Tony Blair expresses support for UAE's proposal to host IRENA headquarters
3 Jun 2009, 1025 Hrs

Add comment          Mail          Print          Write to Editor

Nicosia, June 3 Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair expressed strong support for UAE's proposal to host the headquarters of the newly established International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in the Masdar city of Abu Dhabi, saying that the political and technical arguments for this were overwhelmingly strong.

"Locating IRENA in the developing world would send a powerful signal that all nations must participate in the transition to a sustainable future. And that we are committed to not leave developing nations behind," said the former premier, who is currently the Middle East peace envoy, in the course of a recent visit to Abu Dhabi.

The other countries, which offered to host the headquarters of Irena, are Austria, Denmark and Germany.

A decision on the headquarters is expected to be taken by the 83 members of the new organisation at a meeting in Egypt at the end of this month.

Blair praised the efforts made by the UAE efforts in nurturing the renewable energy industry "and the unprecedented political will that has already manifested itself in the Masdar Initiative, which started in 2006 and is expected to cost 22 billion dollars.

Mastar city will be the only city in the world which will be carbon-neutral, zero waste city, completely powered by renewable energy.

It will also be the location of the Mastar Institute of Science and Technology which will be assisted by the MIT.

Cars will be banned within the city. Travel will be accomplished via public mass transit and personal rapid transit systems. (ANI)

Related Latest

Mariah Carey 'to host grand champagne party for X Factor champ' Goa all set to host IFFI from Monday ECB eager to host India-Pak Test series in England Kerala to host hoteliers annual convention Countdown to Manmohan visit: Support and commendation for 'rising power' Germans to block Blair bid to be Europe President US should support India for Security Council: American expert Support pours in for Tendulkar after being slammed by Shiv Sena Punjab plays host to youth festival showcasing country's diverse culture Chandigarh plays host to a "wedding exhibition"

Related Latest

As far as Kashmir issue is concerned, India will not redraw borders: Singh Pakistan has not done enough on the Mumbai terror attacks: Manmohan Singh No apprehension about US viewing India differently: Manmohan Singh Winters leave Ladakh out of bound, make stocking of food material a must Eco-friendly vehicles rally held in Delhi People worship Highway Goddess for safe journey in Chennai Lucknow Zoo authorities treating tiger for cancer Hussey ready to cop criticism, but will let bat do the talking PAC supports idea of making Pak Army's financial records public Pak heading towards 'demographic disaster', warn experts

• Pakistan has not done enough on the Mumbai terror attacks: Manmohan Singh
• As far as Kashmir issue is concerned, India will not redraw borders: Singh
• No apprehension about US viewing India differently: Manmohan Singh
• Winters leave Ladakh out of bound, make stocking of food material a must
• Eco-friendly vehicles rally held in Delhi

• भारतीय क्रिकेट की मजबूत दीवार
• कंगारूओं के आगे ढेर, चीतों से कैसे मुकाबला करेंगें शेर
• Reducing greenhouse gases may not be enough to slow global warming
• बीकानेर महापौर चुनावः एक विश्लेषण
• Deepawali: The Festival Of Lights