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UN Women in collaboration with Abu Dhabi University organized a panel discussion titled “Capturing the Voices of Girls on the SDGs: The Role of Youth in Driving a More Sustainable Future” at the UN Hub at Expo 2020 Dubai as part of the celebration of Global Goals Week 2022. The event brought together female students and faculty members from Abu Dhabi University (ADU) to discuss their perspectives on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), how to advance them and highlighted the role of youth in building progressive societies.

The event’s opening remarks were delivered by Dr. Dena Assaf, UN Resident Coordinator for the UAE, and Dr Mouza Al Shehhi, Director, UN Women UAE Liaison Office for the GCC.

Professor Sherine Farouk, Assistant Provost for Academic Projects at Abu Dhabi University (ADU), said: “We are thrilled to collaborate with UN Women and spotlight the contributions of youth in shaping a more sustainable future. It is our collective responsibility to empower our younger generations to take part and join the dialogue, so that they are better equipped to drive solutions to the environmental, social and economic challenges the world is currently witnessing. Since 2003, Abu Dhabi University has supported successive generations in advancing the agendas and issues that matter to them, from environmental sustainability and innovation to social responsibility. We are proud that women represent 42% of ADU students and 45% of its faculty and staff. We were excited to hear and learn from ADU’s female students who participated in this year’s SDGs panel discussion at EXPO 2020 Dubai. We are confident that their perspectives and experiences will shape the conversation on the unique role of women in driving the UN’s Sustainability Development Goals, and the wider sustainability agenda in the UAE and around the world, both now and in the future.”

Professor Sherine added “Abu Dhabi University was also honored to be represented by H.H. Sheikha Dr. Moza bint Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Professor of Management at the College of Business & Chair of the college advisory Board, who highlighted the UAE’s efforts and the country’s progress in achieving the SDGs in her presentation titled ‘UAE Advancing the SDGs: Achievements and Opportunities for the Future’. Her highness also showcased some of the UAE’s milestones and SDGs scores, data and statistics as well as the key role of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood in elevating the status of women in the UAE.

Dr. Dena Assaf, UN Resident Coordinator for the UAE, said “In light of Global Goals Week, this event shares impactful insights and perspectives of the UN efforts in shedding light on youth, particularly the voices of girls, in achieving the SDGs. Such initiatives are significant to engage the youth in contributing to the socio-economic and environmental efforts of the UAE towards agenda 2030. The drive for a sustainable future is created through individual and collective actions to ensure that no one is left behind.”

Dr Mouza Al Shehhi, Director, UN Women UAE Liaison Office for the GCC, said " Four in 10 people – that’s 42% of the global population – are aged under 25 and almost half of them are young girls and women, so naturally, it is not possible to have a meaningful conversation about the SDGs without focusing on the role of youths as champions of change. We are delighted to collaborate with Abu Dhabi University to host this event and have UAE youths join this global dialogue and importantly, empowering them to turn their aspirations to action."

The SDGs adopted by world leaders in 2015, embody a roadmap for progress that is sustainable and inclusive. Achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment is integral to each of the 17 SDGs and ensures that the world has economies and social structures that work for all, as well as a shared responsibility towards the environment now and for future generations.

This year and for the first time, Global Goals Week was hosted outside of the UN General Assembly and held at Expo 2020 Dubai. The annual week of action, awareness and accountability for the Sustainable Development Goals is a shared commitment between 130+ partners across civil society, private and public organizations, business, and academia to end poverty and hunger, mitigate climate change, ensure equal access to education for all, advance gender equality and build sustainable cities and communities. Global Goals Week is part of a universal and transformative promise made by all UN Member States to leave no one behind.

Abu Dhabi University is committed to the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals to provide efficient solutions to global challenges through the voices of youth and future leaders in government, academia, and enterprise.