ADU Launches Pioneering Academic Initiatives to Promote Sustainability in the UAE and Beyond
In line with the UAE’s Year of Sustainability and the directives of His Highness President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi University (ADU) launched an integrated system of academic and community initiatives, aimed at fulfilling the UAE’s directions and vision to host the 28th United Nations Conference of the Parties (COP28) Climate Change Conference.
These initiatives are launched and organized in collaboration with ADU’s strategic partners in the UAE and the support of its students and faculty members. The main aim of these initiatives is to promote sustainability awareness, address environmental concerns, and develop procedures for conserving natural resources and wildlife.
ADU collaborates with prestigious environmental organizations annually to develop and implement effective solutions for environmental challenges, aligning with the UAE's climate change strategy to achieve net-zero carbon emissions while adhering to international best practices.
Dr. Ali Saeed Bin Harmal Aldhaheri, Chairman of ADU, stressed that over the past 20 years, ADU has dedicated its efforts to protecting the environment and shaping the future of climate action. In line with its commitment, the University has launched several academic programs to equip its students and prepare them to excel in environmental and sustainability work. Additionally, ADU has employed expert faculty members and researchers to actively engage the community in fostering awareness and understanding in the environmental field.
These programs include ADU’s certified program titled ‘COP28 Ready: Leading the Way to Sustainability,’ which is taking place throughout the month of November. The program is open to high school and undergraduate university students and aims to enhance student’s knowledge and provide them with the necessary tools to understand and embrace several aspects of sustainability, including green jobs, COP28, and many more.
Additionally, under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Bin Mabarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, ADU will host the ‘International Conference on Advancing Sustainable Futures (ICASF 2023), which will take place between December 5th and 6th, 2023, at the Waldorf Astoria hotel, Dubai. The conference will run in parallel with several workshops and sessions that will delve into sustainability related topics.
ADU is also participating in the 18th United Nations Climate Change Conference of Youth (COY18). During the conference, Professor Sherin Farouk, Associate Provost for Academic Projects and Head of the Sustainability Club at ADU, will present a session titled 'Sustainable Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Sustainable Management Practices' on November 27th, 2023, at Expo City, Dubai. Additionally, Sven Ivak, a student from ADU's College of Engineering, will participate in the conference for his outstanding contributions to addressing climate change.
Lastly, ADU has introduced a certificate for professional development in the field of sustainability titled ‘Professional Certificate to Empower Teachers for Sustainable Learning,’ which is starting during November 2023. This certificate program includes four sessions designed to equip school principals and educational leaders with the knowledge and tools required to lead their schools toward a sustainable future.
Dr. Ali explained that ADU is honored to be part of the Universities Climate Network (UCN), which includes universities and higher education institutions in the UAE that will work together to drive engagement among youth and academia in the lead up to COP28.
Along with COP28, several faculty and researchers at the University have submitted research proposals to the Green Education Center, with the aim of strengthening the educational sector’s capacity to effectively respond to environmental crises.
In line with ADU’s commitment to advancing sustainability research, faculty members and researchers at the University have made significant contributions by publishing a great number of research papers in many prestigious international journals which were presented at international conferences.