Dubai is gearing up to be the venue where world leaders and policy makers will draw the road map for finding practical, cost-effective and green energy solutions for sustainable development.

International energy experts, ministers and world leaders, including presidents of 40 countries, are expected to attend the World Energy Forum 2012 (WEF), to be hosted in Dubai in October, officials announced at a press conference on Thursday.

To be held under the theme “A Forum for World Leaders”, the prestigious forum is happening outside UN Headquarters in New York for the first time. It will be held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from October 22 to 24.

After a fierce competition, the WEF, a non-profit organisation based in New York promoting a worldwide movement for a future powered by sustainable energy, chose Dubai as the venue for WEF 2012 because of its geographic and strategic location and its status as a global hub of finance, business, trade, energy and tourism.

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice-Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and MD and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, who represented Shaikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, said: “The forum aims at creating a road map for global sustainability, promoting a new energy paradigm supporting the global economy and social development amongst all UN member nations. Moreover, it will contribute to launching a global drive for providing cleaner, safer and more sustainable energy for all.”

Energy Minister Mohammed bin Dha’en Al Hamili said, “What the UAE is looking for today is to diversify its energy resources and fortify its leading status as a global research and development hub for renewable energy, emphasising the importance of ongoing research for alternative energy resources; where the UAE, and Dubai especially, work hand in hand with other countries to review and analyse ways to achieve a bright future and sustainable development for the people of the earth.”

Dr Harold Hyun-Suk Oh, President of the World Energy Forum, said: “The WEF strives to ensure the applications of varieties of innovative and pragmatic results that will largely effect changes in the lives of, according to the UN, the one in five people lacking access to modern electricity, and the three billion people solely depending on wood, coal and charcoal for cooking and heating.”

UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in the UAE Dr Elissar Sarrouh said: “If we don’t progress towards a greener economy, it is expected that the world will greatly suffer from global warming and exhaustion of conventional natural resources. Scientists estimate that current trends of development can lead to a 25 per cent increase in world demand for oil by 2030 over that in 2006. This will lead to an increase in the emissions of greenhouse gases from 28 Gigatons of carbon dioxide in 2006 to 40 Gigatons by 2030 and 62 Gigatons of carbon dioxide by 2050.”

Dr Dinesh Kumar, Executive Director of the WEF, said, “The forum will look at how the conventional energy can be used more efficiently and how we can gradually increase the use of renewable energy.”

He said it will also pave way for the highest level of seamless interaction between countries which are more in energy infrastructure needs and developed countries to work for energy solutions including technology transfer for the benefit of the former.

The forum has dedicated a special summit for Africa where African leaders will exchange ideas and seek to build cross-border cooperation for the common good of the continent and demonstrate to the world community the viability of Africa for business and investment. The African First Ladies Summit will highlight energy and water issues as they relate to women in Africa, empowerment of women, and women’s role in sustainable development. Khawla Al Mehairi, Coordinator of the Higher Organising Committee and Vice-President of the Media Committee for WEF 2012, said the forum will also have sessions on women empowerment.