Turkish President Gül urges adoption of low-carbon economy

ISTANBUL – Anadolu Agency

Turkish President Abdullah Gül speaks during the opening of the Solar Energy For World Peace Congress that is taking place in Istanbul between Aug 17 and 19. AA photo

Turkish President Abdullah Gül has urged the creation of a low-carbon economy that is built on renewable energy resources, thereby reducing the share of fossil fuels, during the opening speech of the Solar Energy For World Peace Congress that started today in Istanbul.

“It is clear that the transition into a low-carbon economy can only be made with new investments supported by high funding and additional infrastructure facilities. No doubt, solar energy will play a key role in this transition,” Gül said, calling for closer cooperation in a global scale.

He also emphasized that such cooperation on sharing energy resources and would enhance peace. “The works that we have undertaken on solar energy have a crucial importance in terms of the fight against famine, economic development, welfare and energy security, which would solidify world peace. As governments, we are well aware of our responsibilities,” Gül said, emphasizing that his presence at the congress was proof of the importance that he personally conferred on solar energy.

“We have to improve the international cooperation that would ensure that we create synergy needed to open the way on the efficient use of solar energy. Hopefully, thanks to events such as this conference, we can see important openings in the development of solar energy technologies," he said.

Two Nobel Prize laureates, including Alan J. Heeger, a prominent scientist expert in solar cells, and Walter Kohn, who is working on the design of a world powered predominantly by solar and wind energies, were also among the speakers. 

Many other scientists in many fields and technology experts will gather and share their knowledge to debate on ways to better use solar energy.