Founders of Mission Innovation holds meeting at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week

Mission Innovation partners, a global initiative to accelerate widespread clean technologies, held a meeting on the sidelines of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, ADSW. 

The meeting focused on the next steps in developing and commercialising breakthrough technologies to promote sustainable development and mitigate climate change.

"The development of renewables, solar and other clean energy sources play a major role in sustainability and will create unparalleled economic opportunities globally," said Dr. Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Permanent Representative to IRENA and Director of Energy and Climate Change at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. "As a founding member of Mission Innovation, the UAE is pleased to host this meeting and unite toward a common goal of a secure energy future."

Mission Innovation was announced during the Paris climate summit on November 30th, 2015, by leaders from around the world. 

As part of the initiative, participating partner countries committed to doubling clean energy innovation investments over five years. 

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates also announced a complementary initiative, the Breakthrough Energy Coalition, in which more than twenty private sector investors pledged to provide patient, risk-tolerant funding for cooperative projects.

"Building linkages and enhancing discussion between governments and businesses is key to driving forward clean energy technologies that are scalable and affordable," said David Turk, Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Climate and Technology at the U.S. Department of Energy. "ADSW provides a terrific platform for Mission Innovation leaders to meet and to help create durable partnerships and work toward sustainably meeting the world’s growing energy needs."

Through ADSW, the UAE has become the centre for global cooperation and debate on sustainability issues. The forum, hosted by Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s renewable energy company, gathers over 30,000 attendees, including thought leaders, policy makers and leading innovators.