AUS Environmental Day 2024 promotes climate action and environmental careers

American University of Sharjah (AUS) has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental education and action by hosting its annual Environmental Day 2024, drawing in 265 students and educators from 17 schools across the UAE.

"Environmental Day embodies the spirit of discovery and empowerment, offering young minds a platform to explore the transformative potential of environmental science. It's inspiring to witness their enthusiasm and commitment to building a sustainable future for generations to come,” said Dr. Ivonne Bejarano Rodriguez, Assistant Professor in Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences and chair of the organizing committee.

Themed "Climate Action and Future Careers in Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences," Environmental Day 2024 was organized by the AUS Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences in collaboration with the Office of Enrollment Management Sharakah Program. The event featured a diverse range of activities for students and teachers.

"Environmental Day is an annual event that provides an opportunity for high school students to increase their environmental and sustainability awareness. Students gain insights into high-impact careers in various public and private sectors related to environmental sciences and sustainability. The event is always enriching and full of fun activities," said Dr. Amin Majdalawieh, Head of the AUS Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences.

Participants were treated to a keynote speech by Maide Havva Kayır, Regional Packaging Development Manager at Henkel, who shared insights into sustainable packaging solutions. A panel discussion on Climate Action and Careers in Science, moderated by Dr. Fatin Samara and Dr. Mohamed Abouleish from the Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, featured distinguished alumni and industry experts, providing valuable perspectives on environmental careers.

Throughout the day, participants explored information booths, participated in scientific demonstrations and took part in student-led experiments. Industry partners, including Henkel, Green Planet and Emirates Environmental Group, showcased their initiatives and provided students with opportunities for hands-on learning and interaction with environmental professionals.

A highlight of Environmental Day was the competitions designed to test participants' environmental knowledge and creativity.

Delhi Private School, Al Amanah Private School and Cambridge International School secured the top three positions in the Students Quiz category. In the Teachers Quiz category, it was Sharjah American International School Dubai, Beaconhouse Al Khaleej International School and Delhi Private School that emerged victorious. The video contest saw Philadelphia Private School, Al Durrah International School and Sharjah American International School Dubai claim the first, second and third positions, respectively.

For Advaith K Prashant, a student from Delhi Private School Sharjah, Environmental Day was an eye-opening experience. 

“The competitions challenged us to think critically about environmental issues and the discussions inspired me to consider a career in environmental science," he said.

The Environmental Day was made possible through the generous support of Gold Sponsor Henkel, along with institutional advancement sponsors BEEAH Group, Petrofac and Sharjah National Oil Corporation (SNOC). 

“At Henkel, our purpose is being pioneers at heart for the good of generations. Our knowledge, products and technologies serve to enrich and improve the lives of people every day, shaping a viable future for the next generations, and sustainability is at the heart of this point of view,” said Havva Kayir, Packaging Development Manager at Henkel.

“Events such as Environmental Day by AUS help foster knowledge and enhance competencies for young students, creating positive change from the ground up. The event’s focus on climate action and future careers was especially productive for students with ambitions to pursue careers in sustainability, which is a field that is critical to the prosperity of people and planet. BEEAH would like to congratulate the participants, winners and the American University of Sharjah for organizing this event. We were proud to support this edition and look forward to more ways to support students who are determined to shape a better future for everyone,” said Hind Al Huwaidi, Chief Executive Development Officer, BEEAH Group.

“At Petrofac we are working every day on the decarbonisation of the global energy system and are committed to minimising the environmental impact of our own operations and supporting others to do the same. The Environmental Day panel session was an excellent forum to discuss and debate climate action. It was inspiring to see students so engaged on these topics and in pursuing careers in science, engineering and other related fields to help drive positive change,” said Greg Ross, Health, Safety and Environment and Sustainability Director at Petrofac.

The Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences aims to equip its students with the skills required to improve the lives of people and the health of the planet through its programs in biology, chemistry and biochemistry, and environmental sciences and sustainability, as well as a pre-med track for those interested in pursuing a Doctor of Medicine degree. For more information on the department, click here.