Day three of WFES (World Future Energy Summit), a key enabler of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2019 (ADSW), features the WFES Tech for Good Forum and the WFES Solar Forum with leading sector executives discussing humanitarian applications of new tech and solar power’s potential as a major renewable energy source.
Reflecting the humanitarian vision and universal principles of the UAE’s Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the WFES Tech for Good Forum seeks to assess the prospects of leveraging technological advances to drive sustainable development and social change.
Organized in partnership with the International Desalination Association, Tech for Good is a new feature of WFES. Entitled “Disruptive Technology for Better Lives”, the forum brings together representatives of UN Agencies, NGOs and donors with technology providers and entrepreneurs. They will discuss developments in humanitarian assistance in the context of modern advances in renewable energy, digital technologies, autonomous and remote devices, and more.
The day’s sessions feature insights into global examples of tech usage to solve humanitarian problems, particularly in facilitating access to power, food, safe drinking water and quality of life. Technology advances in providing emergency aid in the forms of renewable energy, digital technologies, military, autonomous, remote devices and more will also be discussed. In addition, the forum will showcase start-ups and SMEs, including several MENA-based entrepreneurs, developing innovative tech to support rapid response and disaster deployment in war zones
“WFES Tech for Good illuminates the power of new technology to enable the provision of effective humanitarian aid to those most in need and support agencies dedicated to assisting those in conflict zones or afflicted by natural disasters,” says Shannon McCarthy, Secretary General, IDA.
“The forum provides an invaluable platform for new tech entrepreneurs driving the disruptive innovations that can help support global policy priorities for helping the most vulnerable in line with the compassionate and visionary strategy of the UAE leadership.”
Leading speakers scheduled to address the forum include:
- Toby Harward, Head of Office, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
- Chris Holmes, Senior Advisor and Global Water Security Expert, Boston Consulting Group and former Acting Director, US Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance, USAID; Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Refugee Programs, USA
Featuring governments, tech providers and start-ups among others, this forum gathers public and private sector leaders to encourage solar power uptake and innovation in the MENA region. Breakthrough ideas concerning solar power generation, storage and O+M efficiency will be explored, and opportunities based on partnerships, investments and networking identified in order to drive the expansion and development of one of the most important renewable energy sources.
The forum’s panel sessions will explore Abu Dhabi’s solar energy outlook, the evolution of the pricing model for solar power, the growth potential of commercial and industrial solar installations, and planning and integrating storage into today’s renewable energy projects.
“In showcasing the commercial potential of solar, WFES Solar illustrates significant potential for further expansion in activities related to solar power technology for the full range of economic sectors,” says Mohammed Atif, Middle East & Africa Market Manager, DNV GL – Energy.
“The forum emphasises that renewable energy is a critical component for building a sustainable future and that solar has graduated from an expensive alternative to a competitive technology of choice and commercially-viable means of attaining the common goal of securing sustainable clean energy and technologies.”
Some of the eminent speakers appearing at the forum include:
- Aisha Al Mansoori, Board Director, Sweihan PV Power Company
- Dr Rabia Ferroukhi, Acting Director, Knowledge, Policy and Finance Centre; Head of Policy Unit, International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
- Amal Ismail, Energy Planning Specialist, New and Renewable Energy Authority, Egypt
Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, WFES is a global industry platform connecting business and innovation in energy, clean technology and efficiency for a sustainable future. Organized by Reed Exhibitions and running at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), the event’s theme, ‘Embracing the Future, Welcoming Disruption’, reflects its mission to serve as a global sustainability catalyst.