Abu Dhabi University Forges Global Collaborations with Seven Prestigious International Institutions during ICASF 2023
In line with its commitment to fostering a sustainable future in the educational sector, Abu Dhabi University's (ADU) Chairman, Dr. Ali Saeed Bin Harmal Al Dhaheri, announced strategic partnerships on the sidelines of the ‘International Conference on Advancing Sustainable Futures 2023’ which took place in Dubai on the 5th and 6th of December 2023.
Among the five MoUs, the University partnered with Sapient Consulting Group Limited and the UAE Trade Center. This MoU aims to establish the Africa Policy Center in the UAE, which will serve as a dynamic platform for research, policy advocacy and strategic engagement. The center will facilitate joint research initiatives, involving ADU’s students and faculty as well as African universities and relevant stakeholders.
Furthermore, ADU signed four additional MoUs with five prestigious international partners. These partners include MAIRE S.p.A, an Italian technology and engineering group, the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), and McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. In addition, ADU signed a collaboration between the University of São Paulo and the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce in Brazil.
The agreements seek to offer students and the wider community with access to cutting-edge sustainable solutions, foster academic research, facilitate knowledge exchange and promote innovation.
Dr. Ali Saeed Bin Harmal Al Dhaheri, Chairman of ADU, Professor Alexander Ezenagu, Founder and Chief Consultant at Sapient Consulting Group, and Mr. Walid Hareb Al Falahi, CEO of the UAE Trade Center, signed the MoU during the ICASF 2023, in the presence of ADU's leaders and partners.
The MoU was signed by Professor Ghassan Aouad, ADU Chancellor, and Mr. Niccoló Heilpern, Region Vice President of MAIRE S.p.A., in the presence of H.E. Mr. Lorenzo Fanara, Ambassador of the Republic of Italy in the UAE. Through this MoU, both entities will work hand-in-hand to establish and strengthen international partnerships in research and academics. This collaboration aims to provide students with valuable industry exposure and create impactful opportunities for professional growth.
Prof. Ghassan Aouad, ADU Chancellor, and Dr. Bonny Ibhawoh, Vice-Provost, International Affairs at McMaster University, participated in the MoU signing. The partnership, which is a result of efforts by the Internationalization Office led by Prof. Sherine Farouk, Associate Provost for Internationalization at ADU, focuses on promoting joint degree programs, exploring research projects and sharing academic information. In addition to facilitating faculty and student exchanges, participating in community events, and potentially co-supervising PhD students.
In a stride towards international academic excellence, Prof. Ghassan Aouad, ADU Chancellor and UTS Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Chris Turney, signed the MoU during the ICASF 2023 conference. The MoU will focus on student exchanges for collaborative research, faculty interchange to enhance teaching and industry engagement, joint research ventures, and participation in globally funded projects.
In a strategic move to advance academic collaboration and contribute to sustainable development goals, Prof. Ghassan Aouad, Chancellor of ADU, Prof. Barry O’Mahony, ADU’s Dean of the College of Business, Carlos Gilberto Carlotti Junior, Dean of the University of São Paulo and Rafael Solimeo, Director of the International Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce, signed a joint MoU.