The Emirates Diplomatic Academy (EDA), the UAE’s leading international relations and diplomatic institution, announced its participation at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2018, the largest sustainability gathering in the Middle East convening decision makers, politicians, business leaders, and academic researchers from all around the world.
EDA’s leadership and students will participate in ADSW’s opening ceremony and the conversation on this year’s theme, ‘Driving the Global Energy Transformation’, to highlight the essential role diplomacy and the impact the youth can play in addressing climate change through participation of various high-level panels and youth interactive forums.
Set to run from 13 to 20 January, ADSW 2018 will explore three key global trends that are impacting the shift to sustainable energy – climate change, urbanisation, and digitisation. In recognition of the importance of motivating and inspiring future sustainability leaders, this year’s edition of the annual event will turn the spotlight on the youth.
The EDA students will also participate in the upcoming edition of ADSW in a seminar specifically organised for youth that will follow the official opening ceremony on day one. In addition, faculty members from the Academy will take part in knowledge-exchange sessions with international experts, such as Her Excellency Razan Al Mubarak, Secretary General of Environment Agency-Abu Dhabi, Thierry Lepercq, Executive Vice President at Engie, Dr Axel Michaelowa, Head of Research, International Climate Policy at the University of Zurich, and Michael Liebreich, Chairman of the Advisory Board at Bloomberg New Energy Finance. They will also participate in workshops addressing diplomacy’s role in climate action, sustainability efforts, nutrition, and foreign aid and assistance.
His Excellency Bernadino León, Director General of EDA, will moderate a panel on the opening day that is set to draw the participation of His Excellency Suhail Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of Energy, His Excellency Dr Abdul-Hussain Bin Ali Mirza, Minister of Electricity & Water Affairs, Kingdom of Bahrain, and His Excellency Adnan Z Amin, Director General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
Speaking on EDA’s participation ahead of the landmark event, Bernardino León, said: “Climate change has an adverse effect not only on the environment, but also on the economy, security and society at large. In this context, climate change diplomacy plays an integral part in the global transition to sustainable energy sources and in ensuring that climate, security and development issues are a core focus of national and international agendas. Furthermore, it helps forge international partnerships that address the geopolitical consequences and security implications of climate change.”
For her part, Dr Nawal Al Hosany, Deputy Director General of EDA, said: “ADSW 2018 will focus on the next stage of the global energy transformation and the important role of the young generation in ensuring a sustainable future. Through its participation, EDA aims to demonstrate to our youth how diplomats and sustainability leaders can work together to create and implement innovative strategies to mitigate the impact of climate change.”
ADSW is the largest sustainability gathering in the Middle East. The event seeks to advance the understanding of the major social, economic and environmental trends shaping sustainable development worldwide, and empower the global community to adopt viable and effective climate action strategies.
Throughout Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, EDA’s leadership and students will cover the various activities and share their insight and experiences via social media. Those interested can follow @UAE_EDA on Instagram and Twitter to learn more about EDA’s ongoing participation at ADSW. To learn more about ADSW, please visit www.adsw.ae or follow #ADSW and @ADSWagenda on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.