Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2015 (ADSW) will provide a platform that enables a private sector, bottom-up approach to accelerate commercially driven solutions to manage resource and climate challenges, said a top official.

“ADSW is a platform that drives the private sector solutions required for the advancement of sustainable development and renewable energy adoption,” said Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE minister of state and chairman of Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s renewable energy company.

“Our bottom-up approach recognizes that national governments alone cannot solve these pressing issues. Increasingly, effective solutions are being driven by corporations and community leaders.”

Hosted by Masdar, ADSW 2015 addresses the complex inter-relationships between energy, water and food, and the importance of effective waste management strategies in supporting economic and social development.

“Water security is one of the most pressing issues around the world,” said Dr Al Jaber. “But it’s particularly urgent within the Gulf region, where our climate presents us with limited natural options. Our desalination project is an excellent example of how industry stakeholders can align, forge strategic partnerships and develop bottom-up solutions.”

“ADSW is a global platform that unites key industry players – from policy makers to corporate leaders – to ignite actions that accelerate commercial opportunities to address energy and water security, waste and that promote sustainable development,” he added.

ADSW, which runs from January 17-24, is expected to attract more than 32,000 leaders from industry, academia and government to Abu Dhabi. The 2015 programme will feature a series of complementary events, conference and exhibitions, including:

•    The World Future Energy Summit (WFES), the world’s foremost event dedicated to the advancement of renewable energy, energy efficiency and clean technology.

•    The International Water Summit (IWS), which provides a business approach to addressing water scarcity, sustainable growth and economic development in arid regions.

•    EcoWASTE, with focus on development of the GCC’s waste management challenges and opportunities.

•    The Zayed Future Energy Prize award ceremony, which will announce the winners of the $4 million prize.

It will also feature the General Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency – the world's intergovernmental organization dedicated to accelerating the adoption of renewable energy. – TradeArabia News Service