Mexican president visits Masdar City

ENRIQUE Peña Nieto, President of Mexico, on Monday paid a special visit to Masdar City – Masdar’s greenprint for one of the world’s most sustainable urban developments. He was received by Dr Ahmad Belhoul, Masdar’s CEO, who outlined Masdar’s role in constantly pushing the boundaries to keep improving the commercial viability of renewable energy, while simultaneously diversifying Abu Dhabi’s economy and extending the Emirate’s leadership in the energy sector. Delivering a keynote address during the opening ceremony of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, President Peña Nieto said: “Mexico is committed to the environment. We have made the decision to transition to less-polluting forms of fuel and to adopt renewable energy. Our belief is that it is possible to secure a new climate regime, without impeding economic and social progress. Abu Dhabi, and particularly Masdar, represent tangible examples of innovative environments aimed at sustainable economic and social progress.” The President’s visit highlights the importance of international collaboration in promoting sustainable economic and social development through adopting renewable energy. At the heart of Masdar City, is the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology which provides a platform for the development of renewable energy and low-carbon technologies at a global level. It is dedicated to providing real-world solutions to the issues of clean energy and sustainability. In addition, its multidisciplinary approach draws on the disciplines of engineering, science, economics and management to promote research that will help meet the economic and developmental needs of not only Abu Dhabi and the UAE, but also the world at large. The visit further reflects the pioneering roles that UAE and Mexico fulfil in promoting and deploying renewable energy, as well as climate change action. Mexico was the first developing country to pass groundbreaking climate change legislation four years ago.