Speeches

Statements by Senior

Embassy Officials

Remarks by Ambassador Richard H. Jones
at Bi-national Science Foundation Dinner
Inbal Hotel, Jerusalem
Tuesday, July 10, 7:30pm

Thank you very much.  It is a great pleasure to be here this evening with such a distinguished group of scientists and others interested in promoting the development of science and technology.  I was trained in the “hard” sciences and have a graduate degree in Statistics, although after finishing my doctorate I turned to the arts – or at least the art of diplomacy.  So it is indeed a special pleasure to be with you and hear about some of the latest efforts in scientific research.

The presence of Dr. Jon Strauss makes this a special evening to me.  I received my undergraduate degree from Harvey Mudd College, where Jon served as President for seven years, although after my time there.  Dr. Strauss visits in his capacity as Chairman of the National Science Board Task Force on International Science.  I would also like to especially welcome the American members of the BSF Board, who are here for discussions with their Israeli counterparts on the Board.  I’m sure these discussions will be productive.

Tonight, I would like to touch a bit on the challenges and opportunities of alternative and renewable energy research.  I know that the BSF, along with its sister foundations in agricultural research and industrial innovation, the BARD and the BIRD, is focused on technologies that are both innovative and sustainable.  Certainly, research into alternative and renewable energy contributes to the drive to develop more efficient technologies in these areas.  I have been particularly interested in the International Partnership for the Hydrogen Economy.  Our Embassy Science Fellow, Ibrahim Shaqir [indicate his location], has brought along some information on current IPHE projects which those of you from institutions involved in hydrogen or related energy research might want to look at.

President Bush has recently increased America’s focus on renewable energy as a means of responding to the challenges of sustainable economic growth and climate change.  Next March, the U.S. Department of State will host the Washington International Renewable Energy Conference, WIREC 2008, in partnership with the American Council on Renewable Energy, ACORE.  Other U.S. Government departments and agencies will also participate in WIREC 2008, including the Departments of Energy and Agriculture and the Environmental Protection Agency, along with the White House.  WIREC is the third such event on renewable energy since the 2002 Johannesburg World Summit on Sustainable Development.  Previous events were held in Bonn in 2004 and Beijing in 2005.  There has been big increase in interest in renewable energy since.  Therefore, I expect WIREC will garner much more international attention than its predecessors.

The United States is well positioned to host such an event. America is a principle developer of many renewable energy technologies such as solar, wind energy and storage batteries.  We’re also a major producer of renewable materials such as bio-fuels and provides a substantial marketplace for global renewable energy industries.  I have already written to the Prime Minister and several members of his Cabinet about the conference.  We’re looking forward to strong Israeli participation, given the leading role that Israeli scientists play in many of these fields.

On May 31, President Bush called for an international effort to develop a new post-2012 framework on climate change by the end of 2008.  As part of his initiative, the President called for a sector-based approach that will almost certainly include renewable energy and fuels.  The President also called for participating nations to develop mid-term targets or goals, defined by national circumstances.  The June G8 Leaders Statement endorsed these objectives and also “welcomed concerted global action to promote renewable energy.”  WIREC 2008 will support the President’s initiative by providing a forum for the largest energy producers and consumers in developed and developing countries, including members of the private sector to exchange views on ways to advance the development, deployment and commercialization of renewable energy systems.

As close as our bilateral cooperation is in science and technology, I am convinced that there is still untapped potential for Israeli and American scientists and research institutions to work together to bring the President’s vision of increased reliance on renewable energy sources to fruition.  I urge you to follow the run up to WIREC 2008 closely, encourage your government to take an active part in it and help us to find ways to utilize this major international event as a vehicle to enhance our bilateral cooperation in energy research.

In closing, I would like to emphasize a theme I’ve raised before: that scientific research provides excellent opportunities to create cooperation among countries and peoples—whether between Israel and the U.S., among the various communities within the State of Israel, or between Israelis and Palestinians and other neighbors.

As I noted when we were together last year, I am optimistic about the power of science to find new and significant breakthroughs for critical challenges facing the human race.  I believe that scientific cooperation must and will become an even more important part of the special relationship between the United States and Israel.  I also believe strongly that we can work together to find additional ways that science can help bring countries and communities together.

Again, it’s a pleasure to be here with you this evening.

Thank you very much.