Florida A&M University (FAMU) welcomes a leader in global ocean sustainability to headline the two-day 2019 EnergyWaterFoodNexus International Summit (EWFN) on Thursday and Friday at the Al Lawson Jr. Multipurpose Center and Teaching Gymnasium.
Paul Holthus, founding president and CEO of the World Ocean Council (WOC), will provide the keynote address on Friday. For more than two decades, Holthus has worked with leaders of industry and government oversight agencies to develop practical solutions for responsible ocean use. He is regarded as a leading expert in his field and has advised several international organizations on successful approaches to global ocean conservation and development efforts.
In addition to featuring four thematic tracks and highlighting research focusing on existing and emerging knowledge about energy, water and food production, students will be able to directly interact with and engage industry experts to help implement practical solutions.
‘This Summit leverages private-public partnerships to support teaching, learning and service and will help enable students to have a profound impact on society upon graduation,” said Victor Ibeanusi, Ph.D., dean of the FAMU School of the Environment and founder of the EWFN.
During the conference, experts from China, Hungary, India and Rwanda will facilitate dialogue and present viable solutions from their regions. The Summit will also feature researchers who specialize in innovative solutions for energy, water and food security. FAMU President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., will address the gathering on Friday.
“Florida A&M University is honored to host this important event,” Robinson said. “Some of the best minds will be tackling the most persistent problems of our day at this Summit. I applaud Dean Ibeanusi for his dedication and innovation and for continuing to build on the relationships with global thought leaders beyond the Summit.”
FAMU hosts the EWFN every two years. In previous years, more than 1,000 people, including corporate leaders, legislators, researchers and scientists connected to address issues and brainstorm solutions to create and implement methods to sustain valuable resources.
“I created this event to facilitate the collaboration of industry innovators, government and academia focused on generating solutions,” said Ibeanusi. “FAMU is once again convening the summit to provide and promote collaboration, discussion and scholarship among researchers, students and entrepreneurs.”
