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The Zayed Future Energy Prize has made Abu Dhabi the paramount location for global dialogue on a clean energy future, the President of Iceland, His Excellency Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, said at a press briefing in the capital on Wednesday.
His Excellency, who is the Chairman of the Jury of the Zayed Future Energy Prize, made his remarks following an announcement that the winners and runners up of the Prize have been chosen. The names of the recipients of the Award will be announced at the annual ceremony on January 17, 2012 on the sidelines of the World Future Energy Summit.
The Jury panellists in attendance included His Excellency Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, President of Iceland and Chairman of the Jury of the Zayed Future Energy Prize, His Excellency Mohamed Nasheed, President of the Republic of Maldives, Her Excellency Elizabeth Dipuo Peters, Minister of Energy of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency Ahmed Al Sayegh, Chairman of Masdar, and Dr. Susan Hockfield, President of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Actor and environmentalist Leonardo DiCaprio, who was unable to attend, was represented by Justin Winters, Executive Director of the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation.
Tennis Grand Slam champion and education advocate Andre Agassi, Cherie Blair, Founder of the Cherie Blair Foundation and Timothy Wirth, President of the United Nations Foundation and the Better World Fund, who could not attend the meeting, had sent in their nominations along with their justifications earlier in the week.
The Zayed Future Energy Prize aims to inspire the next generation of global energy innovators to create solutions for the future. The Prize is awarded annually to individuals, companies or organizations that have made significant contributions in the global response to the future of energy, climate change and sustainable global energy resources.
His Excellency President Grimsson, known for his passionate advocacy of international cooperation in combating climate change, said: “The Zayed Future Energy Prize has made Abu Dhabi the paramount location for global dialogue on a clean energy future. By choosing the winners and runners-up today, we have honored the memory of Sheikh Zayed, the Founding Father of the UAE. We have also sent a clear message to the world, that we need to move forward in a strong and comprehensive way if we are to leave a healthy planet for future generations. Finally, when we witness 425 nominations from across 71 countries being made for the Prize and the extraordinary work being done across the globe, we become optimistic that change is possible and is already happening.”
The Jury’s decision culminates a year-long, four-stage process that evaluated a record 425 applications from 71 countries based on the four key criteria of Innovation, Impact, Leadership and Long-Term Vision.
His Excellency Mohamed Nasheed, President, Republic of Maldives, another prominent member of the Jury representing an island nation that is on the frontline of the fight against climate change, added: “The decision made by the Jury today is not simply about selecting five parties to whom US$ 3.5 million would be awarded. We understand the decisions made would have impact and resonance throughout the climate change issue, which is the most important one that mankind faces today.”
Her Excellency Elizabeth Dipuo Peters, Minister of Energy, Republic of South Africa, and a member of the Jury, said: “The UAE, as the nation that hosts IRENA and a remarkable initiative like Masdar is a clear indication that we are progressing towards a change that will lead to the preservation of our planet as a home for future generations. This prize highlights how we can integrate research and development in energy and address the issue of access to energy in the future.”
Dr. Susan Hockfield, President, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and a member of the Jury, said: “The Prize is a vital expression of global gratitude to those people and firms that have made important contributions in the field of renewable energy and sustainability. The Prize serves as a beacon of inspiration for young people around the world who understand that heroes of global energy sustainability are worthy of celebration, just as we celebrate heroes in sports, science or literature. The Zayed Future Energy Prize will come to be seen with the same extraordinary brilliance that we associate with the Nobel or the Pulitzer Prize.”
His Excellency Ahmed Al Sayegh, Chairman of Masdar and member of the Jury, said: “It is quite fortunate that the fourth round of the Zayed Future Energy Prize coincides with the nation’s celebration of its 40th anniversary. The Prize confirms the significant heritage bequeathed to us by the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. A part of this heritage is the Zayed Future Energy Prize which has gained global recognition through its endeavour to recognize leaders who are working to provide innovative solutions that can change the world.”
Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Director General of the Zayed Future Energy Prize, said “I want to thank our Jury members for their confidence in Abu Dhabi’s vision of creating a sustainable future for all. It gives us a great sense of achievement to hear presidents of nations, ministers and world academics recognize and acknowledge the United Arab Emirates solid commitment to the advancement of renewable energy and sustainability.”
“The Zayed Future Energy Prize symbolizes honors a legacy instilled in us by our Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan – who forty years ago had the foresight and vision to teach us about the value of collaboration, partnership and environmental stewardship. This is a spirit that has been brought forward by the leadership of the United Arab Emirates through the Zayed Future Energy Prize.”
For more information please visit www.ZayedFutureEnergyPrize.com.
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