UAE INVITES SECRETARY CHU TO WFES

UNCLAS ABU DHABI 000715 SENSITIVE SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR NEA/ARP AND OES/EGC (THOMPSON) DOE FOR OFFICE OF AFRICAN AND MIDDLE EAST POLICY (ERICKSON) AMMAN FOR ESTH HUB (BHALLA) E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ENRG SENV KGHG AE SUBJECT: UAE INVITES SECRETARY CHU TO WFES ¶1. (SBU) During a July 2 meeting, Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, the CEO of Masdar (Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company),told the Ambassador that he would like to invite Energy Secretary Dr. Steven Chu to be a keynote speaker at the third World Future Energy Summit (WFES) in Abu Dhabi January 18-21, 2010. Al Jaber noted that WFES would coincide with the third Preparatory Committee meeting of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in Abu Dhabi. ¶2. (SBU) On July 9, Masdar delivered an official invitation letter (text below) for Secretary Chu. Post will forward the complete invitation package to DOE. ¶3. (SBU) Note and Comment: The World Future Energy Summit (http://www.worldfutureenergysummit.com/) is one of the largest international conferences on future energy technologies, climate change and sustainability. Former Energy Secretary Bodman spoke at the inaugural WFES in 2008. The UAE is investing heavily in renewable technologies and related research in an effort to promote renewables production and consumption. Its recent efforts to be selected as the headquarters of IRENA indicate the political will behind the UAE's public commitments to developing, supporting and adopting sustainable energy technologies. End Note and Comment. ¶4. (SBU) Begin text of invitation letter: June 8th, 2009 Dr. Steven Chu Secretary of Energy United States of America I would like to begin by thanking you and the United States government for the support you have extended the United Arab Emirates during their successful bid to host the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). I am delighted to invite you to participate as one of the keynote speakers at our 3rd World Future Energy Summit on January 18 - 21, 2010 in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The World Future Energy Summit has become the premier platform for sustainable future energy solutions. Over the past two years the event has attracted world and industry leaders, policy makers and researchers to develop actionable responses to future energy solutions, climate change and sustainability. Masdar is honored to host a distinguished panel of global leaders gathered to share their knowledge and ideas with the veritable who's who concerned with the future energy and environmental challenges we face. Last year's event attracted over 18,000 visitors and 600 exhibitors from 84 countries and included keynotes from global figures such as Tony Blair, former UK Prime Minister and Dr Rajendra Pachauri, Nobel Laureate and Chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. We believe that when the greatest minds from government, academia and industry come together, seemingly overpowering challenges become feasible. We believe that the World Future Energy Summit 2010 will serve as a catalyst for the next generation of green solutions. To confirm your participation or if you have any queries, please contact Anca Westley at +971 5667 9668, awestley@masdar.ae. For more information regarding World Future Energy Summit 2010 please visit www.worldfutureenergysummit.com. Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber Chief Executive Officer Masdar End text. OLSON