The meeting took place at the ProMexico Green Solutions exhibition during the opening tour conducted by President Calderon where he visited the Masdar stand.
Green Solutions, an initiative by the Federal Government of Mexico hosted on the sidelines of the COP16 conference, offers a platform for the private sector to showcase the leading efforts of the private sector in climate change mitigation, particularly in the fields of trade, investment and technological development.
His Excellency the President thanked the UAE for its effective and engaging contribution to the negotiations at COP16 and applauded the UAE leadership’s efforts towards advancing renewable energy technologies and addressing climate change. He specifically commended the contribution of Masdar for its comprehensive and dynamic approach to addressing the challenges.
President Calderon also emphasized the importance of steering away from what he referred to as the “false dilemma” of economic growth versus climate change mitigation and persevering in the fight against climate change in the face of economic woes. He stressed that economic growth is possible despite the current financial situation. The President also commended the UAE’s commitment to ensuring the success of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), based out of the capital, Abu Dhabi.
Mexico, one of IRENA’s recent member states, joined the Agency July 7th, 2010.
Dr. Al Jaber briefed the President on the nation’s economic diversification plans, which includes fostering human capital and the development of knowledge led industries.
He also provided the President with an overview of the UAE’s approach to energy diversification, explaining: “It is crucial for our future generations that we pursue an energy mix that will help reduce carbon emissions, advance technologies and conserve hydrocarbons for future generations.”
Dr. Al Jaber further explained that a key contributor to the UAE’s energy diversification plans is the Abu Dhabi based Masdar Initiative.
“Through our holistic approach that encompasses research, development, education, investment and deployment of renewable energy and clean technologies, Masdar is playing an important role in achieving Abu Dhabi’s renewable energy goals and economic diversification plans.”
Dr. Al Jaber also took the opportunity to brief His Excellency the President on the delicate state of the negotiations in Cancun and the significant differences in positions between the developed and developing countries as well as the importance of the continuation of the Kyoto protocol. Dr. Al Jaber praised the Mexican government for an excellent job of managing expectations and ensuring a transparent and inclusive process at COP16.
Dr. Al Jaber explained that this year’s negotiations present an opportunity to restore faith in the multilateral process.
"We are optimistic that countries recognize the importance of making substantive progress and are therefore more willing to compromise. This is a signal of the growing confidence in the multilateral system, which is key to achieving an effective solution to climate change. We are strong supporters of the multilateral process and are keen to be part of the solution."
He added: “Reaching important agreements and taking meaningful action to tackle climate change will not be driven by political entities or by private industry alone. A coordinated and cooperative approach by policy and business leaders is a key aspect to achieving a vibrant economy and a healthy environment.”
Earlier in the day, the UAE delegation attended an exclusive briefing hosted by President Calderon that included various high level delegates.
The United Arab Emirates delegation in this year’s Conference of Parties consists of the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs Directorate of Energy and Climate Change, the Ministry of Environment and Water, Ministry of Energy, Masdar, as well as the National Center for Meteorology and Seismology, and the Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi.
About Masdar
Masdar is Abu Dhabi’s multi-faceted initiative advancing the development, commercialization and deployment of renewable and alternative energy technologies and solutions. The company serves as a link between today’s fossil fuel economy and the energy economy of the future - developing the “greenprint” for how we will live and work tomorrow. Backed by the stability and reputation of the Mubadala Development Company, an investment vehicle of the government of Abu Dhabi, Masdar is dedicated to the emirate’s long-term vision for the future of energy.
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