Dubai: The World Energy Forum 2012 officially opened on Monday by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, under the theme of “A Forum for World Leaders”.
Leaders from member states of the United Nations, international organisations, more than 2,000 delegates, scores of national energy ministers and top leaders from the industry and corporations participated in the forum.
Shaikh Mohammad signed an agreement to declare October 22 of every year as the World Energy Day, to form a roadmap for a new paradigm for sustainable energy that will benefit all people and promote a global adoption of safe and sustainable sources of energy that are accessible to all.
In his keynote speech, Shaikh Maktoum Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, said the World Energy Forum 2012 is an ideal platform to share the world’s best practices in the field of energy.
“The forum will increase the mutual cooperation, as well as knowledge and expertise exchange, among world countries seeking tangible progress towards cleaner, safer, and more sustainable energy that enhance the social development,” he said.
For the first time the World Energy Forum has been organised outside the headquarters of the United Nation in New York. It be held in Dubai between October 22 and October 24 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Shaikh Maktoum said: “The whole world is facing a lot of challenges in the energy sector. We have to find solutions to enhance sustainable economic development for the whole world.”
Among the world’s seven billion people there are 1.5 billion who are deprived of electricity while three another billion are relying on natural resources in their daily lives, he said.
“The UAE is an oil-producing country but has to face the world challenges by providing a sustainable energy that fuels the overall development.
“The UAE has become a global centre of sustainability by its available initiatives of creating a green economy, solar energy and others that strengthen its competitiveness, and the growth which is preserving its environment for future generations.”
He added that the forum will be achieving universal access to modern energy services to share with the world leaders and decision makers, the country’s vision for peace, stability and sustainable development.
Shaikh Maktoum welcomed the hosting of Africa Leaders Forum on the sidelines of the energy forum aimed at sustainable energy solutions helpful in reserving and conserving precious resources, and providing a sustainable future for all nations.
