With the launch of the UN climate conference COP28, hosted by the United Arab Emirates in Expo City Dubai during the period from November 30 to December 12, the United Arab Emirates University revealed its various initiatives and events related to climate change as part of the UAEU’s map to COP28 And beyond (2023-2026), during its participation in this important global conference, which is expected to create solutions and radical changes in the field of reducing the negative effects of climate change at the global level.

Professor Dr. Ahmed Murad, Associate Vice President for Scientific Research at UAEU, noted that the university believes in the pivotal role that education plays in confronting the repercussions of the climate crisis. By focusing on specialized scientific research, innovation and youth empowerment, in addition to launching initiatives, events and activities related to the environment and climate action, and establishing local and global partnerships, the university’s strategy and vision will support local and global efforts in achieving sustainable development goals, in line with the country’s trends in consolidating a distinguished legacy for the post-COP28 era.

He explained that building culture and environmental awareness and establishing a generation that understands the importance of the concept of sustainability in various fields and aspects of life is considered one of the most important and prominent axes on which the national strategic plans in the UAE focus on confronting climate change. Therefore, it will be among our initiatives during COP28 early childhood climate change kit outline. A research program for empowering African women to achieve agricultural sustainability will also be launched in cooperation with several partners.

He added: “Our participation will also include a presentation of the results of the study “Water Security Under Climate Change Conditions in the UAE,” which resulted from the collaboration between UAEU and Trends Center for Research and Consultation. In addition, we will showcase the university’s climate tracking application “Awareness and Control of Habits,” and the organization of the Climate Forum in cooperation with Seoul National University from South Korea.”

Dr. Murad explained that the UAEU’s participation in COP28 will be filled with many seminars, lectures and workshops in partnership and cooperation with a number of strategic partners and regional and global universities, which include: a workshop on reducing food waste and climate action, a summit showcasing the UAEU’s collaboration with the Australian University of Monash on renewable energy, a workshop on mapping the region for potential groundwater in Africa and the Middle East, a seminar on the impact of climate change on coastal areas and shallow marine environments in the United Arab Emirates and the Sultanate of Oman in cooperation with Sultan Qaboos University, and a “Khadmat” company workshop on best practices for achieving sustainability at the UAEU, the Green Finance Seminar, and the impact of cultural indicators on shaping comprehensive, dynamic and sustainable cities, in cooperation with Singapore Management University.

It is worth noting that the UAEU, since its launch of the roadmap to COP28 and beyond last June, has been able to organize 15 events in cooperation with strategic partners during the period from January to November 2023. There are also many initiatives and events that will be launched after COP28, to continue the efforts aimed at supporting the country’s efforts locally and globally in establishing a comprehensive scientific and educational system to combat the repercussions of climate change and achieve sustainability to ensure a better future for current and future generations.