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• ADSW opening ceremony – held as part of Expo 2020 Dubai – attended by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai; HE Moon Jae-in, President of the Republic of Korea; HE Armen Sarkissian, President of the Republic of Armenia; HE Hussein Ali Mwinyi, President of Zanzibar; HE Wavel Ramkalawan, President of the Republic of Seychelles; and HE Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, President of the Republic of Maldives
• Throughout the week, ADSW hosted 30,000 participants from 150 countries, including eight country Presidents and Prime Ministers, over 50 government ministers and more than 600 global speakers 
• Over 300 international exhibiting companies; with country pavilions from China, India, Japan, South Korea, Germany, France, Italy, Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, Nigeria, and more

Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), the global platform for accelerating sustainable development hosted by Masdar, has successfully concluded with a resounding commitment to accelerate climate action and net-zero efforts. 

As the first major sustainability event following the COP26 climate conference, ADSW 2022 brought together the global community, with participants including country presidents and prime ministers, policy makers, industry specialists, technology pioneers and young sustainability leaders.

Setting the tone for the year ahead, ADSW hosted a special COP session at the ADSW Summit, featuring: HE Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, UAE Special Envoy for Climate Change and Chairman of Masdar; HE Sameh Shoukry, Minister of Foreign Affairs for Egypt and President Designate COP27; and Rt. Hon. Alok Sharma MP, COP26 President. During the session, the leaders discussed their ambitions to use these critical editions of COP to drive the global sustainability agenda forward by translating policies, strategies, and plans into real tangible results, and scaling up viable solutions around the world.   

The ADSW speaker program featured more than 600 global leaders and decision-makers, including: HE Iván Duqe Márguez, President of the Republic of Colombia; HE Halimah Yacob, President of the Republic of Singapore; HE Mark Rutte, Prime Minister of The Netherlands; HE Armen Sarkissian, the President of Armenia; HH Sheikh Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Works and Youth Affairs of Kingdom of Bahrain, President, Bahrain Olympic Committee; António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations; John Kerry, U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate; Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization; H.E. Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Managing Director and Group CEO, Mubadala Investment Company; HE Ban Ki-moon, President of the Assembly and Chair of the Council of the Global Green Growth Institute, Eighth Secretary-General of the United Nations; and HE Mariam bint Mohammed Saeed Hareb Al Mheiri, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment.

Throughout the week – which acted as a countdown to COP27 in Egypt and COP28 in the UAE – ADSW hosted 30,000 participants from 150 countries, including eight country Presidents and Prime Ministers, and 50 government ministers. 

For more than a decade, ADSW 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 for sustainability. The week is aligned with the ‘Principles of the 50’, which charts the strategic roadmap for the UAE’s new era of economic, political and social growth.

The opening ceremony of ADSW, which took place at Expo 2020 Dubai – was attended by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, with the keynote speech delivered by His Excellency Moon Jae-in, President of the Republic of Korea. During his opening speech, HE Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber highlighted Masdar’s goal of delivering 100 gigawatts (GW) of clean energy projects around the world.

During the ceremony, the 10 winners of the Zayed Sustainability Prize were announced, recognizing sustainability pioneers from around the world. The Prize winners across its five categories included: Mamotest from Argentina (health), S4S Technologies from India (food), SOLshare from Bangladesh (energy) and Wateroam from Singapore (water). In the final category of global high schools, there were six winners from different regions across the world – with each school securing up to US$100,000 to start or further expand their project.

Other major events taking place at ADSW included the IRENA Assembly, the supreme decision-making body of the International Renewable Energy Agency, which took place virtually under the pertinent theme of ‘Energy Transition: From Commitments to Action.’ IRENA, which is headquartered in Abu Dhabi and has more than 170 member states, explores how renewable energy can alleviate climate change and increase sustainability. 

The World Future Energy Summit (WFES), which took place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, welcomed around 8,000 attendees and hosted over 300 exhibiting companies, alongside dedicated pavilions from nations including China, India, Japan, South Korea, Germany, France, Italy, Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland and Nigeria. The exhibition was fully powered by clean energy through a partnership with Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC).

