Sustainable Development
At Abu Dhabi University there is no dedicated staff member or team whose sole responsibility is to advance sustainable development at the institution, but the university itself support the sustainable development.
Introduction
At Abu Dhabi University there is no dedicated staff member or team whose sole responsibility is to advance sustainable development at the institution, but the university itself support the sustainable development. We can prove this by articles below:
Around 150 professors, researchers, and industry experts who recently convened at Abu Dhabi University’s Forum on “Sustainability in the UAE: From Plan to Action” stressed the need to utilize academic expertise through research and consultation on sustainability issues. Organized by ADU’s College of Business, in collaboration with the Centre for Social and Environmental Accounting Research- University of St. Andrews and the University of Birmingham in the UK, the Forum aimed to assert that sustainability is not the sole responsibility of collective organizations; it is also an individual duty. Discussions also highlighted the best international practices that bridge the gap between industry and academia in implementing comprehensive sustainable development plans.
Addressing the Forum, Professor Waqar Ahmad ADU’s Provost and Interim Chancellor explained that sustainability in economic, environmental, social, or cultural issues is perhaps the most pressing agenda of our times. “The United Nation’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals and their 169 targets have serious implications for every nation on earth, East and West, North and South, rich and poor, over- and under-developed. If one looks at these 17 goals, it’s clear that most if not all of these, have received great interest in the region. Since its independence, the UAE has developed at a phenomenal speed, but with today’s ever- changing economy the conditions which enabled this development no longer persist, thereby inspiring the nation’s wise leadership to think about sustainability differently, and focus particularly on resolving the challenges that face sustainable development plans. As one of the region’s world-class higher education institutions, Abu Dhabi University is playing its part in emphasizing the importance of sustainability through research, knowledge exchange and education”, said Prof. Ahmad.
He added: “In co-organizing this Forum with the University of St Andrews and the University of Birmingham, ADU confirms its commitment to establishing an educational environment of the highest quality. We use international accreditations – WASC institutional accreditation, ABET accreditation for engineering, AACSB, and EQUIS for business, among others – as important vehicles for demonstrating and enhancing the quality of our programs. And we are dedicated to undertaking research which has relevance to addressing national and regional challenges”.
Throughout three discussion sessions, the one-day Forum tackled the challenges that face applications of research findings on sustainability, the UAE’s sustainability policies, initiatives, case studies that highlighted current industry practices, future improvements, and how faculty can contribute to sustainable production and consumption in the UAE.
UN Women in collaboration with Abu Dhabi University organized a panel discussion titled “Capturing the Voices of Girls on the SDGs: The Role of Youth in Driving a More Sustainable Future” at the UN Hub at Expo 2020 Dubai as part of the celebration of Global Goals Week 2022.
UN Women in collaboration with Abu Dhabi University organized a panel discussion titled “Capturing the Voices of Girls on the SDGs: The Role of Youth in Driving a More Sustainable Future” at the UN Hub at Expo 2020 Dubai as part of the celebration of Global Goals Week 2022. The event brought together female students and faculty members from Abu Dhabi University (ADU) to discuss their perspectives on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), how to advance them and highlighted the role of youth in building progressive societies.
The event’s opening remarks were delivered by Dr. Dena Assaf, UN Resident Coordinator for the UAE, and Dr Mouza Al Shehhi, Director, UN Women UAE Liaison Office for the GCC.
Professor Sherine Farouk, Assistant Provost for Academic Projects at Abu Dhabi University (ADU), said: “We are thrilled to collaborate with UN Women and spotlight the contributions of youth in shaping a more sustainable future. It is our collective responsibility to empower our younger generations to take part and join the dialogue, so that they are better equipped to drive solutions to the environmental, social and economic challenges the world is currently witnessing. Since 2003, Abu Dhabi University has supported successive generations in advancing the agendas and issues that matter to them, from environmental sustainability and innovation to social responsibility. We are proud that women represent 42% of ADU students and 45% of its faculty and staff. We were excited to hear and learn from ADU’s female students who participated in this year’s SDGs panel discussion at EXPO 2020 Dubai. We are confident that their perspectives and experiences will shape the conversation on the unique role of women in driving the UN’s Sustainability Development Goals, and the wider sustainability agenda in the UAE and around the world, both now and in the future.”
