Time

Programming

Red Theater, NYU Abu Dhabi: MCs (Yiqing Yan,Batool Al Tamimi)

9:00-9:30

(30 mins)

Day 2 Opening - Reimagining Industries and Cities

Welcome by the organizing team representative

• (Avi Bist, Erica Wu)

Youth Artistic Performance by NYUAD Students

9:30-9:45

(15 mins)

Guided Reflection and Expectations 

Discussion Questions and Sharing in groups of 2-3 (utilize mentimeter/word cloud)

• What were your takeaways from the first day?
• What are some new inquiries you have after yesterday's panels and workshops? 
• What opportunities do you see for yourself in the energy sector? 

9:45-10:15

(30 mins)

Leadership Dialogue: Cities of Tomorrow, Myth or Reality?

This dialogue explores how attainable are visions of sustainable cities of the future and what is needed to prepare our current cities to be resilient hubs leading climate actions. 

• Lindsay Bell-Etkin
• Yuriko Koike, Governor of Tokyo
• Seth Schultz, CEO, Resilience Rising 

10:15-10:45

(30 mins)

Leadership Dialogue: Infrastructure and Technology Key to the Energy System

In this dialogue, leaders of the energy sector discuss how development of infrastructure and technologies shaped the current energy system and what transformations are needed to ensure a resilient and sustainable future.

• Moderator: Lydia Sanz Lozano
• HE Dr. Amani Abou-Zeid, Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, African Union Commission
• Francesco La Camera, Director-General, IRENA
• Ramon Mendez Galain, Former Secretary of Energy, Uruguay

10:45-11:00

(15 mins)

Intermission

11:00-11:30

(30 mins)

Myth-busting Session: Separating Fact from Fiction

Session on debunking common misconceptions and myths surrounding the energy transition, energy production, consumption, and conservation

• Shakti Ramkumar
• Danny Kennedy, CEO, Author, New Energy Nexus 
• Sandra Chavez, Manager, Partnerships, Breakthrough Energy

11:30-11:45

(15 mins)

SES 2023 Competitions

• Innovation Jam next steps

11:45-13:00

(1 h 15 min)

Networking Lunch + Energy-related Industries Fair

• Booths by representatives of different energy sectors and companies

Conference Center, NYU Abu Dhabi

13:00-13:45

(45 mins)

Innovation Jam Working Session

14:00-14:45

(45 mins)

Theme: Upskilling for Energy Transition

Auditorium Session #1: Start-Ups in the Energy Sector 101: Auditorium

Location: Auditorium, in the Conference Center/A6 Building 

In this session, accomplished entrepreneurs will share practical insights into launching and scaling start-ups in the dynamic energy sector and how visionary ideas, entrepreneurial spirit, and cutting-edge technologies can drive innovation in the sector.

• Moderator: Claris Canta
• Yesika Aguilera, CMO & Co-Founder, Tespack
• Max Song, Founder, Carbon Base
• Humza Sheikh, Assistant Manager, Innovation & Technology, UICCA
• Martin Masiya, CEO, Sollys Energy

Auditorium Session #2: Reskilling, Retraining, and Restructuring School Curriculums: Lecture Hall 

Location: Lecture Hall, room 007 in the Conference Center/A6 Building 

In this session, we focus on the role of reskilling and retraining opportunities in preparation for clean energy sector jobs. The panelists will also discuss how technology can aid schools and universities to ensure energy literacy and preparedness for green jobs.

• Moderator: Abdullah Khair
• Samah Elsayed, Programme Officer of Renewable Energy Education, IRENA
• Sanjiv Gokhale, Professor of the Practice of Civil Engineering, Vanderbilt University
• Serine Srouji, Government Partnerships and Public Policy Lead - MENA, LinkedIn
• Toni Madulid, Executive Director & President, Reboot Philippines

Partner Sessions:

Innovate4Cities Marketplace: forging cross-sector partnerships to support and accelerate youth-led organizations and early careers in city climate action Location: Start AD in the Conference Center/A6 Building 

Hosted: Global Covenant of Mayors (GCoM)

This Innovate4Cities (I4C) Marketplace fast-paced session aims to connect and match youth-led solutions and sectors, funders and financers, early career researchers and supporters – across all sectors of society and levels of government. This action-oriented 45-minute session aims to rapidly develop a youth-led research and innovation (R+I) roadmap, to accelerate the implementation of early career/ youth-led city climate actions that tackle urban research and innovation gaps, required to safeguard the livelihoods of city residents and help progress towards the goals of the Paris Agreement.