Innovate, a new global Masdar City initiative, provided a platform at WFES for innovation-focused companies to showcase their technologies to international investors. With a focus on the key areas of urban mobility, clean energy, artificial intelligence, and agritech and food security, Innovate grants exclusive access to the dynamic Abu Dhabi technology ecosystem for companies. 

On the concluding day of ADSW, the Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Forum – a flagship initiative by Abu Dhabi Global Market – was held under the theme ‘Plotting the Path to Meet Net-Zero Targets: Energizing Efforts for Action’. The event is representative of the UAE financial sector’s commitment to assisting the nation in delivering on its national climate goals and programs – notably the Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative, the first national net-zero target in the Middle East and North Africa region.

ADSW also hosted a series of Masdar led strategic initiatives, aimed at engaging young people and women at a grassroots level. The Youth 4 Sustainability Forum held inspiring and thought-provoking sessions around a variety of topics, including reimagining and futureproofing education, accelerating social entrepreneurship and innovation, and youth inclusion in climate solutions.

The annual 'Women in Sustainability, Environment and Renewable Energy' (WiSER) Forum was held under the banner ‘Energy Access for All: Empowering Women to Accelerate Sustainable Development’. The Forum examined how improving women’s access to energy has the potential to supercharge the global economy and accelerate action to combat climate change.

ADSW welcomed a series of high-level commercial agreements, including Etihad 7, a multi-billion dollar strategic program launched by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC) aimed at securing funding for renewable energy projects across Africa. The Etihad 7 program aims to supply clean electricity to 100 million people by 2035.

During the World Future Energy Summit, a series of multi-million dollar projects and partnership agreements were signed. These included Aldar, the real estate development, management and investment company, launching a new global program to reduce its energy consumption by 20% across 80 of its assets worldwide, realizing more than US$10 million in cost savings per year. During the exhibition, TAQA also reiterated its commitment to invest over US$10 billion in infrastructure development as it focuses on expanding its renewable energy portfolio.

As the host of ADSW, Masdar further demonstrated its global leadership in the sustainability sector by announcing a series of global projects and agreements. These included a collaboration agreement between Masdar, ENGIE and Fertiglobe to explore the development of a green hydrogen facility in the UAE, with a capacity of as much as 200 megawatts (MW) to support the production of green ammonia.

Masdar also announced an agreement with Cosmo Energy Holdings Co., one of Japan’s largest energy companies, to explore the development of renewable energy initiatives, including offshore wind projects, in the Far East nation. Masdar also formed a joint venture with Indonesia’s Mitrabara to target commercial and industrial customers in the island nation, and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Singapore’s Tuas Power, France’s EDF Renewables, and PT Indonesia Power, around the development of renewable energy within Indonesia for export to Singapore.

At part of its Real Estate Investment Trust (Reit), Masdar City signed a financing deal worth US$200 million with First Abu Dhabi Bank to expand its sustainable real estate portfolio through additional property acquisitions in Masdar City.

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. 

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, today attended the opening ceremony of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), the global platform for accelerating sustainability hosted by Masdar – Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company.

The opening event was also attended by H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum welcomed the leaders and experts meeting in the UAE to discuss issues related to sustainability and intensify collaborative efforts to find solutions for moving the world towards a more sustainable future.

Highlighting the importance of ADSW, the first global gathering of its kind after COP26, Sheikh Mohammed said, "Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week lays a pathway for COP28 when the UAE will welcome the world in 2023. The continued success of ADSW, which every year sets the sustainability agenda for the year to come, fully reflects our nation’s leadership in the field of climate action. This year’s convening of ADSW as part of Expo 2020 Dubai provides an opportunity for the convergence of global expertise to stimulate constructive dialogue and push efforts towards implementing innovative solutions."

"The UAE, guided by the vision of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, was and continues to be one of the pioneering countries in the fields of climate action, energy transformation and the adoption of renewable energy as a solution for addressing environmental issues and their impact on people's lives and the health of the planet. The UAE has continued to express this commitment by developing a group of the world’s largest and most innovative clean energy projects. These efforts culminated in the launch of the Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative, which reflects our commitment to create a future free of emissions," His Highness added.

The opening ceremony, held at the Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo 2020 Dubai, was also attended by 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 Presidential Affairs; H.H. Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council; Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, and a number of senior officials.

