ADSW | About ADSW

Join us at ADSW 2025

Established in 2008, ADSW is a global platform, championed by the UAE and hosted by its clean energy powerhouse Masdar, to address the world’s most pressing challenges through crucial conversations accelerating sustainable development and fostering inclusive economic, social and environmental progress. 

Throughout the year, ADSW brings together forward-thinking leaders from across governments, the private sector and civil society to engage around bold climate action and the innovations that will ensure a sustainable world for future generations.

Focus areas

As a global initiative championed by the UAE and Masdar, its clean energy powerhouse, ADSW amplifies the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategic Initiative and supports the goals of both the Paris Agreement and the UAE Consensus reached at COP28. Events and initiatives are guided by ADSW’s strategic pillars:

Sustainable economic development

Creating a stable and sustainable economic environment, where businesses can grow and thrive while minimizing their impact on the environment. This includes promoting sustainable production and consumption patterns.

Just energy transition

Accelerating the transition towards clean and renewable energy sources. This includes promoting the adoption of new technologies such as solar, wind power and green hydrogen, reducing energy consumption, and increasing energy efficiency.

Innovation and tech

Supporting the development of new technologies and ideas that can drive sustainable economic growth. This includes promoting research and development, fostering collaboration between different industries, and supporting start-ups and entrepreneurs.

Financing for scale

Facilitating access to financing and capital for businesses and projects that are aligned with sustainable economic development goals. This includes promoting investment in green and sustainable projects, facilitating access to funding for small and medium-sized enterprises, and supporting the growth of sustainable industries.

Inclusion

Promoting a more inclusive and equitable society, where everyone can participate in and benefit from sustainable economic development, includes initiatives promoting diversity and inclusion and supporting the growth of underrepresented groups such as youth, women, minorities and indigenous communities. By integrating inclusion into all aspects of the program, we can ensure that our efforts towards sustainable economic development are accessible and beneficial for all.

Our misson

Anchored by the UAE's vision for a more resilient and sustainable future, ADSW brings together policymakers, industry leaders, scientists and innovators locally and internationally to collaborate on climate solutions, advance clean energy, and drive social and economic progress. ADSW’s year-round programming and thought leadership strives to cultivate an ecosystem for cross-sector collaboration helping to set the global agenda on sustainability and climate action.

At its core, ADSW is committed to advancing sustainability across various sectors, including renewable energy, water security, waste management and urban development. Through its annual Summit, specialized forums and global thought leadership, ADSW acts as a bridge between governments, private sector companies and research institutions. From policy discussions to exploring cutting-edge technologies, these conversations help build partnerships enabling impactful, scalable solutions.

ADSW's mission is driven by the urgent need to create sustainable systems that can withstand the challenges of climate change . With the belief that sustainability is also crucial for achieving long-term economic growth and improving the quality of life for all, ADSW aims to inspire action by engaging and empowering a broad range of stakeholders, from government leaders and multinational corporations to grassroots organizations and young innovators. Through initiatives designed to support the UAE and the global community in meeting shared sustainability goals, ADSW is dedicated to the advancement of inclusive and actionable solutions that will shape a more sustainable future for all.

Our impact

For more than 15 years, ADSW has brought together forward-thinking leaders from across governments, the private sector and civil society to engage in bold climate action and the innovations that will ensure a sustainable world.

ADSW’s program of solution-focused conversations and events throughout the year engages stakeholders across channels, from the grassroots to the institutional level. ADSW hosts heads of state, policy makers, business leaders, technology pioneers, academics and community leaders, providing a global platform to share knowledge, showcase innovation and outline strategies for delivering a sustainable future.

Discover how ADSW is cultivating crucial conversations to enable bold action on sustainability.

ADSW in Numbers

60+

heads of state, ministers and royal leaders have been part of ADSW

1,000+

global delegates in business and civil society, government officials and policymakers have joined the conversation each year

3,000+

students have attended ADSW each year to learn about sustainability

175

countries are represented each year

50,000+

attendees join ADSW each year

About ADSW