Using the city-focused R+I Agendas developed at the 2021 I4C Conference (Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy and UN Habitat), and 2023 I4C Global Marketplace as a basis of discussion, participants will explore opportunities to share and connect with regional solution providers, funders and financers. Key stakeholders from academia, government, and industry will collaborate to scale and implement regional sustainable urban development and climate action ambitions, with a focus on empowering youth-led organizations and young professionals.

Navigating the Renewable Energy Jobs Value Chain: A Gamified Approach Location: Room 009 in the Conference Center/A6 Building 

Hosted by: European Youth Energy Network (EYEN) 

This interactive workshop targets young people aged 18-30 who are interested in pursuing a career in renewable energy. The workshop focuses on the Renewable Energy Jobs Value Chain, which is part of the comprehensive Renewable Energy Educational Plan, and provides guidance on finding the right roles in the renewable energy sector.

The renewable energy jobs value chain categorizes jobs into upstream, midstream, and downstream, as well as by sectors and level of experience (stage, mid-level, senior). The workshop provides gamified challenges on upskilling or reskilling in energy transition and highlights the renewable energy value chain and available job opportunities. Participants engage and collaborate through Slido, which fosters an inclusive and participatory learning environment. Polls, quizzes, open-ended questions, and feedback collection are conducted to improve the workshop's effectiveness. For instance, participants can be asked which renewable energy job they think has the most potential for growth in the next decade or be tested on their knowledge of the renewable energy value chain and related job opportunities. They can also share their thoughts on what skills they think are most important for a career in renewable energy or which job opportunities they are most interested in.

By the end of the workshop, attendees will have a better understanding of the renewable energy value chain, job opportunities, and the necessary skills to succeed in the industry. The feedback collected on Slido will be used to inform a follow-up event at COP.

Effective Storytelling in presenting sustainable energy ideas Location: Room 010 in the Conference Center/A6 Building 

Hosted: Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation

Along with essential technical skills, transferable skills like communication, storytelling, and lifelong learning are crucial for the sustainable future that the world is working toward. Recent research from the World Economic Forum emphasizes this, pointing out that some of the most in-demand skills for the future are transferable skills. These skills are also necessary in the clean energy and sustainability sectors as the younger generation works to make a lasting positive impact.

In line with this, the session will explore how storytelling can be used to effectively present sustainable energy ideas. The session will discuss how stories can captivate audiences, motivate action, and bring about positive change in the field of sustainable energy. It will be led by storytellers and communication experts from CNN Arabic or other renowned entities, who will share their distinctive experiences.

The presenters will guide the audience through a variety of storytelling techniques, such as developing engaging narratives, utilizing visual aids, and incorporating personal anecdotes, in order to include stakeholders in the development and implementation of sustainable energy solutions. They will also provide valuable tips on how to captivatingly present ideas to break down barriers, dispel misconceptions, convey complicated concepts, and promote a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities related to sustainable energy. By using real-world examples, they will illustrate how stories can be used to communicate the vitality of sustainable energy and how digital media, social platforms, and other storytelling methods can be used to increase the reach and impact of sustainable energy narratives and initiatives.

14:45-15:05

(20 mins)

Coffee Break

15:05-15:50

(45 mins)

Theme: Challenges of Heavy-Emitting Sectors 

Auditorium Session #1: Energy Markets: Trading, Energy Communities and Microgrids: Lecture Hall

Location: Lecture Hall, room 007 in the Conference Center/A6 Building 

Revolution in the electricity sector is taking place on a scale small and big. Integration of variable renewables in the energy markets of tomorrow will require a suite of solutions, ranging from microgrids and blockchain, to innovative designs like energy communities. 

