Abu Dhabi, UAE – 19January, 2012:More than 4,500 students from around the United Arab Emirates attended the 2012 World Future Energy Summit (WFES) to learn about the future of renewable energy and its applications.Hosted by Masdar, Abu Dhabi's multi-faceted renewable energy company, the students met with leaders in the field and learned about cutting-edge companies working to innovate future energy solutions.The visit by the students underscores the commitment by Abu Dhabi and Masdar to engage youth and to encourage future leaders to tackle careers in science and mathematics.
In order to leverage on the platform, Masdar had recruited exhibiting companies to engage in the initiative over the course of the 4-day Summit. Students also participated in special workshops, led by industry experts, focused on introducing future opportunities in new industries like renewable energy and clean technology.
Aida Al Busaidy, Internal Communications Manager at Masdar said: “Focusing on building the human capacity expertise in the UAE is at the core of what we do at Masdar; engaging the youth is our bid to ensure that students are inspired, at an early age, to pursue studies and careers in the mathematics and sciences. Bringing them to WFES presents a unique opportunity to have them engage with the energy leaders of today.”
“Furthermore, changing the behavioral patterns of youth is also a great contributor to ensuring a future based on sustainability – another reason to actively engage with these students.”
The students’ tour of WFES included a visit to the “Wonder of Wind” youth zone, presented by Vestas and Masdar. The zone offered students insight into how energy is harnessed from wind through the engaging platform of the world’s most sustainable toy, LEGO.
Meanwhile, the Japanese pavilion held science workshops that teach students how to develop their own original solar driven motorcar while,Sener, a company that promotes development, construction, operation and maintenance of solar power plants,introduced their experts to the students and shared their expertise in the renewable energy industry.
Other companies that participated in the initiative include Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company, DelSolar Co, The Center of Waste Management – Abu Dhabi, Turner & Townsend International Ltd, Serious Energy, CESI, TOTAL, Powerway Renewable Energy Co Ltd, ExxonMobil, Statoil ASA, Siemens LLC, Underwriters Laboratories Inc, Ruud Lighting Arabia and Soltec Solar.