The opening ceremony began with the UAE National Anthem followed by a short film centred on international cooperation to confront global challenges, especially those related to climate change and sustainable development.

Moon Jae-in, President of the Republic of Korea, thanked the UAE for welcoming him to the country and inviting him to participate in the opening ceremony of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. In his keynote speech, he said, "As the first event of its kind since COP26, Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week is a kick start to carbon neutrality this year, offering strength through unity. This event holds great significance with the UAE hosting COP28 in 2023 - a milestone for the country’s journey over the next 50 years. The UAE is a powerhouse of sustainable development for the Middle East and beyond, with pathways showing the way for the rest of the world."

He continued, "Last year, the UAE became the first one in the Middle East to commit to carbon neutrality by 2050. Korea too in 2020 declared its commitment to carbon neutrality. And the UAE and Korea both committed to cutting methane by 30 percent by 2030. The UAE and Korea, as special strategic partners, have been working together in the fields of construction, oil field development, national defence, agriculture, health, and much more. This demonstrates the robust relations between our two nations. For our sustainable future, Korea hopes to hold hands together with the UAE even more tightly. Now our two countries are working together to build an economy based on hydrogen - a potential new source of energy in the age of carbon neutrality."

In his keynote address, Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, UAE Special Envoy for Climate Change and Chairman of Masdar, addressed the challenge of maintaining economic progress, while turning back the clock on emissions.

He said, "Finding the answers to these questions has been the mission of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week and the Zayed Sustainability Prize. A mission that builds on the UAE’s position as a pioneer in clean energy. When we began investing in the renewables space more than 15 years ago, our leadership had a theory of the future that has been proven right over time. Today, the UAE is home to the largest and lowest cost solar plants in the world. And globally the future of renewable energy is just as bright."

The objectives of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week are in line with the ‘Principles of the 50’, the 10 principles that represent the UAE’s strategic path in a new era and reflect the country’s vision and determination to promote development efforts in various economic, political and social fields.

As one of the largest gatherings concerned with discussing sustainability issues, ADSW provides a global platform for cooperation, knowledge exchange, investment and innovation, as it attracts more than 45,000 participants annually representing more than 170 countries and hosts nearly 1,000 international companies.

Key ADSW dates include: January 15-16 – IRENA Assembly; January 17 – Opening Ceremony and the Zayed Sustainability Prize Awards Ceremony, ADSW Summit; January 17-19 – World Future Energy Summit, Innovate, Youth 4 Sustainability Hub; January 18-19 Atlantic Council Forums; January 18 WiSER Forum, Exclusive Panel Session with the President of COP26 and 27 and Dr. Sultan Al Jaber; January 19 – Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Forum.

• The ADSW Summit will take the global sustainability agenda forward and outline pathways to net zero
• Taking place virtually from 1:00pm GST, the ADSW Summit will feature more than 80 global leaders 

Speakers include; HE Iván Duque Márquez, President of the Republic of Colombia; HE Halimah Yacob, President, Republic of Singapore; HH Sheikh Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Works and Youth Affairs of Kingdom of Bahrain, President, Bahrain Olympic Committee; HE Mark Rutte, Prime Minister of the Netherlands; John Kerry, U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate; Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, World Health Organisation, and many more

The ADSW Summit, hosted by Masdar and part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, will take place virtually tomorrow, January 17 between 1:00pm – 9:00pm GST. The ADSW Summit will convene more than 80 global leaders, including heads of state, policy makers, and international business leaders, as the United Arab Emirates aims to take the agenda global sustainability forward and accelerate pathways to net zero.

The opening sessions of the ADSW Summit will include a head of state address from HE Halimah Yacob, President, Republic of Singapore who will stress the importance of collective climate action and highlight the far-reaching impact climate change is already having on the lives and livelihoods of people all around the world. 

ADSW 2022 is the first major sustainability event after the COP26 climate change conference, and acts as a global catalyst for COP27, which will be held in Egypt in 2022, and COP28, which will be hosted by the UAE in 2023. 

The wider agenda for the ADSW Summit includes important sessions on the global energy transition, the future of transportation, the health energy nexus, carbon capture and storage, the blue economy, and the increasing importance of environmental, social, and governance criteria in making decisions. 

