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Abu Dhabi played host to the world-renowned TEDxWWF conference under the theme ‘One Planet Living’ yesterday, which brought 11 speakers to the capital, to share insightful ideas and sustainable solutions across a wide range of topics. Based on the international TED conferences devoted to “ideas worth spreading”, TEDxWWF is a non-profit event dedicated to the exchange of innovative and sustainable ideas to the global community.
TEDxWWF was hosted by (WWF) and (EWS-WWF) at the Sofitel in Abu Dhabi, and was attended by about 280 people. Although it is first time it was hosted in the region, TEDxWWF proved to be a successful event. The hashtag #TEDxWWF became the most trending topic in the UAE, demonstrating the event’s ability to promote dialogue for a positive change within the community. The talks ranged from the invention of bio bricks, organizing global movements, visual arts, innovation, biomimicry and solar power to environmental expeditions, education and sport.
Sudhanshu Sarronwala, Executive Director, Communications and Marketing of WWF International, said: “Organizing TEDxWWF in Abu Dhabi has been a great experience. We have had great speakers and an attentive audience that inspired a sense of unity in the face of the challenges that face our world.
“A sustainable future is not a distant aspiration, and TEDxWWF will continue to spark dialogue among the global community of ways to increasingly seek sustainable solutions in our daily lives.”
Live streaming of the event was also available, offering the opportunity for others around the world to follow the happenings and the talks.
Ida Tillisch, Acting Director General of EWS-WWF, said: “We are proud of hosting this event in Abu Dhabi and are confident the variety of ideas presented on the stage created an experience that educated, inspired and empowered everyone watching.”
Ms. Tillisch added “The UAE is in an ideal position to foster such dialogue, especially as the country has been increasingly hosting international sustainability conventions. This will ultimately place the UAE community to become part of the global journey towards building a sustainable future for our planet
“I would like to thank both the local and global community, as well as our speakers for making this event a true success and as a result enabling us all to even seek more sustainable solutions in our daily lives.”
The stellar line-up included: Andy Ridley - Co-founder of Earth Hour, Andreas Keller - Co-founder of the iShack project. Bruce Ferguson – Director of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and a professor at Masdar Institute, Elham Al-Qasimi – the first Arab and Emirati woman to complete an unassisted expedition to the North Pole, Ginger Dosier Krieg - inventor of the bio brick, Lucy Orta - British contemporary visual artist, Majid Al-Qassimi - one of the most prominent and vocal Emirati environmentalists, Sara El Sayed - certified Biomimicry Professional and biologist, William Gaillard - Senior Advisor to the President of UEFA.
If you missed it, there is still an opportunity to be part of TEDxWWF by staying tuned www.tedxwwf.com in the coming month when the videos of the talks will be added online.
TEDxWWF in Abu Dhabi was hosted by WWF and EWS-WWF with the generous support of IRENA, Etihad Airways, ADMAF, Sofitel, Farnek, Abu Dhabi Events, and Laura Penn.
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