As part of UAEU's roadmap for COP28 and the Year of Sustainability agenda, the United Arab Emirates University, in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Sheikha Fatima Initiative to Empower African Women, has developed a program to empower rural women in Senegal through knowledge and practical training in sustainable agricultural practices. A delegation from the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) visited Gaston Berger University in Senegal to participate in a training program titled "Women’s Empowerment in the Best Sustainable Agriculture Practices in Senegal’s Rural Areas." By training women trainers in "Best Agricultural Practices", the program seeks to promote sustainable outcomes and align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality.

Prof. Ahmed Ali Murad, Acting Vice Chancellor of UAEU, emphasized the program's goal of addressing climate change, promoting food security, and empowering women, aligning with the UAE's aid policy in Africa. UAEU partnered with Gaston Berger University and Haramaya University in Ethiopia, selecting five collaborative research projects to enhance sustainable agricultural practices and support women in rural areas. The nine-month program focuses on sustainable development goals, such as no poverty, zero hunger, gender equality, and climate action.

Dr. Mohammed Alyafei, Acting Dean of the College of Agriculture & Veterinary Medicine, highlighted that the program, held from May 5-8, 2024, covered topics like sustainable agricultural systems, integrated crop and animal systems, strategic risk management, and feed quality assessment. The program also addressed climate change impacts, precision agriculture, drone technology, and IoT in modern farming. Participants discussed best practices for reducing pre-harvest and post-harvest losses and empowering women farmers, culminating in an interactive session and a farm visit.