LAU Students take part in ISES 2015
Four students from LAU were awarded fellowships to attend the International Student Energy Summit (ISES) focused on energy, environment and sustainability development, ISES 2015. The conference took place in Bali, Indonesia from the 10th to the 13th of June, 2015. Rita Khattar, Hala Mansour, Ali Safadi and Mohammad Takkoush were nominated by Dr. Ahmad Houri, Associate Professor of Chemistry, and had the chance to travel and benefit from the conference proceedings where they got to learn and share differing perspectives and experiences related to energy.
The International Student Energy Summit (ISES) is a global convention that focuses on the role of students in denoting the future of energy development and organizing sustainable resources.
The first two days of the conference focused on the risk of investments for sustainable energy venture, energy storage and the science behind climate change, and the remaining days were spent discussing technology and innovations such as bioenergy, shale gas and geothermal energy.
This event marked the presence of high profile speakers such as Dr. Noeleen Heyzer, the Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations, who discussed the importance of equality in terms of modern energy between developed and developing countries, talked about the “Sustainable Energy 4 All” program launched by the UN in 2014, and ended her lecture by motivating the delegates: “I see in you the force for change!”
Moreover, Ms. Sri Mulyani, Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of the World Bank, talked about policy making and initiating students into greater involvement in this global concern. “You have the option to give back and make a difference by using a strong moral compass”, she said.
Ali Safadi, one of the ISES nominated delegates said that the summit was “one of the most amazing experiences in [his] life. [He] got the chance to discover the fascinating culture of Indonesia, learn more about the future of energy and the bridge between the developed and non-developed nations. It was really ‘Connecting The Unconnected’”.
“It was an honor to be the only team representing Lebanon in this global event and share our thoughts about the future of energy with 600 international students from 100 different countries. I would like to thank my professor and our beloved University for making all of this possible”, Safadi adds.
“We are very thankful that our University granted sponsorship of the travel and accommodation costs and provided all kinds of support”, Hala Mansour stated.
The students returned with an enthusiastic outlook after this international experience.