The first day of the World Future Energy Summit, that started on Monday January 18^th, and hosted by Masdar, witnessed unprecedented attendance by world leaders, policy makers and influencers in renewable energy as well as investors in sustainable energy, academics and opinion leaders in addition to media representing more than 130 countries.

The number of attendees in the first day of WFES which is continuing until Thursday January 21^st reached 9,252 people.

The Summit activities at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) witnessed participation of representatives of more than 130 countries as organizers expect 20,000 persons to participate in the activities taking place throughout the summit days. More than 600 exhibitors from 50 nations are showcasing their latest solutions and technologies in renewable energy and the environment across more than 40, 000 square meters of space. The Exhibition has seen 100% increase in the number of national pavilions compared to the previous year.

The summit activities kicked off with a plenary forum hosting ministers of energy and environment from North America, Europe, Middle East and Africa. They discussed necessary procedures to counterbalance increasing demand for energy and socio economic requirements and leveraging energy infrastructure to drive economic growth while preserving the environment and achieving sustainable growth.

Other sessions will discuss results of the Copenhagen UN Conference on Climate Change, investment aspects and latest technologies in generating power as well as the emerging CCS sector (Carbon Capture & Storage) as well as arising work opportunities in the sector.

The summit will also discuss other important issues such as sustainable architecture and design as participants will debate social, political and cultural aspects of the transformation to low carbon societies in addition to studying the lessons learned and inspired from mega projects that reflect sustainable strategies, future energy technologies and best practices.