HRH Crown Princess Victoria, Princess of Sweden, was the keynote speaker at the YFEL graduation ceremony during the annual World Future Energy Summit (WFES) 2011, which took place from 17-20 January at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). During her visit to the Summit, HRH Princess Victoria engaged in discussions with the YFEL participants and answered their questions about the success of this industry in Sweden. Princess Victoria also encouraged the participants to gain knowledge and expertise from the professionals that they meet during the program.

On the opening day of the World Future Energy Summit (WFES), the UN Secretary-General His Excellency Ban Ki-Moon addressed the members of the Young Future Energy Leaders (YFEL) program. During his address Ban Ki-Moon said: “You young future energy leaders can make a difference. Starting today, you have the talent and enthusiasm to turn vision into reality. Whatever your chosen career path, I encourage you to think sustainability.”

He added: “Engaging with the youth of today is a vital part of tackling the challenges of climate change. The Masdar Institute’s Young Future Energy Leaders will be the Heads of State, Professors and CEOs that will lead, develop and implement solutions in the renewable energy and sustainability space in the years to come. Listening to and nurturing these talented people now will ensure a more robust response to climate change.”

His Excellency Alex Salmond, First Minister of Scotland, visited the YFEL stand during World Future Energy Summit (WFES) 2012. In his address, His Excellency Alex Salmond discussed their activities and participations in events. He stressed on the importance of the YFEL program, as it embraces multi-cultural members from which participants can learn from a various backgrounds, and hailed the YFEL members’ efforts in the international community to spread awareness about sustainability.