• Moderator: Elijah Dietrich
• Jude Acidre, House of Representatives, Republic of the Philippines 
• Sheela Patel, Founder and Director, Society for the Promotion of Area Resource Centres SPARC
• Nadia Udochi, State and Community Energy Programs (SCEP) Fellow at U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)

Auditorium Session #2: Energy Transition in Heavy-Emitting Sectors: Industry, Transport, Heating and Cooling: Auditorium

Location: Auditorium, in the Conference Center/A6 Building 

This session challenges the status quo of industry and transport by showcasing transformative ways to decarbonize these end-uses of energy, acknowledging the complexities yet providing innovative strategies to tackle them. 

• Moderator: Angelina Smolynec
• Alicia Eastman, CEO, Intercontinental Energy
• Luciano Caratori, Energy Lead, UNFCCC High-Level Climate Champions
• Giorgia Pasqualetto, Energy Efficiency and Cooling Specialist, SEforALL
• Robert Watt, Head of Secretariat, Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT)

Partner Sessions:

Young Practitioners Transforming the Energy Efficiency Challenges to Opportunities Location: Start AD in the Conference Center/A6 Building 

Hosted by: IEEE Young Professionals Climate and Sustainability Task Force (CSTF)

Most recent data on the SDG7 reviews shows that the progress made in Energy Efficiency is slowing down. This was a key item discussed in the recently concluded Global Expert Group Meeting on the midpoint review of SDG7 by UN-Energy. One of the most significant contributors to the current climate change phenomenon is much closer to home: our cities. While there is a need to ensure efficiency at the consumer end (cites) there are further opportunities to achieve efficiency in electricity generation, distribution, and storage. The loss of energy during the transmission process contributes to energy wastage, which in turn leads to increased energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. At the point of power generation, there is an opportunity to optimize the dispatch and ensure increased efficiency.

This session is aimed to pass on the knowledge, create awareness, explore solutions as well as to propose improvements to existing solutions on energy efficiency at the consumer end, materials, and also storage related to community and agricultural applications. We wish to present brief case studies from the proposed speakers on their work and how they are contributing to resolving the challenges. To further explore the solutions, we will open the session floor to the participants. In conclusion, we will conduct a mapping of how the world would look like with the solutions implemented specially focused on the global warming trajectory IPCC has published.

Green Transformation Starts With You Location: Room 010 in the Conference Center/A6 Building 

Hosted by: Danfoss

Our world is changing rapidly. Unforeseen events like the pandemic, supply chain disruptions, and soaring energy prices, have accelerated the need for technologies that enable the green

transition. Global megatrends are more relevant now than ever, generating new opportunities to transform the world and create a sustainable future. This is the moment. Now is a unique opportunity to implement green solutions on a greater scale that will lead to sustainable transformation to limit climate change. If we are to succeed in meeting the targets of the Paris Agreement, we must break the global emissions curve. To do this, we need to be smarter with our energy use.

Unlock the path to a greener future in Danfoss’ energy efficiency and sustainability session. Dive into innovative solutions, explore eco-friendly practices, and discover how small changes can make a big impact. Join us to empower yourself with the knowledge to create a sustainable world. We engineer tomorrow to build a better future. Driven by the potential of an electrified

society and powered by the opportunities of going digital, Danfoss is engineering technology that helps the world to get much more out of less. With the promise of quality, reliability, and

innovation deeply rooted in our DNA, we deliver an extensive range of products and solutions across our business segments of Danfoss Climate Solutions, Danfoss Drives, and Danfoss Power Solutions.

As a company, we place a large emphasis on ESG, focusing on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. We have been recognized as one of the best employers in the world by both Forbes and Time magazine. As we engineer tomorrow, we recognize the potential of young talents, and it is our pleasure to discuss such an important topic with the generations to come.

16:00-16:45

(45 mins)

Theme: Technology Disruptors and Game-Changers

Auditorium Session #1: Exploring Emerging Innovations and Technology Disruptors: Auditorium 

Location: Auditorium, in the Conference Center/A6 Building 

This session explores cutting-edge advancements in renewable energy technologies, digitalization, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies that have the potential to revolutionize the energy sector. 

