Masdar Institute to host panel discussion on ‘Resource-Rich Countries’ at WFES 2014

Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, an independent, research-driven graduate-level university focused on advanced energy and sustainable technologies, today announced it will host a panel of eminent professionals who will assess ways to tackle the economic and social challenges faced by resource-rich countries during the World Future Energy Program (WFES) 2014. 

The panel discussion will be part of the sessions scheduled for the seventh edition of the WFES that will be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. The world’s foremost event dedicated to renewable energies, energy efficiency and clean technologies will be held from 20 - 22 January at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. 

Titled ‘The Role of Science and Technology in Resource Rich Countries’ the panelists will analyze why resource-rich countries more often find themselves burdened with economic and social situations that could only be described as ‘problems of the plenty’. They will also seek to identify solutions to this scenario that varies from region to region and continent to continent. 

To be moderated by Dr. Fred Moavenzadeh, President, Masdar Institute, the panel will have members including Professor Sheikha Abdulla Al-Misnad, President - Qatar University, Dr. Adnan A. Shihab-Eldin, Director General, Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences, Dr. Eesa Bastaki, President, University of Dubai, and Dr. Eric Grimson, Chancellor, MIT. 

The experts’ panel will discuss their experience on the direction that a particular resource-based nation is taking to address the diversification issue, and the strategy that needs to be followed to expand human capital and R&D infrastructure. They will also seek to emphasize innovation and entrepreneurship as the major direction for diversification of the economy and the steps needed to develop an entrepreneurial based economy. 

Serving as a key pillar of innovation and human capital, Masdar Institute remains fundamental to Masdar’s core objectives of developing Abu Dhabi’s knowledge economy and finding solutions to humanity’s toughest challenges such as climate change. 

Established as an ongoing collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Masdar Institute integrates theory and practice to incubate a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, working to develop the critical thinkers and leaders of tomorrow.  With its world-class faculty and top-tier students, the Institute is committed to finding solutions to the challenges of clean energy and climate change through education and research.