COP28: United Arab Emirates University Launches Roadmap

The United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) has unveiled its strategic plan of action in preparation for the upcoming 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The UAE will host COP28 in Dubai Expo City this November, and the university's roadmap aims to align its efforts with the UAE's Net Zero by 2050 initiative and the COP28 agenda.

Dignitaries, including Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and the Environment, Zaki Nusseibeh, Cultural Adviser to the UAE President and UAEU Chancellor, and representatives from various government and private sector partners, attended the ceremony to mark the launch of the roadmap.

Chancellor Nusseibeh highlighted that UAEU plays a crucial role in the advancement of the nation's sustainable development goals. He mentioned that the roadmap, titled "UAEU Roadmap to COP28 and Beyond," consists of three main themes, namely Research and Innovation, Youth Empowerment, and Local and International Partnerships. These themes are supported by 35 initiatives that focus on sustainable energy, waste reduction, and the responsible use of natural resources.

According to Nusseibeh, UAEU intends to leverage their expertise in agriculture and water technology, along with its scientific and engineering solutions utilizing the UAE's natural ecosystem and its understanding of societal and behavioural change. The objective is to provide a clearer understanding of the reality and consequences of global warming.

Minister Almheiri highlighted the significant role that youth can play in the UAE's efforts to address climate change and create a sustainable future through scientific research, innovation, and creativity. She emphasized that COP28 presents an opportunity for governments, organizations, universities, scientists, and businesses to exchange visions and experiences on achieving global sustainability.

Almheiri stated that the UAEU's roadmap for COP28 represented significant progress in engaging youth and scientific research to address climate change at all levels. As a renowned academic and scientific institution, she expressed confidence in the roadmap's ability to make a tangible contribution during the Year of Sustainability. She believed that it would support the country's vision of discovering climate change solutions, achieving adaptation, and working towards climate neutrality by 2050.

She also mentioned that with their knowledge, skills, and creativity, individuals could offer exceptional solutions in various sectors. These sectors included supporting renewable energy sources, promoting sustainable transportation, addressing world hunger, and ultimately transforming societal habits and behaviors for a more sustainable, developed, and prosperous world. Professor Ahmed Murad, UAEU's Associate Provost for Scientific Research, provided details about the comprehensive strategy called "Empowering Youth to Combat Climate Change." The strategy comprised several activities, such as student debates on climate change science and action, IT marathons focused on the role of artificial intelligence in environmental sustainability and climate action, a graphic design competition to raise awareness about climate change, and six international conferences and forums.

These conferences and forums include the University Forum on Sustainable Development Goal Six (clean water and sanitation) in collaboration with Times Higher Education, the seventh International Conference on Engineering Geophysics addressing sustainable development and climate change, an international conference on financial technology and financial sustainability, and the second International Conference on Sustainable Management of Water Resources in Arid Regions.

Additionally, partnerships with Sultan Qaboos University, Monash University, Singapore Management University, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, the Universities' Climate Network, the Emirates Red Crescent, the Women's Union, Elite Agro, and the UN Women's Service will be established.