(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi said there is a need to address extremist discourse and get to the roots of terrorism which has its origins in poor communities. Speaking at the opening of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) on Monday, he said Egypt's security is linked to that of the Gulf countries and his country would do all it can to ensure peace prevails in the region.
His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and General Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, attended the inaugural session.
"Terrorism is rising and we need to address our religious discourse, the quality of education and employment to combat terrorism," Sisi said in his speech.
"My message to you in the prevailing situation, is this: we are killing ourselves, we are devastating our homes. Take care of your countries, of your lands, of yourselves!"
Sisi also urged governments to act for a better future and to start by helping those still living in the dark.
"There are 1.3 billion people in the world without electricity, half of them living in Africa, and we need to help them," said Sisi.
As in the past three years, Masdar has invited to Abu Dhabi thousands of heads of states, ministers, government officials, business persons and environment experts to find solutions for a better, cleaner sustainable future. Over the next three days, until January 22, they will be discussing all matters of sustainability during ADSW's World Future Energy Summit, Water Summit and Eco Waste exhibition.
Dr Sultan bin Ahmed Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State and CEO of Masdar, urged participants to find the courage to think and act differently for a better future.
"Recently we have witnessed a sudden drop in oil prices, which took many by surprise. This trend prompted some to believe it is the end of renewable energy growth," said Dr Jaber.
Yet, renewable energy, especially solar and wind power are witnessing record growth worldwide.
"Over the last 12 months, investments in renewable energy has increased by 60 per cent to $310 billion," he said, adding that solar technology prices have dropped so much that it now competes with traditional fossil fuel energy sources.
Dr Jaber urged governments to take advantage of the oil prices drop and cut oil subsidies.
"With oil prices at five years low, it is an opportunity to re-visit subsidies. In 2013, government subsidies for fossil fuels summed up to $500 billion worldwide. Think what you could do with this money! You could create jobs, invest in education and clean energy," stressed Dr Jaber.
"We are developing a strategy for energy that includes oil, natural gas, coal and green sources that will enhance our economy. Over the next five years we will cut energy subsidies and turn Egypt into a hub for energy trading," said Sisi.
"There is a limit to our traditional sources of energy, which forces us to use renewable energy in the mix, especially solar and wind power. By 2020 we will have 20 per cent renewables."
Egypt is also planning to start building 4,300 megawatts solar and wind power plants in the next three years across the country.
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