5 December, 20

The Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit (GMIS) convened officials and industry leaders on 5 December 2023 at the U.A.E. Pavilion at COP28 to explore ways to align the manufacturing sector with the objectives of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.  At this event, GMIS, in collaboration with the U.A.E. Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology and the UN Industrial Development Organization, introduced “World Industrial Day” – an International Day that would serve as a call to action to advancing inclusive and sustainable industrial development that will first be commemorated at a special session of GMIS in Abu Dhabi next year. GMIS also announced the “Climate Action Initiative” to support startups and innovators through their journeys. The U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council continued its support and partnership with GMIS again this year, including by moderating two discussions.

U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council President Danny Sebright conducted a fireside chat with Dorothy McAuliffe, Special Representative for Global Partnerships at the U.S. Department of State. President Joe Biden appointed Special Representative McAuliffe to lead the State Department’s efforts to support the Biden Administration’s commitment to U.S. global leadership by leveraging public-private partnerships to advance key foreign policy priorities. Special Representative McAuliffe encouraged the private sector to work with government to achieve common goals, stressing that the government cannot accomplish its priorities alone. She outlined her office’s support of climate entrepreneurship through the launch of Coalition for Climate Entrepreneurship (CCE) hubs throughout the world. She also asserted the Biden Administration’s commitment to climate action, including through the Inflation Reduction Act. On the importance of partnerships, she concluded, “It is important to show up, be present, listen, and learn.”

Mr. Sebright also moderated a panel discussion on innovations in renewable energy with senior executives from Chart Industries, Emerson, GE, and Hitachi. This session explored the benefits and challenges of integrating renewable energy into the manufacturing sector. Panelists also discussed broader issues such as the geopolitical political implications of the energy transition, and ways it can be achieved equitably.

Discussion initially centered on breakthroughs and innovations in renewable energy. Mr. Roger Martella, Chief Sustainability Officer at General Electric (GE), outlined advances in nuclear reactors as well as onshore and offshore wind turbines, stressing the importance of creating reliable products that meet both customer and planetary expectations. Ms. Jill Evanko, President, CEO, and Director of Chart Industries, discussed progress toward the commercialization of hydrogen, and stressed the importance of a renewable energy mix and tailored approaches to renewable energy that identify the “right application for the right molecule.” Ms. Lorena Dellagiovanna, Senior Vice President, Chief Sustainability Officer, and Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer at Hitachi, underscored the need to focus on improvements in the electric grid that increase efficiency in consumption and support greater integration of renewable energy. Mr. Michael Train, Senior Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer of Emerson, spoke of ever-greater efficiencies in renewable energy production. Taking a step back, he suggested we celebrate the world’s progress in renewables, noting that we “keep exceeding the International Energy Agency’s forecasts.”  

Panelists also focused on the challenges and opportunities associated with integrating renewable energy into existing energy systems. Ms. Dellagiovanna stressed the need to invest in the energy grid, and remarked that battery storage is important for “when the sun doesn’t shine and the wind doesn’t blow.”  Mr. Train noted that one of the biggest challenges to deployment of renewables is the “variability” of renewable energy on the grid, and commented that software can help manage these strains.  Mr. Martella agreed that a conversation on renewables must involve discussion of the grid and digital needs, expressing pleasure that “no one [at COP] is debating the importance of the energy grid.” He suggested a strategic supply of grid equipment to increase efficiency in energy use and reduce disruptions.

Panelists subsequently discussed the sustainability of supply chains and other ESG considerations.  Mr. Martella remarked that companies have a responsibility to think about the environmental impact of producing clean energy along its entire supply chain, and they should keep in mind the principles of circularity. In this regard, he noted that GE Vernova is displaying a 2-meter tip from its 200-foot prototype recyclable wind turbine blade at COP28 as an example of sustainability in the entire production cycle. Ms. Evanko suggested companies leverage their global operations to “get closer to end users.”  Ms. Dellagiovanna called for equitable transmission and distribution of resources to reduce the current “mismatch” between energy supplies and population centers.

Finally, panelists spoke about the legacy of COP 28 and what they hope for future COPs. In Mr. Martella’s view, COP28 will be seen as a turning point and “game-changing moment for igniting the private sector.” Ms. Dellagiovanna added that she looks forward to even greater business collaboration at future COPs. Ms. Evanko said she hopes to see the implementation of MoUs into real projects. Mr. Train said he also looks forward to implementation at scale, and further development of hydrogen as a viable energy source.
 
The Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit (GMIS) is the world’s first cross-industrial and crossfunctional platform that offers a voice and venue for leaders to transform manufacturing and utilise technology as a tool for global cooperation and collaboration to encourage greater investment in capabilities, foster innovation, and drive global skills development. Co-chaired by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) and the United Arab Emirates, GMIS unites influential delegates from the global manufacturing and technology communities, including leaders from governments, expert industry CEOs, and specialist researchers and academics to discuss, debate, and shape the future of the manufacturing sector and place manufacturing at the heart of economic regeneration and government policymaking. For more information about GMIS, please click here.
 
For more information on this event or the Business Council’s COP28 programming, please contact Graham Reitman at greitman@usuaebusiness.org.