He also commented that Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week is a key platform to cement the international partnerships that will drive innovation and long-term prosperity for the UAE and the global community at large.

His Highness praised Masdar’s role in extending the UAE’s energy leadership beyond hydrocarbons and for emerging, in less than a decade, as a key player in the international renewable energy sector.

In his keynote speech, Secretary-General Ban stressed the need to turn political will into decisive action on renewable energy and sustainable development, as part of the fight against climate change. He praised the UAE’s leadership in sustaining the political momentum in the wake of the Paris Climate Agreement, reached in December, to achieve a better future for people across the world.

“We have a vision, [and] we have goals. There is also political will. We are the first generation with an opportunity to end poverty, but we are the last generation with a chance to combat climate change. Clean energy is the key to both of these tests. Sustainable energy is the thread that connects economic growth, social equity and our efforts to combat climate change,” he stated to the delegates.

“UAE and Masdar are a perfect example of the kind of public-private action that is needed. I congratulate Abu Dhabi on bringing together so many different partners including world leaders,” he continued.

As the first high level global sustainable development event to take place since the Paris Climate Agreement, ADSW will examine how to turn the ambitious goals of the Paris Climate Agreement and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development into practical and innovative policy, investment, technology and partnership solutions, with a focus on identifying actions that can be taken by both the public and private sectors.

In special remarks, delivered at the opening ceremony, H.E. President Peña Nieto said, “One of the biggest challenges facing humanity is to have enough clean energy to meet future demand for energy. All nations of the world are vulnerable to the effects of climate change, and we therefore all have a duty to assume a global responsibility.”

“Mexico is committed to the environment. We have made the decision to transition to less-polluting forms of fuel and to adopt renewable energy. Our belief is that it is possible to secure a new climate regime, without impeding economic and social progress. Abu Dhabi, and particularly Masdar, represents tangible examples of innovative environments aimed at sustainable economic and social progress.”

In his address to the opening ceremony, H.E. Dr Al Jaber said, “We convene at a moment of unprecedented unity.  The Paris Agreement, last month, marked the culmination of over a decade of challenging negotiations. Never before has the political will to address climate change and achieve sustainable development been so resolute. And never before have market forces aligned so closely with political choices.

“Achieving sustainable development and meeting the worlds’ growing demand for energy cannot be met by one source alone. All energy sources both traditional and new must work hand-in-hand. And that is why our leadership has prioritized economic and energy diversification as fundamental pillars to achieving sustainable development,” added H.E. Dr Al Jaber.