Professor Sherine added “Abu Dhabi University was also honored to be represented by H.H. Sheikha Dr. Moza bint Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Professor of Management at the College of Business & Chair of the college advisory Board, who highlighted the UAE’s efforts and the country’s progress in achieving the SDGs in her presentation titled ‘UAE Advancing the SDGs: Achievements and Opportunities for the Future’. Her highness also showcased some of the UAE’s milestones and SDGs scores, data and statistics as well as the key role of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union,Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood in elevating the status of women in the UAE.
Dr. Dena Assaf, UN Resident Coordinator for the UAE, said “In light of Global Goals Week, this event shares impactful insights and perspectives of the UN efforts in shedding light on youth, particularly the voices of girls, in achieving the SDGs. Such initiatives are significant to engage the youth in contributing to the socio-economic and environmental efforts of the UAE towards agenda 2030. The drive for a sustainable future is created through individual and collective actions to ensure that no one is left behind.”
Dr Mouza Al Shehhi, Director, UN Women UAE Liaison Office for the GCC, said " Four in 10 people – that’s 42% of the global population – are aged under 25 and almost half of them are young girls and women, so naturally, it is not possible to have a meaningful conversation about the SDGs without focusing on the role of youths as champions of change. We are delighted to collaborate with Abu Dhabi University to host this event and have UAE youths join this global dialogue and importantly, empowering them to turn their aspirations to action."
The SDGs adopted by world leaders in 2015, embody a roadmap for progress that is sustainable and inclusive. Achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment is integral to each of the 17 SDGs and ensures that the world has economies and social structures that work for all, as well as a shared responsibility towards the environment now and for future generations.
This year and for the first time, Global Goals Week was hosted outside of the UN General Assembly and held at Expo 2020 Dubai. The annual week of action, awareness and accountability for the Sustainable Development Goals is a shared commitment between 130+ partners across civil society, private and public organizations, business, and academia to end poverty and hunger, mitigate climate change, ensure equal access to education for all, advance gender equality and build sustainable cities and communities. Global Goals Week is part of a universal and transformative promise made by all UN Member States to leave no one behind.
Under the theme of “powering a more sustainable world”, ADU refreshes its innovation strategy titled Abu Dhabi University Innovate (ADUi). ADUi is focused on three main pillars including innovation, research and incubation which will serve as the engine for the advancement of innovation and entrepreneurship education in the UAE. Since its inception, ADU has focused on maximizing its innovation efforts to provide students, facultywider UAE community with sustainable and inclusive solutions to overcome challenges and innovate.
Additionally, ADU announced the appointment of Dr. Alberto Peralta as the new Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship as well as the lead for ADUi. In his new role, Dr. Peralta will look after advancing the institutional innovation strategy for internal and external stakeholders at ADU. Dr. Peralta brings vast expertise and an impressive record in research on innovation across both the public and private sectors. His expertise in sustainable entrepreneurship and social innovation will enable ADU to be at the forefront of entrepreneurial engagement within Abu Dhabi, the UAE and the entire MENA region.
ADUi marks a new chapter for the University, which in recent years has focused successfully on encouraging student entrepreneurs to launch their own start-ups. The new initiative aims to provide not only students, but faculty, staff, alumni and external stakeholders with a platform to explore creative business opportunities, both within their respective sectors and across the economy at large.
ADUi will provide a “safe zone” for discovery, testing and controlled risk-taking that will afford optimum opportunities for the success of creative minds. The Strategy builds on the university-based research to empower both aspiring as well as seasoned innovators to pursue new ways to conceptualize, manifest and deliver product-value for a more sustainable and inclusive world.
Curating a creative entrepreneurial ecosystem for students and for ADU’s internal and external communities, ADUi will prepare innovators to adapt, thrive, and lead in innovation and entrepreneurial roles with established companies, government entities, social ventures as well as start-ups and spin-offs. In the coming months, the ADUi strategy will roll out a series of initiatives focused on supporting students, faculty, staff and the wider community through cultivating an inclusive environment of collaboration, shared understanding, connections and impact.
Dr. Peralta said: “I am thrilled to have joined the ADU family to contribute to its innovation strategy that seeks to optimize the impact of innovation and entrepreneurship in the UAE. I look forward to building on the many achievements of ADU and working hand in hand with my fellow colleagues, students and wider community to elevate the overall academic journey. The UAE has been strategizing and working tirelessly towards a more sustainable world through integrating innovation and empowering the youth to be the leaders of tomorrow.”