• Moderator: Julie Beaulieu
• Michael Webber, Professor of Energy Resources, University of Texas at Austin
• Phil de Luna, Chief Carbon Scientist and Head of Engineering, Deep Sky
• Ifeoma Malo, Co-Founder and CEO, Clean Tech Hub Nigeria 
• Mathias Schinzel , President Middle East & Africa, Emerson 

Auditorium Session #2: Future Power Grids, Electrification and Powering Critical Infrastructure: Lecture Hall

Location: Lecture Hall, room 007 in the Conference Center/A6 Building 

Through this session, participants can learn how the power system will have to evolve in the face of climate change. The panelists will also discuss how electrification will help to decarbonize the energy sector, contribute to a smarter power system and create a more resilient economy, especially in the context of delivering critical services, such as healthcare and education.

• Moderator: Avi Bist
• Roberta Boscolo, Energy and Climate Lead, WMO
• Andrei Covatariu, Expert on the Task Force on Digitalization in Energy, United Nations Economic Commission for Europe
• Nurul Habaib Al Mukarramah, Junior Project Assistant, United Nations Development Programme

Partner Sessions:

Youth in the Energy COP: Shaping Key Focuses for a Just Energy Transition at COP28 

Location: Start AD in the Conference Center/A6 Building 

Hosted by: YOUNGO Energy Working Group in collaboration with Energy Cluster Lead HLCC

As the SES23 is leading right into COP28, we want to give young people the right insights of youth organizations and work of energy youth at COP28. Insights from different regional targeted goals and outcome expectations for COP28 including missed opportunity to act on energy at SB58, importance and emphasis on Just Energy Transition, and what will be needed to set a Paris-aligned course at COP28.

With energy being increasingly highlighted, we want to provide an overview of all relevant negotiation streams and topics, and an open discussion on what priorities should be for COP28. In addition, we aim to clarify the distinction between negotiated and non-negotiated outcomes, their impacts and the involvement of Non-State actors. The concept of the Just Energy Transition Collaboration (JETCo) - which the High Level Climate Champion Team is actively advancing by involving Non-State Actors - will be used as a prime example for this.

Our speakers will elaborate on the anticipated key highlights of the COP28 regarding the energy sector and what to look out for. Additionally, we will underscore how youth can be empowered to drive this necessary change at the conference this year.

Sustainable Cooling, Efficient Living: Igniting a Global Movement Location: Room 009 in the Conference Center/A6 Building 

Hosted by: Sustainable Energy for All

As the planet warms, the effects of heat extremes are not experienced equally by everyone. Over 1 billion people are at high risk of lacking the cooling solutions needed to ensure safety and well-being. At the same time, as more households purchase air conditioners, global electricity demand for space cooling could increase by 40% by 2030. Energy efficient and affordable cooling solutions exist but are under-prioritized in policy and investment decisions. They range from green cities to passive building strategies, to efficient cooling appliances – and allow communities to build climate resilience while curbing GHG emissions. In this crucial decade, these solutions need to be at the forefront of energy transition policies and become widely recognized as future-proof business opportunities and individual choices.

This workshop will build awareness of sustainable cooling solutions and call on youth to join a global movement for energy efficiency. It will showcase youth-led innovations from the This Is Cool Challenge 2023 by SEforALL. Through interactive consultations, it will then empower young changemakers with messages and strategies to mobilize action on energy efficiency. Overarching questions include: How can energy efficiency go mainstream in climate decision-making, with youth as a driving force? What impactful messages and campaign strategies will catalyze a movement for energy efficiency among individuals, businesses and governments?

The outcome of this discussion will inform Mission Efficiency’s campaign to elevate energy efficiency, during and following COP28.

17:00 – 21:30

(4.5 hours)

Gala Dinner 

Opening remarks: 

• Nicole Iseppi, Managing Director for Global Energy Innovation, Bezos Earth Fund, Bezos Earth Fund
• Antonios Vouloudis, Director of Sustainability and Stewardship, NYU Abu Dhabi)