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ME can emerge as a source of alternative energy: Annan
DUBAI — The Middle East which was the main energy supplier of the last century could become, through investments and leadership, a primary source of alternative energy in this century, UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan said here yesterday.
Annan was presented with the Global Leadership Award by His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
He said the UAE and the region had a major role to play in spearheading not only the development of alternative sources of energy but also maximising the use and benefits of every gallon of fossil fuel.
"Oil-rich countries can invest in new technologies and in the transfer of existing ones to poorer countries," he observed.
Speaking at the ceremony at which the Zayed International Prize for the Living Environment and other awards were presented, Annan said that the world must look beyond the limited life of fossil fuels, and promote clean, alternative, renewable sources of energy.
"The soaring demand for oil is concentrating the minds of the world as never before,'' Annan said, adding that the high oil prices of today make the economic and environmental arguments even more mutually supportive.
Annan said the world remains ''locked into short-term thinking, from election cycles in politics to profit-taking in the business world'', whereas sustainable development calls for a long-term perspective.
''The world remains captive to the old idea that we face a choice between economic growth and conservation. In fact, growth cannot be sustained without conservation. “One of two jobs worldwide in agriculture, forestry and fisheries depends on the sustainability of ecosystems,'' Annan said. He added that health problems cannot be fixed by the health sector alone, and mankind's ''fight against poverty, inequality and disease is directly linked to the health of the earth itself.''
Annan was earlier received at Dubai International Airport by Abdul Rahman Al Midfa, UAE Minister of Health and Chairman of the FEA and Dr Mohammed Bin Fahad, Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee of the Zayed Prize.
The award ceremony last night also served as the opening for the Ninth special session of the Governing Council of the United Nations Environment Programme (Unep)/Global Ministerial Environment Forum, which commences today with attendance from the representatives of nearly 160 countries — including some 125 environment ministers.
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