He added: “ADUi embodies the values of excellence, collaboration, innovation and relevance -innovation strategy through tackling sustainable and inclusive research, innovation, and incubation strategies.”
Professor Waqar Ahmad, Chancellor of Abu Dhabi University, commented: “As an institution, we are wholeheartedly dedicated to providing our students, faculty and the wider group of stakeholders with a fertile ground to foster innovation across every dimension of their studies and research. Our innovation strategy will be a driving force to challenge students to employ creativity and condition them with an entrepreneurial mindset that will undoubtedly prepare them for their future careers.”
ADUi combines a personalized approach with lessons learned from successful innovators and entrepreneurs through researching and promoting evidence-based practices. The initiatives within ADUi include programs, stand-alone events and relevant opportunities which will be accessible and available to all students, faculty and staff, and will include ADU communities of reference.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Abu Dhabi University is committed to becoming the best institution of its kind in the region. We are a private, multi-campus university committed to meeting the education, skills and knowledge needs in the United Arab Emirates and neighbouring countries through qualifications and standards that are respected across the world.
01
No Poverty
02
Zero Hunger
03
Good Health & Well-Being
04
Quality Education
05
Gender Equality
06
Clean Water & Sanitation
07
Affordable & Clean Energy
08
Decent work & Economic Growth
09
Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure
10
Reduced Inequalities
11
Sustainable Cities & Communites
12
Responsible Consumption & Production
13
Climate Action
14
Life below Water
15
Life on Land
16
Peace, Justice & Strong Institution
17
Partnerships for the Goals
Environmental Impact
01
No Poverty
Sustained economic growth cannot be achieved without social inclusion as the whole of society has a role to play in the development of a country. Federal Law No. 13 of 1972 and its amendments by the law (No.2) in 2001 was issued by the Ministry of Community Development.
Introduction
Sustained economic growth cannot be achieved without social inclusion as the whole of society has a role to play in the development of a country. Federal Law No. 13 of 1972 and its amendments by the law (No.2) in 2001 was issued by the Ministry of Community Development.
(MOCD) as the first law to provide social benefits to members of the community to ensure and sustain the high quality of living for all UAE citizens. The Ministry continues to work today on enhancing social inclusion for all members of society where social benefits are extended to cover twenty-one segments of the community.
The UAE government has a future vision to change the culture of social support from the current ‘social welfare’ model to ‘sustainable social development’ that encourages independence and growth of families across the UAE.
ADU is determined to overcome all challenges that ADU and our students might face as a result of the poverty. We continue to be dedicated to empowering and inspiring outstanding students to pursue their goals. Our scholarships and financial aid programs are available to all students who want to fund their academic programmes. We consider it our duty to provide equal opportunities to students interested in pursuing higher education, enabling them to contribute to society regardless of their financial situation.
In additional to financial aid, ADU scholarships are being provided to outstanding students, through seven main categories, including the Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Scholarship, the President’s Scholarship, the University Scholarship, the Academic Scholarship, the Athletic Scholarship, the Alumni Scholarship, and the Family Tuition Waiver.
We take pride in attracting the brightest students in the UAE and offer them generous support, to excel in their studies. Our Scholarship and Financial Aid programmes are part of ADU’s corporate social responsibility and are influenced by the UAE’s great leadership. ADU is constantly finding pioneering and innovative ways to support and facilitate the needs of our students to help them achieve their academic degree.
Emirates Red Crescent and ADU Launch a Humanitarian Funding Campaign
Emirates Red Crescent and Abu Dhabi University recently launched the Education Support Campaign in coordination with Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society and Lulu Group International. Through this collaboration, ADU and Emirates Red Crescent will support disadvantaged students in their university studies, providing them with an opportunity for a successful educational journey. The campaign aims to raise 10 million dirhams, and students will benefit from these funds starting 24 November 2021 and for one year. (This activity is licensed by the Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi, permit number 022).
Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society and Lulu Group International will aid the campaign by facilitating donations through their different points of sale. Community members will show their solidarity by donating valuable aid to students, starting at two dirhams.
