The Zero Summit – an international leader in sustainability discussions – has partnered with Formula E and Diriyah E-Prix race promoter CBX to host the Summit for the first time in Diriyah as the city prepares to host rounds two and three of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship this weekend.
The Zero Summit powered by Formula E’s thought leadership event programme, Change Accelerated Live and CBX took place at the Cultural Palace in the Diplomatic Quarter and bought together visionaries, experts, and industry leaders for a day of insightful panels, keynotes, and exclusive experiences.
Founded by Lucas Di Grassi, Carlos Pellicer, and Rodrigo Pedroso, The Zero Summit, has emerged as a beacon of sustainability dialogue, and Riyadh was the focal point for the first edition of 2024 ahead of events in São Paulo (March) and London (July), creating a platform for cross-cultural dialogue and collaboration.
Change. Accelerated. Live. is Formula E’s thought leadership programme, centred around innovation that brings together the brightest minds from the fields of motorsport, sustainability, politics, education and more, Change. Accelerated. Live. is designed to open up and facilitate knowledge sharing between experts that dive into the strategies and decisión-making to accelerate technological developments seen across sport, business and society.
The event took place amidst the vibrancy of the Diriyah E-Prix, creating a unique synergy between sustainable discussions and cutting-edge electric car racing. The collaboration aims to leverage the momentum of Formula E to drive impactful conversations around sustainable practices and innovations.
The summit was structured around three compelling panels, each addressing crucial aspects of creating a path to a sustainable future:
- New Energy Markets: Explored the challenges and strategies for seamlessly integrating renewable energy, with insights from experts Dr. Nabih Cherradi (CTO at Desert Technologies), Diego Casanello (partner at Vidavo ventures and a Board Member of the Lithium Argentina – LAAC) and Ahmed Radwan (ABB Lead Business Manager, MEA Region, Motion Business)
- Mobility Transition: A deep dive into the future of electric vehicles, policy initiatives, and international collaborations in sustainable mobility that featured industry leaders Alejandro Agag (Founder & Chariman, Formula E, Extreme E and E1), Andre Stein (International Mobility Expert (EVE air Mobility – Aviation + eVTOL) and Andre Lotterer (Formula E and WEC driver)
- Agribusiness and Sustainable Food Production: Provided insights into smart agriculture technologies and the role of companies like UPL and ORIGEO in shaping the future of the fertilizer industry with Bhupen Dubey (UPL), Roberto Marcon (ORIGEO) and Secretary General of the Prince Albert of Monaco Foundation Romain Ciarlet
In addition, attendees including local businesses and students, were able to hear from Adwa Al Arifi (Ministry of Sport) about the importance of sustainability as well as Ian James, CEO of NEOM McLaren Electric Racing, who explored sustainability in motorsports and corporate social responsibility.
Focus now turns to the on-track action as 22 drivers are set to race the fastest, lightest, most powerful and efficient electric race cars ever built around the walls of the UNESCO world heritage site at night today (Friday 26) and tomorrow (Saturday 27 January).
