Zayed Future Energy Prize Student Winners and Finalists Receive Hands-On Sustainability Lessons at Petroleum Institute

International students visit the Petroleum Institute during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week

Abu Dhabi, UAE, Jan 19, 2017:  The Petroleum Institute hosted student representatives of the winners and finalists in the 2017 Zayed Future Energy Prize Global High Schools category, along with students from the previous year’s winning schools, for a scientific tour during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. The visit included seminars that highlighted the importance of renewable energy and a solar car workshop, where students used their knowledge and skills to build an energy efficient car.

After a tour of the Institute, the winners and finalists attended a series of educational seminars, including one on renewable energy that emphasised its importance and effect on the world in the coming years, a seminar that covered the different fields of engineering, and a know-how seminar that used building solar cars the students on building solar cars to help preserve energy. 

Commenting on the visit, Dr. Ebrahim Al Hajri, Director of Collaborations and External Relations, said, “We are thrilled to host these Zayed Future Energy Prize student winners and finalists at the Petroleum Institute. This visit highlighted the importance of sustainable energy in the world and how it affects our everyday lives. The students discussed the powerful ripple effect renewable energy has in providing energy access around the world to those who need it most. This visit will set the stage for a scientific platform with a strong innovative foundation in the field of research.”

“We were delighted to be able to have a hands-on learning experience about renewable energy. Understanding how I, and my school, can preserve energy is a lesson I will take back home.” said Riziki Mwaka Kitondo, Starehe Girls Centre & School, Kenya, Global High Schools winner 2017, Africa region. 
In 2012, the Global High Schools category was launched as part of the UAE leadership’s commitment to the UN’s Sustainable Energy for All initiative and educating future generations about sustainability. Completing its fifth year, the category has empowered 24 schools to incorporate renewable energy and sustainability into their schools and curricula.

Student Toby Thorpe from Huonville High School, Australia, the 2017 winner of the Global High School category’s Oceania region, commented: “Since coming to Abu Dhabi, I have learnt so much about the part I must play in a sustainable future. It has inspired me to look at the small innovations that can have a big difference in our lives. I was delighted to be able to represent my school at the awards and to win was an amazing feeling.”

Established by the UAE government in 2008, the Zayed Future Energy Prize has recognised 57 pioneers from around the world and created a growing community, committed to finding solutions that will meet the challenges of climate change, energy security and the environment. To date, more than 289 million people are experiencing the sustainable actions of the prize winners and this number continues to grow each year.