French president to speak at Abu Dhabi summit launch

The French president, Francois Hollande, will deliver a keynote speech at the official inauguration of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week from January 13 to 17.

The speech will take place at the opening ceremony of the World Future Energy Summit on January 15, and will stress the strong ties between both countries, and the mutual interest in clean energy, the state news agency Wam reported.

Thousands of high school and university students will attend the summit and the International Water Summit to learn about renewable energy, clean technology, water scarcity and sustainable development, and interact with industry experts. Japanese Pavilion, ExxonMobil and Shell Gas have confirmed their participation.

Each company will join Masdar in welcoming the students for presentations, quizzes and interactive displays during the summit.

“We are delighted that so many young nationals will take up this unique opportunity again in 2013 and that so many organisations are preparing to receive them,” said Aida Al Busaidy, who is responsible for Masdar’s youth programmes.

Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s green-energy company, will host live bag-making demonstrations by Abdul Muqeet Mannan, 11.

Abdul Muqeet is an environmental activist who was recognised with an Abu Dhabi Award for his active role in reducing the amount of plastic used in Abu Dhabi.

He designed and distributed more than 4,000 carrier bags made from recycled newspapers.

The World Future Energy Summit brings together prominent industry leaders, government officials, ministers and technology experts to discuss the future of renewable energy.

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