UAE gears up for world energy forum next month

The United Arab Emirates is to host the World Energy Forum in Dubai next month with participation of dozens of heads of state, scores of national energy ministers and hundreds of top leaders from the energy industry. Held under the patronage of UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, this will be the first time that this high-level international energy conference will be taking place outside the headquarters of the United Nations. Dubai was selected to host the event after fierce competition from other international venues and cities. More than 2,000 top delegates from around the world will participate in the three-day event that runs from October 22 to 24 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. With the United Nations designating 2012 as the International Year of Sustainable Energy for All, leaders from UN member states, international organizations and corporations participating at the forum will seek tangible progress towards cleaner, safer and more sustainable energy as well as achieving universal access to modern energy services. The conference will ensure that the voices of the nations and peoples who are excluded or underrepresented must be heard so that they too can benefit from modern energy services. A renewed debate on nuclear energy in light of Japanese experience in recent times will also feature in discussions. Apart from a special session on the role of energy in solving global water crises, other sessions where delegates can share their experiences and best practices will focus on governmental policy issues and legal framework, and the link between national and international energy policies and consumption, and climate change.