Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2019 discussed solutions for the current challenges the world is facing and new opportunities to address global sustainability challenges, under the theme titled ‘Industry Convergence: Accelerating Sustainable Development’.
UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and a number of international leaders, global heads of state, local dignitaries and business leaders attended the opening ceremony of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2019.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said sustainability was a key pillar in the UAE based on the legacy of sustainability established by the nation’s Founding Father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
“We look forward to working with our partners around the world to find the solutions that will help us achieve the happiness and comfort of our people and ensure their future,” the Sheikh added at the opening ceremony.
He pointed out that ADSW represented a platform for stimulating global dialogue and mobilizing energies to develop strategies and frameworks to achieve sustainable development, while this year's focus was on integrating sectors and uniting efforts to reach solutions to meet global challenges.
“Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week is a platform that brings together the whole world in the UAE to discuss responsible and serious efforts and innovative ideas aimed at building a sustainable world that will ensure future generations a stable and secure life of energy, water and food.”
“Supporting all efforts to achieve concrete practical steps to ensure the implementation of sustainability objectives remains a fundamental approach in our country,” asserted Sheikh Mohammed.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan indicated that under the leadership of the President, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE supported global efforts to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and continued to play a leading role in stimulating various initiatives that served humanity.
Sheikh Mohammed stressed that it was the role of the UAE to establish a culture of sustainability in society and to empower women and young people to continue the process of sustainability in all sectors and at all levels.
Also, at the opening ceremony, UAE Minister of State and Chairman of Masdar, Sultan al-Jaber, delivered the welcome address to the ADSW saying that UAE’s pursuit of renewable resources is a natural extension of our existing energy leadership and commitment to sustainability.
“It is a reflection of our leaders’ dedication to addressing global challenges, in close partnership with the global community. We are building bridges across borders and bringing the public and private sector together around a single common cause.”
Jaber indicated that entering the fourth industrial age, artificial intelligence, big data and the internet of things are multiplying efficiencies and redefining possibilities, across each and every industry. He explained that this era of industrial convergence has the potential to completely transform the sustainability landscape.
“At this year’s ADSW we are focusing on the symbiotic relationship between sectors to create lasting and tangible impact.”
The minister indicated that UAE is committed to partnering with the international community in the pursuit of sustainable development.
“We are committed to advancing research and development of promising and commercially viable forms of clean technology. And we are committed to investing in the next generation of sustainability innovators. This commitment is embedded in the defining principles of a progressive, inclusive, tolerant and forward-thinking United Arab Emirates.”
Speaking at the ceremony, Special Envoy of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Director of the Office of Foreign Affairs of China, Yang Jiechi, delivered a keynote speech, stressing that China would work with UAE and the international community to fully implement the 2030 agenda for sustainable development.
“Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week is an important forum where development philosophies and brilliant ideas are shared,” he said.
Yang explained that through ADSW, the world sees a high-yielding oil producer that keeps fuelling the global economy and an incubator of new development ideas that provide intellectual impetus to human progress.
“For today’s China, the pursuit of green, low-carbon, sustainable development has become a responsibility essential for the building of a shared future for mankind.”
It is imperative that all parties pull strength to precipitate a scientific and technological revolution in the energy sector as that is the only way to bring about a disruptive technological breakthrough needed to attain net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, according to the Chinese official.
To align more closely with the UAE Vision 2021 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ADSW has widened its scope beyond renewable energy.
ADSW 2019 addresses global sustainability challenges and opportunities on the six pillars of energy and climate change, water, future mobility, space, biotechnology and tech for good.
Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week is a global platform for advancing the world’s sustainable development. The platform provides an opportunity for participants to track the latest technology trends and showcase how the industry is adapting and evolving.
