A French expert will open a series of high-level presentations on effective strategies to make the world’s cities more sustainable at a summit in Abu Dhabi.

Nicole Bricq, the French Minister for Foreign Trade, will speak on day two of the seventh World Future Energy Summit, hosted by Masdar, which runs from January 20 to 22 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

With 60 per cent of the world’s population expected to live in cities by 2020 and the urban landscape accounting for as much as 75 per cent of world energy consumption and an ever larger share of water demand and greenhouse gas emissions, the scale of the modern-day sustainability challenge requires a holistic approach, experts argued.

Specialists from leading French industry, government and NGOs will present their insights and experiences on the subject in an interactive session titled, ‘The Integrated Approach for Sustainable Cities,’ hosted at the Sustainable Living Expo (SLE) Theatre.

The French Ministry of Foreign Trade will also present Vivapolis, an approach integrating sustainability across the energy, water, waste and transportation sectors.

A workshop, supported by the French Embassy in the UAE and the French trade commission UbiFrance, will also host a series of informative presentations from a cross-section of French business leaders, environmental specialists and industry consultants.

The topics to be covered include ‘Innovation and Collaboration for Smarter and More Resilient Cities’; and ‘Building Resilient Infrastructures for a Sustainable Future.’

In partnership with Abu Dhabi Electricity Water and Electricity Authority, the SLE will host an actual-size home showcasing technologies and materials that reduce power and water consumption and lower emissions.

Naji El Haddad, WFES show director, said: “Reducing the demand for energy and natural resources of our cities is of paramount concern, an issue the SLE will once again bring into sharp focus.”

WFES 2014 will be co-located with the second International Water Summit and the inaugural EcoWaste exhibition, also hosted by Masdar. - TradeArabia News Service