Mollah Amzad Hossain, Rotterdam, Netherland Apri 22, 2024
His Excellency Dr Sultan Ahmed Al-Jaber, Distinguished Professor Emeritus Vaclav Smil, Barefoot College International and World Energy Council founder Daniel Nicol Dunlop honoured at the 26th World Energy Congress
The World Energy Council has announced the recipients of its inaugural World Energy Leadership Awards, honoured at its Centennial Dinner on the eve of the 26th World Energy Congress which opens today in Rotterdam.
Set to commence today in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, the 26th Congress marks 100 years of convening the world energy community and delivering global and regional impact.
At a critical moment in world energy leadership, the 26th World Energy Congress will progress the goal of ‘Redesigning Energy for People and Planet,’ putting people and communities at the heart of making energy transitions happen in all regions.
The four awards are:
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The Global Energy Transition Impact Award is awarded to H.E. Dr Sultan Ahmed Al-Jaber, COP28 President, UAE Special Envoy for Climate Change, and Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, for achieving a historic COP28 agreement known as the UAE Consensus, and for the added achievements of launching Net Zero energy transition alliances involving multiple energy sectors. His personal commitment and persistence have set a new direction in world energy towards accelerating decarbonization with justice and resilience, leaving a lasting and positive impact on both society and the environment.
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The Energy Systems Luminary Award for significant thought leadership contributions is awarded to Distinguished Professor Emeritus in the Faculty of Environment at the University of Manitoba Vaclav Smil in recognition of his significant contributions to advancing energy literacy. Professor Smil’s achievements in effectively bridging the gap between complex energy concepts and public understanding have fostered a more informed and conscious modern world energy society.
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The Humanizing Energy Award is bestowed on Barefoot College International for achieving millions of smaller steps in making faster, fairer and more far-reaching energy transitions happen. BCI has enabled more people – women, workers, youth - and supported the roles and choices of diverse place-based and indigenous communities – as designers, builders, users, operators and owners of new power systems worldwide.
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The World Energy Visionary Leadership Award for shaping the future of energy for the common good is bestowed posthumously on Daniel Nicol Dunlop, pioneer of the first World Power Conference in 1924 and the de-facto founder of the World Energy Council. Mr. Dunlop's extraordinary foresight has made a lasting impression, fostering collaboration and innovation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable energy future. Henceforth, this award will be known as the Dunlop Award for Energy Leadership.
Dr Angela Wilkinson, Secretary General and CEO of the World Energy Council said: “This inaugural set of World Energy Council awards is being made on the occasion of the Council’s centennial anniversary - a century after we first convened power for global common good at the World Power Conference, in 1924 and on the eve of our 26th World Energy Congress in Rotterdam. These awards recognize the rare and extraordinary combination of visionary AND practical leadership achievements for building and transforming energy systems for the greater good of people and planet, and for peace and progress.
H.E. Dr Sultan Ahmed Al-Jaber, COP28 President, UAE Special Envoy for Climate Change, and Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, said, “On behalf of the United Arab Emirates and the COP28 team, I am deeply honored to receive this award from the World Energy Council. This is really a recognition of the vision and commitment of the UAE’s leadership, who were first movers in promoting a responsible energy transition and in enabling sustainable socio- economic development. They have been instrumental in rallying the world around the climate challenge. “COP28 set a new standard for inclusivity,” the President said. “We moved the world beyond self-interest for the common good and we set clear direction, guided by the science, for keeping our North Star of 1.5°C within reach. We now need to show that same solidarity in turning an unprecedented agreement into unprecedented action.”
Distinguished Professor Emeritus in the Faculty of Environment at the University of Manitoba Vaclav Smil said, “I’m honoured getting this recognition for my life’s work. As I always used to say to my students, science and engineering in the 21st century are giant buildings – and some of us lucky ones get the opportunity to add a few bricks to them.”
Rodrigo Paris Rojas, CEO of Barefoot College International said, “We’re delighted to receive this award on behalf of Barefoot College International. Our aim is always to empower rural and indigenous communities in progressing energy transition projects in the Global South. Through programs such as Solar Mamas in countries like Guatemala, Madagascar, Senegal, Zanzibar, etc, we’ve been able to train women to become solar engineers, bringing sustainable energy to rural and marginalized communities following Gandhian principles. Rural women are the most important change makers at community level for ensuring clean and inclusive energy transitions”.