The ADSW Summit will feature keynotes, fireside chats and panel sessions with other global leaders including; HE Mark Rutte, Prime Minister of the Netherlands; HH Sheikh Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Works and Youth Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain, President, Bahrain Olympic Committee; Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, World Health Organization; H.E. Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Group CEO & Managing Director, Mubadala; Ray Dalio, Co-Chairman & Co-Chief Investment Officer, Bridgewater Associates, LP; HE Mariam bint Mohammed Saeed Almheiri, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment; HE Thomas J. Vilsack, US Secretary of Agriculture; John Kerry, US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate; HE Sheikh Shakhboot Nahyan Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

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. As a global platform supporting economic development, knowledge sharing and innovation, ADSW is aligned with the UAE’s ‘Principles of the 50,’ which chart a course for the nation’s prosperity over the next five decades. 

As well as the ADSW Summit, events still to come at ADSW include the Opening Ceremony and the Zayed Sustainability Prize Awards Ceremony, the World Future Energy Summit, Innovate, Youth 4 Sustainability Hub, WiSER Forum, and the Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Forum. 

To register for the ADSW Summit, please adsw.ae and join the conversation for a sustainable future. 

• Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) will host heads of state, more than 500 global speakers, 150 government ministers, 1,000 international businesses, and 3,000 students 
• UAE aims to accelerate pathways to net zero by mobilizing finance, innovation and partnerships

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; January 10, 2022: Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2022 taking place from 15 – 19 January, will convene global leaders, including heads of state, policy makers, and international business leaders, as the United Arab Emirates aims to take the agenda global sustainability forward and accelerate pathways to net zero.

Hosted by Masdar, ADSW 2022 will be the first major sustainability event after the COP26 climate change conference, and will act as a global catalyst for COP27, which will be held in Egypt in 2022, and COP28, which will be hosted by the UAE in 2023. 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. 

HE Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Special Envoy for Climate Change, and Chairman of Masdar, said: “The next few years will be pivotal as we work together across policy, business and industry to accelerate progressive climate action that will deliver economic opportunities and prosperity for current and future generations. 

“The UAE has a long-term vision that will build on our longstanding track record in innovating climate solutions across the entire energy spectrum. Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week continues to offer an ideal platform for promoting, deploying and taking these climate solutions to scale around the world. Aligned with the UAE’s ‘Principles of the 50,’ it provide opportunities for global collaboration, knowledge sharing, investment and advancing new technological innovations that will take the global sustainability agenda forward and turn plans into action.”

In addition to heads of state, leaders confirmed to participant at ADSW included HE Mr António Guterres, United Nations Secretary General; Ms Damilola Ogunbiyi, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for all, Chief Executive Officer of Sustainable Energy for All SEforAll; John Kerry, U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate; HE Sameh Shoukry, Minister of Foreign Affairs, President Designate COP27; Rt Hon Alok Sharma MP, COP26 President; Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, World Health Organization; Francesco La Camera, Director-General of International Renewable Energy Agency; Ferid Belhaj, Vice-President of the World Bank Group; HE Ban Ki-moon, President of the Assembly and Chair of the Council of the Global Green Growth Institute, Eight Secretary-General of the United Nations; Rishi Kapoor, Co-Chief Executive Officer, Investcorp; and Karen Wong, Global Head of ESG and Sustainable Investing, State Street Global Advisors, one of the world’s largest asset managers with US $3.90 trillion under its management.

Commenting ahead of her appearance at the ADSW, HE Halimah Yacob, President of the Republic of Singapore, said, “To deliver a sustainable future for our planet, the collective action of all stakeholders is needed. Even as we tackle the pandemic, we must not lose sight of other equally pressing global challenges. Governments, businesses, researchers, communities and individuals all have a role in addressing the challenges of climate change. 

“The ADSW provides us a timely opportunity to exchange views on our collective response, and the urgent steps needed. I thank His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, for inviting me to speak at the Summit.”

The hosting of 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.

Further demonstrating the UAE’s leading role in driving action on climate change, at home, in the region, and throughout the world, the ADSW Opening Ceremony and the Zayed Sustainability Prize Awards Ceremony will take place at Expo 2020 Dubai on Monday January 17 to coincide with Global Goals Week. All other ADSW events will take place in Abu Dhabi or virtually. 

