President attends Renewable Energy conference

President John Dramani Mahama on Monday morning joined other world leaders to participate in the Abu Dhabi sustainability week at a renewable energy conference.

President Mahama, who was the Guest of Honour at the opening session of the conference, focused on Africa as the next frontier in water, environment and energy, and was joined by the leaders of Ethiopia, Senegal and Sierra Leone.

Also in attendance were Hamdam bin Mohammed Al- Maktoum, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi; and Ghana's Energy and Petroleum Minister, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, among other dignitaries.

The opening session focused on the rise of the United Arab Emirates in the areas of culture, construction, education, sustainable access to water and job-creation, and how those measures can be implemented in Africa to enhance the continent's socio-economic development.

It is estimated that the world population will rise to 8 billion by 2030 -- and this would call for increases of 30 percent for potable water, 50 percent demand for energy and 50 percent demand for food.

As a result, Africa is seen as the next growth pole in these commodities on account of its endowment in those natural resources, giving an indication that the world will focus on the continent for survival and growth.

The conference will therefore give the UAE an opportunity to share its expertise and experience with developing African countries to take advantage and develop their resources.

As the host of the international Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the UAE has been actively involved in encouraging the widespread adoption of renewable energy.

The first sustainability conference held last year attracted 30,000 participants from 150 countries.

The main agenda of the conference is to tackle the world's pressing issues in energy, water and environment, and accelerate the global adoption of renewable energy and sustainable development.

It is also expected to address water challenges in the arid regions of the world. At the end of the three-day conference, participants will be expected to stimulate investment in water, energy and environment projects and to empower young generations and entrepreneurs.

There are also exhibitions of various technologies and innovations on water, energy, environment, engineering and construction, and it is expected to feature issues that will provide solutions to challenges in water, environment and energy throughout the world.

President Mahama is expected to attend the Zayed Future Energy Prize ceremony later on Monday evening.

The Zayed future energy prize is another commitment from Abu Dhabi in the field of renewable energy and sustainability.

The annual US$4million prize was created to honour the legacy of His Holiness Sheik Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, late founding father of the UAE, and to inspire the next generation of Global energy innovators to create solutions for the future.

Source: GNA

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