President Attends Energy Renewable Conference

President John Dramani Mahama on Monday morning joined other world leaders to participate in the Abu Dhabi sustainability week in a renewable energy conference.

President Mahama, who was the Guest of Honour at the opening session of the conference focused on Africa as the next frontier in water, environment and energy, was joined the leaders of Ethiopia, Senegal and Sierra Leone.

Also in attendance were Hamdam bin Mohammed Al- Maktoum, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Ghana's Energy and Petroleum Minister, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, among other dignitaries.

The opening session focused on the rise of the United Arab Emirates in the areas of culture, construction, education, sustainable access to water and job creation and how those measures could be implemented in Africa to enhance the continent's socio-economic development.

It is estimated that the world population would rise to 8 billion by 2030 and this would call for 30 percent increase in potable water, 50 percent demand for energy and 50 percent demand for food.

As a result Africa is seen as the next growth pole in these commodities on account of her endowment in those natural resources, giving the indication that the world would focus on the continent for survival and growth.

The conference would therefore give the UAE the opportunity to share its expertise and experience with developing African countries to take advantage to develop their resources.

As the host of the international Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the UAE has been actively involved in encouraging the widespread adoption of renewable energy.

The first sustainability conference held last year attracted 30,000 participants from 150 countries.

The main agenda of the conference is to tackle the world's pressing issues in energy, water and environment, accelerate the global adoption of renewable energy and sustainable development.

It is also expected to address water challenges in the arid regions of the world. At the end of the three- day conference, participants would be expected to stimulate investment in water, energy and environment projects and to empower young generations and entrepreneurs.

There is also exhibitions of various technologies and innovations on water, energy, environment, engineering and construction and is expected to feature issues that would provide solutions to challenges in water, environment and energy throughout the world.

President Mahama is expected to attend to attend the Zayed Future Energy Prize ceremony later on Monday evening.

The Zayed future energy prize is another commitment from Abu Dhabi in the field of renewable energy and sustainability.

The annual $ 4 million prize was created to honour the legacy of His Holiness Sheik Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan late founding father of the UAE and to inspire the next generation of Global energy innovators to create solutions for the future.

GNA