Mexican President and UN Secretary-General laud Abu Dhabi and Masdar for sustainable development efforts

ABU DHABI, Jan 19th, 2016 (WAM) -- Mexican President, Enrique Pena Nieto, has said that Abu Dhabi is a global example of development and sustainability, and that Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week will give an impetus to efforts to establish a prosperous and long lasting relationship in the field of sustainable development. In his keynote address at the opening ceremony of ADSW yesterday at the Abu Dhabi Exhibition Centre, Nieto said that one of the biggest challenges that mankind has is that of clean energy in order to meet future demand at a global level. He said that Mexico is assuming its global responsibilities in advance of the energy and climate challenges of the future. "Mexico is committed to the environment, we want to go down the road of less pollution, we want to adopt renewable energy, we are convinced that it is possible to secure a new climate regime without disrupting economic and social development," he said. Abu Dhabi, he said, and particularly Masdar City, are examples of systems of innovations, of sustainable, economical development. "I am sure that this summit will be remembered as one of the most challenging. The event will become a point of reference in order to keep on going in a world that will respect the environment." UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, in his speech at the opening ceremony, said that sustainability of energy is a thread that connects economic growth, socio-activity, and our efforts to combat climate change. He added that last year, the world celebrated the landmark agreement on sustainable development goals and climate change in Paris. The Paris agreement, he said, is a time for people and the planet and it is the time for multilateralism. "The sustainable development agenda has captured the attention of the world as countries came together and committed to a transformative vision for prosperity, peace and partnership. The universality of these agreements, and their inclusive nature, mean that we have a clear way forward - now is a time for action. Governments, the private sector, regional and international organisations must start working together to implement 17 ambitious global goals, the SDGs, which are very clear: ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy forms. This will have an enormous impact on climate change." Mr Ban continued, "My request here in Abu Dhabi is that as we move towards the implementation of the Paris agreement and the sustainable development goals, we must keep the sense of urgency, and the spirit of partnership, that guided us to success last year. "We need to start transforming the world economy, emissions must be cut drastically, counterproductive subsidies must end, governments and the private sector will need to align their decisions. Every dollar of the trillion dollars that will be spent on due infrastructure in the next fifteen years, must be invested in climate friendly projects that will drive the course of low-carbon goods and services." The UAE and Masdar are the perfect example of the kind of public-private action that is needed, he concluded, saying, "I congratulate Abu Dhabi on bringing together so many different partners including world leaders. The event designed to showcase women's contributions to sustainability is particularly welcome and important. WISER, Women in Sustainability, Environment and Renewable Energy, aims to promote women’s role in seeking sustainable solutions," he said. – Emirates News Agency, WAM -