Since its inception, ADSW has reflected the changing global sustainability landscape, broadening its scope from renewable energy and water, to include new global trends and topics like artificial intelligence, space and mobility. The number of ADSW events has also expanded over time, with the additions of the IRENA Assembly in 2010, the Women in Sustainability, Environment and Renewable Energy’ (WiSER) Forum in 2015, Atlantic Council Global Energy Forum in 2017, Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Forum 2019, and the virtual ADSW Summit in 2021. 

Taking place virtually on January 17, the ADSW Summit will bring together global leaders to engage in dialogue and outline actions to achieve a net-zero future. Delivering global net zero commitments and the journey to the COP28 climate change conference will be key topics for discussion at the ADSW Summit. 

The World Future Energy Summit exhibition and forums, which take place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) during ADSW from January 17-19, will showcase exhibitors from nearly 1,000 international companies, supporting the global energy transition. Exhibiting companies will showcase the latest innovations for clean energy, water, smart cities, and ecowaste. Country pavilions participating at the World Future Energy Summit include China, India, Japan, South Korea, Germany, France, Italy, Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland and Nigeria. 

Key ADSW dates include: January 15-16 - IRENA Assembly, January 17 – Opening Ceremony and the Zayed Sustainability Prize Awards Ceremony, ADSW Summit, January 17-19 – World Future Energy Summit, Innovate, Youth 4 Sustainability Hub, January 18-19 Atlantic Council Forums January 18 – WiSER Forum, January 19, Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Forum. 

Delivering ADSW 2022 successfully can only be achieved by the ongoing support of our global sponsors and partners; Abu Dhabi Department of Energy; Aramex, Bee’ah, Crédit Agricole, Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation; Engie, Etihad Airways, General Electric, InvestCorp, McKinsey & Company, Mubadala Investment Company, Pepsico, Power China; Tabreed, and the UAE Space Agency. 

Registration details for ADSW events can be found on www.adsw.ae.

 

• As part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, the virtual ADSW Summit will bring together heads of state, policy makers, global business leaders and technology pioneers
• Agenda will explore the social, economic and innovation opportunities for taking climate action and delivering pathways for a net-zero future

Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), the global platform for accelerating sustainable development hosted by Masdar, will hold the ADSW Summit virtually on Monday January 17, 2022, helping to set the global agenda for addressing the world’s most pressing sustainability challenges. 

The ADSW Summit will bring together heads of state, policy makers, business leaders, and technology pioneers, to engage in dialogue and outline actions to achieve a net-zero future. The ADSW Summit will be broadcast online across different time zones to engage audiences across a broad range of geographies and markets. 

Delivering global net zero commitments and the journey to the COP28 climate change conference will be key topics for driving discussions at the ADSW Summit. Sessions during the ADSW Summit will also include important sessions on the global energy transition, the future of transportation, the health energy nexus, carbon capture and storage, the blue economy, and the increasing importance of environmental, social, and governance criteria in making decisions. 

Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar, said: “We have entered a new era of sustainability, where we must work together across policy, business and technology to mitigate climate change. We are already witnessing the acceleration of clean energy deployment around the world, which Masdar is helping to lead, and this level of pace will be reflected in other industries over the coming months and years as we work together towards a net-zero future.

“The UAE is taking a leading role in delivering climate action and has a proven record of turning challenges into opportunities. Global events like these will help prepare the ground for COP27 in Egypt and COP28 which will take place in the UAE in 2023, and will further cement our nation’s position as a sustainability hub.” 

The confirmed speakers at ADSW Summit include: HE Halimah Binte Yacob, President of Singapore, HE Eng. Awaidha Murshed Ali Al Marar Chairman of Abu Dhabi Department of Energy, HE Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa Al Hammadi, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, Catherine MacGregor, CEO of ENGIE, Dr.-Ing. Christian Bruch, President and CEO, Siemens Energy, Richard Edelman, CEO of Edelman, and Dr. Sylvia Earle, President & Chairwoman of Mission Blue. The full list of speakers will be published in early January 2022.

The 2021 edition of the ADSW Summit, which took place virtually, received over 3 million views online and included keynotes from HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, Rt Hon Alok Sharma MP, COP26 President, HE Khaldoon Al Mubarak, Managing Director & Group Chief Executive Officer of Mubadala Investment Company, and Laurence Fink, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of BlackRock, Inc.

