Swiss economic delegation at the World Future Energy Summit 2011 in Abu Dhabi
Bern, 14.01.2011 - Walter Steinmann, Director of the Federal Office of Energy, will head a 25-member Swiss delegation that will participate in the International World Future Energy Summit 2011 from 17-20 January 2011 in Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates). The Federal Council has conferred the title of Secretary of State on Walter Steinmann for the duration of the conference. The Swiss delegation, which includes among others Beat Vonlanthen, State Council of the Canton of Fribourg and President of the Conference of Cantonal Energy Directors, Nick Beglinger, President of the Swisscleantech and Swiss Village associations, Uwe Krüger, President of the Cleantech Switzerland export platform, and Joël Mesot, Director of the Paul Scherrer Institute, will be informed about the progress of construction at the ecological town of Masdar and at the “Swiss Village in Masdar”.
The World Future Energy Summit (WFES) has been held regularly in Abu Dhabi since 2008. Since then, with 25,000 participants from 148 countries, the WFES has developed into the largest international meeting of influential representatives of the renewable energy and energy efficiency industries. Switzerland will use the occasion to present its technology in the cleantech and energy sectors and to further strengthen contact with the United Arab Emirates. In 2009, both countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding on increased cooperation in the energy sector.
The delegation will meet leading representatives of the Government of the United Arab Emirates, including Energy Minister Mohamed bin Dhae'n, the Minister for the Environment Rashid Ahmad bin Fahed, the Minister for Foreign Trade Sheikha Lubna Al Qassimi, and the Minister for Science and Research Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak al Nahyan. The Swiss delegation will also be informed about the progress of construction work on the planned zero emission town, Masdar City, and about the Swiss Village project within the City.
On the opening day of the World Future Energy Summit Walter Steinmann will participate in a panel discussion involving the participating energy ministers and together with Beat Vonlanthen, State Council of the Canton of Fribourg, open the "Swiss Pavilion" where numerous Swiss firms will present products and services for the cleantech and energy sectors.
Address for enquiries
Marianne Zünd, Head of Communication SFOE, 031 322 56 75 / 079 763 86 11
Publisher
Swiss Federal Office of Energy
http://www.bfe.admin.ch
