WAM ABU DHABI, 15th January, 2014 (WAM) -- Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) will welcome an estimated 30,000 attendees at more than 30 events from January 18th-25th, making it one of the largest global gatherings to date dedicated to the wider adoption of renewable energies and sustainable development.
Over seven days in the U.A.E. capital, decision makers from government, industry, academia and civil society will address some of the world's most urgent energy and sustainability challenges, including the economics of renewable energies, the effects of water scarcity, and the impact on the environment and natural resources of population growth and our ever expanding cities.
Further raising Abu Dhabi's profile as a global platform to address issues at the heart of the energy-water-and-waste nexus, ADSW 2014 is expected to attract attendees from 172 countries, up from 155 nations last year.
"With the World Future Energy Summit as its cornerstone, Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week will set a new benchmark both for attendee numbers, 30,000 up from 26,000 last year, and new initiatives launched," said Naji El Haddad, WFES Show Director. "Crucially, the more than 30 events over the seven days will open doors to the substantial commercial opportunities of sustainable development and renewable energy, as well as debate the necessary progress in policy and technology to achieve a sustainable future." Once again the World Future Energy Summit, now in its seventh year, will be the center-piece of ADSW. Hosted by Masdar from January 20th-22nd, WFES 2014 will stage a three-day conference and large-scale exhibition, with new and expanded features including the Sustainable Living Expo, the Project and Finance Village, and the Green Careers Fair.
Co-located with WFES, and also hosted by Masdar, will be the 2nd International Water Summit and the inaugural EcoWASTE exhibition. An original global forum advocating water sustainability in arid regions, IWS 2014 will feature the Sustainable Water Solutions Village, aimed at raising awareness of more sustainable agricultural practices and the available funding to help adopt them.
Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week will include more than 30 events across a variety of platforms, from high-level discussions to public awareness campaigns. New this year will be the Renewable Energy Jobs Conference, hosted on January 21st by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), which will gather private and public sector experts to share knowledge, experience and best practice on converting renewable energy investment into secure employment opportunities.
Also on January 21st, China Day will celebrate China's recent membership of IRENA and growing status in the renewable energies sector, encouraging greater collaboration in renewable energy projects in MENA and international markets.
ADSW 2014 will also stage the first Blue Economy Summit, organised by the U.A.E. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Republic of Seychelles, to focus attention on policy frameworks for the conservation of oceans and the sustainable development of ocean-linked communities.
The 7th annual World Future Energy Summit, the 2nd International Water Summit and the inaugural EcoWASTE exhibition, all hosted by Masdar, take place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.
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