As a global platform supporting economic development, knowledge sharing and innovation, ADSW is aligned with the UAE’s ‘Principles of the 50,’ which chart a course for the nation’s prosperity over the next five decades. 

As one of the largest gatherings of its kind, ADSW provides a global platform for cooperation, knowledge sharing, investment and innovation, welcoming each year more than 45,000 participants from over 170 countries, with more than 1,000 international companies represented. 

Alongside the ADSW Summit, ADSW will feature a series of high-level events running from Saturday January 15 – Wednesday January 19, 2022, including:  January 15-16 - IRENA Assembly, Atlantic Council Global Energy Forum, January 17 - Opening Ceremony and the Zayed Sustainability Prize Awards Ceremony,  January 17-19 - World Future Energy Summit, Innovate, Youth 4 Sustainability Hub, January 18 - WiSER Forum, January 19, Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Forum. 

Registration details for the ADSW Summit and other ADSW events can be found on adsw.ae.

• The week long program will bring together global leaders from government, business and technology to support the acceleration of climate action and net zero commitments
• Aligned with the ‘Principles of the 50’, ADSW will enable cooperation, knowledge sharing, investment and innovation

Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), the global platform for accelerating sustainable development, hosted by Masdar, will be held from January 15 to 19, 2022. 

As the first major sustainability event taking place after COP26, ADSW 2022 will bring together the global community across high-level events, with participants including heads of state, policy makers, industry specialists, technology pioneers and young sustainability leaders. ADSW 2022 will focus on delivering action across three principles; Global Collaboration & Leadership, Economic Development, and Technology & Innovation. 

The ADSW Opening Ceremony and the Zayed Sustainability Prize Awards Ceremony will take place at the Dubai Exhibition Centre on Monday January 17, 2022, reinforcing the collective commitment of the United Arab Emirates to climate action and sustainability.  

All other ADSW events, including the ADSW Summit, IRENA Assembly, Atlantic Council Global Energy Forum, World Future Energy Summit, Innovate, Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Forum, Women in Sustainability, Environment and Renewable Energy (WiSER) Forum, and the Youth 4 Sustainability Hub will take place in Abu Dhabi or virtually. 

The UAE has always been proactive and forward-thinking in its approach to sustainability.  Earlier this year, the UAE announced its Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative, a national drive to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, making it the first country in the MENA region to announce such an initiative. The Net Zero Initiative will see the UAE invest over AED600 billion in clean and renewable energy over the coming decades. 

Delivering global net zero commitments and the journey to COP28, which will be held in the UAE in 2023, will be key topics for driving discussions at the ADSW Summit.  The ADSW Summit, which will take place virtually on Monday January 17, will host global leaders from government, industry and technology to explore the latest technological and economic trends that are shaping the sustainability agenda. 

An important enabler to delivering a sustainable future is innovation and supporting emerging technologies and start-ups. New to the ADSW program is Innovate, a global initiative recently launched by Masdar City aimed at identifying and nurturing the next generation of sustainable technologies. As part of its year-round program, Innovate will include a innovation hub at the World Future Energy Summit exhibition, taking place at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) from January 17 – 19.

The World Future Energy Summit will also host a series of industry forums that will bring together leading experts to discuss clean energy, water, ecowaste, solar, smart cities and climate and environment.   

ADSW is aligned with The ‘Principles of the 50,’ which serve as a strategic roadmap as the nation enters a new era in its development path, and a new cycle of economic, political and social growth. As one of the largest of gatherings of its kind, ADSW provides a global platform for cooperation, knowledge sharing, investment and innovation, welcoming each year more than 45,000 participants from over 170 countries, with more than 1,000 international companies represented.

ADSW will be taking place from Saturday January 15 – Wednesday January 19, 2022. 
Key dates include: January 15-16 - IRENA Assembly, Atlantic Council Global Energy Forum, January 17 - Opening Ceremony and the Zayed Sustainability Prize Awards Ceremony, ADSW Summit,  January 17-19 - World Future Energy Summit, Innovate, Youth 4 Sustainability Hub, January 18 - WiSER Forum, January 19, Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Forum. 

Registration details for individual ADSW events can be found on www.adsw.ae.

• Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week Opening Ceremony and Zayed Sustainability Prize Awards Ceremony will take place at Expo on Monday January 17, 2022
• All other Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week events will take place in Abu Dhabi or will be hosted virtually
• Announcement took place during Expo 2020’s Climate and Biodiversity Week

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; October 9, 2021: Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), the global platform for accelerating sustainable development, hosted by Masdar, has today announced a new collaboration, which will bring elements of the Week to Expo 2020 Dubai. The ADSW Opening Ceremony and the Zayed Sustainability Prize Awards Ceremony will take place at the Dubai Exhibition Centre on Monday 17 January 2022.

The announcement was made during Expo 2020’s Climate and Biodiversity Week (the first of 10 Theme Weeks that anchor the Programme for People and Planet) which aims to mobilise the world to take decisive action for the health of our world. Bringing ADSW’s vital platforms to Expo 2020 will further demonstrate the UAE’s leading role in driving action on climate change, at home, in the region, and throughout the world.

ADSW is one of the largest of gatherings of its kind, which welcomes each year more than 45,000 participants from more than 170 countries. The week will return between 15 – 19 January 2022 and feature a series of high-level in person and virtual events.

H.E. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Special Envoy for Climate Change, and Chairman of Masdar, said: Hosting the opening of ADSW together with the ZSP award ceremony at Expo 2020 Dubai will serve to reinforce the UAE’s commitment to climate action and sustainability, as key drivers of the UAE’s progressive model for economic growth. The combination of ADSW’s experience as a convenor with Expo 2020 Dubai’s global reach will help expand partnerships, drive innovation and open up new economic opportunities. As the UAE marks 50 years of progress, with the Principles of the Fifty, sustainability will remain a cornerstone of plans for future growth, creating new knowledge, new skills, new industries and new jobs.”

The ADSW Opening Ceremony and the Zayed Sustainability Prize Awards Ceremony, will bring together more than 600 VIPs from around the world, including heads of state, government ministers, industry leaders and country ambassadors. During the Opening Ceremony, H.E. Dr Sultan Al Jaber will deliver a keynote speech.

Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General of Expo 2020 Dubai, said: “As one of our three subthemes, Sustainability is integrated across the entirety of Expo 2020 Dubai. We aim to be one of the most sustainable World Expos in history, supporting the UAE’s continued efforts to build cleaner, safer, and healthier communities for its people. As a long-standing platform for sustainability, Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week has a legacy of bringing together the global community, facilitating dialogue and accelerating sustainable development. These qualities align with the aims of the Programme for People and Planet at Expo and our goal of catalysing a one-of-a-kind movement to shape the legacy that Expo 2020 leaves the world.

“For the six months of Expo 2020, the world’s gaze will be on the UAE. Holding the opening of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week and the Zayed Sustainability Prize Awards Ceremony at Expo 2020, when the world’s gaze is on the UAE, exemplifies how we can all work together to mitigate climate change.”

Since 2008, 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 week will bring together 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.

The 2022 program will include the ADSW Opening Ceremony, Zayed Sustainability Prize Awards Ceremony, ADSW Summit, IRENA Assembly, Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Forum, Atlantic Council Global Energy Forum, Women in Sustainability, Environment and Renewable Energy (WiSER) Forum, Youth 4 Sustainability Hub, and the World Future Energy Summit – Exhibitions and Forums.

Launched at the 2008 World Future Energy Summit by H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, the Zayed Sustainability Prize is a tribute to his father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and his sustainability legacy.

Over 352 million people have been directly or indirectly impacted by the sustainability solutions and school projects of the 86 recipients of the Zayed Sustainability Prize winners since the first awards ceremony in 2009.

The Prize’s US$3 million annual fund rewards winners US$600,000 in each category; the Global High Schools category is split into six world region winners, with each school able to claim up to US$100,000 to start or further expand their project. The six world regions of the Global High Schools category are The Americas, Sub-Saharan Africa, Middle East & North Africa, Europe & Central Asia, South Asia, and East Asia & Pacific.

All ADSW events other than its Opening Ceremony and the Zayed Sustainability Prize Awards Ceremony will take place in Abu Dhabi or will be hosted virtually.

Learn more about Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week at www.adsw.ae

• 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