Opening of the Open Forum 2010

The first two sessions of the Open Forum 2010 took place today at the American University in Dubai. The Open Forum is co-organized by the World Economic Forum, the United Arab Emirates and the Government of Dubai and runs in parallel with the World Economic Forum's Summit on the Global Agenda.

The first session, Cities of the Future, looked at how more sustainable cities could be created – economically, socially and environmentally. Panellists unanimously called for “sustainable urbanization”, but were divided on how to achieve it and whether there is a strong business case for sustainability.

Later on panellists at the Open Forum on Energy Security and Economic Prosperity for the Region agreed that with the world population set to hit 9 billion by 2050, the diversification of energy sources will be vital for meeting increasing energy needs. To this end, cooperation among MENA countries should be a key strategy to ensure that new energy models are viable and sustainable.

Today, 1.4 million people are living in “energy poverty” and that number will only increase if more resources are not funnelled into developing sustainable sources of energy. Research and development must be aimed at all potential sources of energy – including oil and gas, coal, solar, biofuels, wind and nuclear.