DUBAI: United Arab Emirates (UAE) Masdar CEO Sultan Ahmed al-Jaber has been named by the United Nations as a “Champion of the Earth.” The award recognizes work in environment and is announced on World Environment Day, which occurred on Tuesday. Masdar is the UAE's leading renewable energy company and has been pushing a number of green projects in recent years to boost the country's energy needs while maintaining energy and environment concerns. Organized by United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), the award seeks to honor individuals whose actions and leadership have made a far-reaching positive impact on the environment. The award is a precursor to the United Arab Emirates' participation at the 20th anniversary of the United Nations Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in June, during which governments and civil society will review progress and renew their commitment to global sustainability. The award highlights al-Jaber's achievements in advancing clean energy technologies to mitigate the threats of climate change through Masdar. Abu Dhabi's renewable energy company invests in clean technologies, deploys renewable energy projects and is building a city that adheres to the most rigorous sustainability standards. Masdar also invests in intellectual and human capital through the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology. On receiving the Award in the Entrepreneurial Vision category, al-Jaber said: “I am honored to be a recipient of this prestigious award. “The UAE's environmental stewardship was instilled by our nation's founding father and president, the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. In 2005 Sheikh Zayed received the Champions of the Earth award in recognition of his life-long efforts towards achieving sustainable development. The fact that the UAE has been recognized once again, seven years later, shows that we are moving steadily along the path drawn for us by our wise leadership to conserve our environment and preserve it for future generations. “Today, safeguarding our environment and economic sustainability are at the core of the UAE's development plans. It is a great honor for me, Masdar, and the people of the UAE to be recognized for our efforts in fulfilling Sheikh Zayed's environmental legacy through this award,” he said.
