FLYING TO DUBAI
Anna Ritter was chosen from students around the world to deliver a speech at the Zayed Future Energy Prize in Dubai
Munro Academy student to speak at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.
A student from Cape Breton will be speaking to people representing leaders in global renewable energy innovation in Dubai during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.
Anna Ritter, 15, a Grade 11 student at Munro Academy in Balls Creek, was chosen from students around the world to deliver a welcoming speech at the opening ceremonies of the Zayed Future Energy Prize in Dubai. Ritter is slated to be speaking to about 3,000 people at the start of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week next week.
Ritter was asked to speak on behalf of her school, which won the Americas division for Global High Schools of the Zayed Future Energy prize in 2015, for a solar air heater — an energy-producing apparatus made with recycled materials — beating schools from Argentina and Peru in the in the worldwide competition.
Ritter said it means a lot to speak on behalf of her fellow students, who are trying to change the world for the better.
“It’s so inspirational to be involved with a group of students who can create so much together,” said Ritter.
“I’m very passionate about the planet and how much we take care of it and our environment. Also, I really enjoy representing our school and our community.”
Doug Beane, the principal of Munro Academy, said it was a remarkable achievement for his students to develop the solar heater.
“I’m very proud of our students and I think they’re amazing. They’re realizing they can make a big difference in the world. They’ve got opportunities and they have skills and training to make a difference in the world. Seeing them grab a hold of that is really exciting and fulfilling,” said Beane, who added that Ritter was a perfect choice to represent the school.
“Anna has very clear opinions and she’s able to express herself very capably and very competently. She has very strong issues related to global warming, so she was the exact kind of person they were looking for.”
Ritter has been writing her speech for over a month and she said she is both excited and nervous, but already knows the direction her speech will take.
“It’s really about how no matter who you are — if you’re really young like the group who came up with the solar heater, or old, rich, or poor — anyone can create innovation. Anyone can make a difference in the world — you don’t have to be some big shot to help the planet,” said Ritter.
The Zayed Future Energy Prize is flying Ritter and her father to the United Arab Emirates this morning from Sydney. After delivering her speech, Anna is slated to participate in a series of innovation activities with other students and leaders from around the world.
The conference starts on Monday when Ritter will give her speech.
The Zayed Future Energy Prize is a global award that annually celebrates achievements that reflect impact, innovation, longterm vision and leadership in renewable energy and sustainability. For more information, visit www.zayedfutureenergyprize. com/en/.