Shaping future energy leaders

The Young Future Energy Leaders (YFEL) programme pioneered by the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology (MIST) was launched at the World Future Energy Summit (WFES) in Abu Dhabi last week.

A group of 150 students and young leaders were selected from national universities and firms to be a part of the programme. Delegates, ranging in age from 18 to 35, attended panel discussions and workshops led by world leaders in the field of renewable energy and sustainable technology (REST).

"The YFEL has several objectives; one of them is to create a network of young people who are either studying in the field of REST or just starting a career in it," said Dr Marwan Kharisheh, dean of MIST. "Another is through the panels and activities organised for the YFEL, students gain insight into the entire spectrum of the field of renewable energy — from a business, politics, academic and scientific perspective."

Generating interest

"Climate change is a big topic in the world and people need to get involved and understand the issue to be able to work towards change," said Dr Lamia Nawaf Fawwaz, assistant provost for regional affairs at MIST. "So the more young people we can involve, I believe the better."

However, MIST student Mohammad Harriri believes the recent failure of world leaders to reach an agreement at the Copenhagen Climate Conference 2009 has discouraged the younger generation from entering the field of renewable energy.

"Students all around the world have watched Copenhagen and witnessed the lack of will between world leaders to seriously pursue renewable energy," he said.

Kharisheh argues that what world leaders did is irrelevant because people are still working towards change. "The climate change issue is something that cannot be ignored," he said, adding that students must get involved and fully understand the issue in order to deliver a changing impact. "With a focus in education on renewable energy and what it takes to advance in that field, the future of students will be bright," he said.

A mini summit

The YFEL initiative is aimed at involving future generations in the growing field of REST right from the start.

"They need to know what their country is working towards and through that they can shape their own futures from the beginning," said Zainab Al Ali, YFEL programme marketing coordinator.

Students with a grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 were nominated by the Higher Colleges of Technology, Zayed University, UAE University and the American University of Sharjah.

"The YFEL nominees are passionate about this field and are opinionated on the topic of REST. However not all young people are," said Aisha Al Ateeqi, YFEL programme marketing coordinator.

This is why MIST has outreach programmes focusing on school students, said Dr Lamia. It is also working with the Abu Dhabi Education Council to introduce environmental issues into the curriculum. "It takes a change of mentality and that's why it's important to start at a young age," she said.