The fifth World Future Energy Summit (WFES) 2012 opened in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), on 16 January 2012. The first day of this four-day event was organized around the theme “Policy and Strategy Forum,” and comprised opening statements from Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, CEO Masdar; Wen Jiabao, Premier, China; Kim Hwang-sik, Prime Minister, Republic of Korea; UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon; and other dignitaries, followed by special addresses and ministerial panels. The WFES program also included roundtable discussions, an exhibition hall, and numerous other side events and activities.

OPENING CEREMONY

Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, CEO Masdar, opened the Summit. Describing WFES as a platform for sharing experience and vision, Al Jaber offered examples of innovation and growth in the renewable energy sector including increases in wind power, greater solar capacity, and parallel cost reductions and technology improvements.

Wen Jiabao, Premier, China, stressed the historic connection between harnessing energy and human progress. He said that China will continue to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).

Kim Hwang-sik, Prime Minister, Republic of Korea, described Korea’s low carbon, green growth strategy and shared Korea’s experience in green growth.

Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, President, UN General Assembly, highlighted the UN 2012 International Year of Sustainable Energy for All.

Ban Ki-moon, UN Secretary-General, stressed the need to end energy poverty to ensure equal opportunities. He described the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (also known as Rio+20) meetings as the beginning of a multi-year mission to achieve sustainable energy for all, and called for a new energy future that harnesses the power of technology and innovation in the service of people and the planet.