AUC to Participate in COP27 with Cutting-Edge Climate Research, Initiatives and Activities

The American University in Cairo (AUC) is bringing its academic and research expertise to COP27, the world’s largest climate conference, hosted in Sharm El Sheikh from 6 to 18 November. A team of 85 AUC scholars, 35 students and several staff members will showcase the University’s innovation in sustainability through faculty research, green campus initiatives and students’ activities at the Pavilion (P-22) in the Green Zone of COP27, Sharm El Sheikh International Convention Center. AUC has prepared a 10-day program encompassing a wide range of activities, spanning all schools and the majority of disciplines.

“AUC’s participation in a global and important conference like COP27 is a chance to discuss the solutions we have developed to mitigate climate change challenges. It is an opportunity to show our innovation in sustainability, design and engineering; organize events and panels that add to the conversation and connect with other participants as a springboard for possible collaborations and exchange of expertise in the future,” said AUC President Ahmad Dallal.

Over the years, AUC has established itself as a key resource in Egypt in the fight against climate change, added Dallal, and has built expertise and demonstrated serious and impactful commitment to this cause, “making us pioneers in climate action as an institution of higher education.”

Khaled Tarabeih, university architect, associate professor of sustainable design and chair of AUC’s COP27 Task Force, said: “Our participation in COP27 is a continuation of our pioneering green architecture and sustainability in the region. We will be showing case studies, leading by example and primarily disseminating our knowledge and innovative strategies through stage presentations of our faculty, students and staff research. Our pavilion will also include innovative and sustainable technologies prototypes that showcase our solutions to combat climate change, poster and screen areas to show our current research to contribute to finding solutions for a number of challenges in Egypt.”

Tarebeih also pointed out the significance of COP27 as a robust platform and event to engage and network with other institutions and entities and build bridges across the globe “to help us find further innovative solutions and help others through disseminating our knowledge and education.”

“We welcome everyone to attend and observe our current distinctive research and events to overcome the challenges of climate change,” Tarabeih added.

AUC launched its Climate Change Initiative last June in response to the worldwide climate change challenges and the active role academic and research institutions can play in understanding and addressing these challenges.

Adham Ramadan, associate provost for research and dean of graduate studies, who is overseeing the Climate Change Initiative, said: “The initiative aims at enhancing AUC’s role as an academic hub on climate change and sustainable development in Egypt and the region.” The initiative’s main objectives encompass showcasing and further strengthening AUC’s expertise in climate change and sustainability as well as supporting and enhancing multidisciplinary research collaborations across the University and between AUC and national, regional and international partners. The initiative, which includes research, student activities, teaching and learning and outreach activities, highlights the different activities taking place at the University in relation to climate change and sustainability.

“Participating in COP27 is an excellent opportunity for AUC to showcase its activities and successful initiatives in this regard,” said Ramadan.

Visit AUC’s climate change initiative website, a hub aggregating the University’s work along five areas of focus: water scarcity, energy transition, green finance, urban development and public health.