Public donations will be accepted via text message through Etisalat and Du. Bank donations can be sent to Sharjah Islamic Bank - account number (11445518006), IBAN (AE350410000011445518006). Individuals can also donate through the link provided on the Emirates Red Crescent website (https://www.emiratesrc.ae/eduadu), with the donations ranging from ten dirhams to 1,000 dirhams.
H.E. Salem Al Rayes Al Ameri, Deputy Secretary-General for Local Affairs at Emirates Red Crescent, said, "Sponsoring students is one of the permanent and continuous programs within the initiatives of the Humanitarian and Development Authority. We continue to witness a high rate of response and generosity from sponsors and benefactors. These donations are considered a true embodiment and reflection of the authority's efforts to invest in empowering individuals and guiding them towards achieving their aspirations and fulfilling their dreams."
Al Ameri added, "The Authority acknowledges the important role it plays in preparing future generations for the responsibilities of tomorrow."
Al Ameri praised the existing cooperation between the Emirates Red Crescent and Abu Dhabi University, which seeks to support education and provide opportunities to disadvantaged students whose family circumstances prevent them from continuing their educational path. The cooperation embodies Abu Dhabi University's commitment to fulfilling its social responsibility, as well as its leading academic role in advancing science and education as the most important pillars of human development in the country. He also praised the role of the Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society and Lulu International Group in supporting the activities of the campaign.
Salem Mubarak Al Dhaheri, Executive Director of Community Relations at Abu Dhabi University, said, "Abu Dhabi University is proud of its strategic partnership with Emirates Red Crescent in launching the Education Support Campaign. The campaign aligns with Abu Dhabi University's mission to support students and allows us to share social responsibilities with the community. We are proud of the continuous cooperation and renewed partnership with Emirates Red Crescent in launching campaigns that carry a noble message and achieve a tangible and real impact on our society."
Al Dhaheri added, "Abu Dhabi University appreciates the role of the Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society, Lulu International Group, and all participating partners in supporting the campaign activities. Investing in our young people and building an educated generation capable of leading the continued development of our country is vital."
Abdul Majeed Al Khouri, the Executive Director of the Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society, commented, "Our participation in the Education Support Campaign confirms the depth of the decades-old relationship between the Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society and Emirates Red Crescent. With God's grace, it has gone beyond humanitarian work and now encompasses sustainability. We are proud of this pioneering partnership. The Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society has always sought to serve the community of the UAE and we continuously contribute to helping and supporting various sectors in Abu Dhabi and the other Emirates."
Al Khoori added, "The initiatives adopted by the Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society reflect our passion towards aiding societal struggles related to education. Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society has initiated partnerships with ministries and governmental institutions, such as the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Emirates Red Crescent, to create opportunities for those who dream of pursuing their educational journey. In the last few years, we doubled our efforts and developed initiatives that will allow us to serve our country and consolidate the concept of social responsibility. We are proud to be part of an institution that provides its students with an environment that values charitable work and social development while simultaneously providing high-quality education and academic qualifications that are respected worldwide."
Mr. Aboobakker TP, Director of LuLu Hypermarkets Abu Dhabi and Al Dhafra region, said, "This initiative embodies the belief and commitment of LuLu Group in the bright future of the UAE and the power of the Emirati youth to shape it."
"Education is one of the strongest building blocks for a nation's future, and LuLu Group is honored to share in raising valuable funding for needy students," he continued. "It empowers Emirati youth to contribute to their best potential and lead the future of the country. It is particularly timely that this campaign comes on the eve of the 50th anniversary of the UAE's nationhood. We at LuLu Group International are proud of our identity as a 'homegrown' UAE brand and see this participation in the 'Let's Support Their Future' campaign as our humble contribution to the nation that gave us so much to build upon."
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Abu Dhabi University is committed to becoming the best institution of its kind in the region. We are a private, multi-campus university committed to meeting the education, skills and knowledge needs in the United Arab Emirates and neighbouring countries through qualifications and standards that are respected across the world.
01
No Poverty
02
Zero Hunger
03
Good Health & Well-Being
04
Quality Education
05
Gender Equality
06
Clean Water & Sanitation
07
Affordable & Clean Energy
08
Decent work & Economic Growth
09
Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure
10
Reduced Inequalities
11
Sustainable Cities & Communites
12
Responsible Consumption & Production
13
Climate Action
14
Life below Water
15
Life on Land
16
Peace, Justice & Strong Institution
17
