AUC Signs MoU to Train UAE Public Servants in Sustainability ahead of COP28
Building on its proven track record in sustainability, The American University in Cairo (AUC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, Financial Centre Academy (DIFC Academy Ltd) and the UAE University Leadership Council to deliver an Executive Diploma in Sustainability to train and empower 200 public servants in the United Arab Emirates. Through this interdisciplinary program, four cohorts will gain the essential knowledge, skills and mindset required to spearhead sustainable practices in today’s complex world. This joint sustainability initiative, which strategically aligns with the UAE leadership vision, is particularly timely as the UAE prepares to host COP28 this November.
"The UAE has developed a long-term plan to achieve sustainable development goals and create a more environmentally friendly economy,” said Maryam bint Mohammed Al Muhairi, UAE minister of climate change and environment. “This is done through multi-pronged action plans, including partnerships with both local and global actors in the field of sustainability, to encourage positive behavior and best practices toward both environment and climate."
The Executive Diploma in Sustainability provides participants with a deep understanding of the global sustainability challenges facing the world while fostering innovative approaches and instilling a strong sense of environmental stewardship.
The program consists of four sustainability models, including sustainability and water; energy and food (WEF) nexus from a global perspective; energy resources and green economy at the regional level and water productivity for food security and grassroots innovation for WEF challenges. The program also allows the participants to experience the practical implementation of the knowledge and skills acquired during their studies through immersive site visits in the UAE.
“We are honored to be partnering with distinguished colleagues in the UAE who share our common vision for ensuring sustainability is an integral part of the advancement of the Arab world,” said AUC President Ahmad Dallal. “We draw on AUC’s technical expertise in sustainability and track record in professional education to build with our partners in the UAE a program that can serve as a model for equipping the region’s workforce with skills essential to the future of work.”
By engaging in thoughtful reflection on critical global challenges, including sustainable development, sustainability approaches, the evolving landscape of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ecological awareness, renewable energies and resilience in the face of climate change, participants will cultivate a holistic understanding of effective strategies to address pressing environmental concerns. This comprehensive knowledge will empower them to advocate for sustainable resource utilization and create lasting positive impacts across various industries and communities.
"The Executive Diploma in Sustainability- Dubai program is an enriching opportunity for professionals and graduates alike, honing their expertise to drive sustainability in a rapidly changing world," said Muhammed Khaled, operations manager at the Center for Applied Research on the Environment and Sustainability (CARES). "Aligned with AUC's Climate Change Initiative and the commitment of CARES to not only inspire positive change in the MENA region but also catalyze global transformation, this program exemplifies our dedication to shaping a more responsible and sustainable future.”
In 2022, AUC launched a diploma program in sustainable development to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to address pressing environmental and social challenges. The diploma, with a focus on innovation and entrepreneurship, sustainable technologies, and social and environmental policy, coincided with Egypt's preparations to host the COP27 climate conference in Sharm El Sheikh in November 2022.