAE on board our sustainability journey with a range of activities and educational workshops to enable them to play their part in addressing climate change, whether that is through recycling, reducing their consumption of power and water, or using public transport more often,” Dr Fawwaz added.

Visitors to the Sustainability Bus will be introduced to Masdar and its strategic platforms Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, the Zayed Sustainability Prize, and Youth 4 Sustainability. They will also learn how they can make a difference in helping to mitigate climate change at home, such as by recycling and using more energy-efficient appliances. Interactive workshops will also be offered to children.   

The all-electric Sustainability Bus will visit every emirate in the UAE for a full weekend (Thursday to Saturday) from November 28. The tour starts at Al Rumailah, in Fujairah (November 28-30), before visiting Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah (December 5-7), Kite Beach in Um Al Quwain (December 12-14), Ajman (December 19-21), Al Majaz Waterfront in Sharjah (December 26-28), Dubai City Walk (January 2-4), and Abu Dhabi Corniche, East Plaza (January 9-11). The bus will end its journey at The Festival at Masdar City from January 16-18.

When launched at ADSW 2018, the Sustainability Bus was the first fully electric passenger bus in the region and served passengers on a number of routes in Abu Dhabi.

Launched in partnership with Abu Dhabi’s Department of Transport (DoT), Abu Dhabi-based manufacturer Hafilat Industry LLC, and electric motors maker Siemens Middle East, the bus has been designed to withstand the heat and humidity of the UAE climate. It has a lightweight aluminium body and a unique water-cooling system to optimise battery life and efficiency, even when the outdoor temperature is at its highest. The vehicle also has a highly energy-efficient on-board air-conditioning system.