AUS hosts fifth HECD: Empowering youth collaboration for climate action

Further highlighting its dedication to advancing sustainability initiatives and driving positive change in the UAE and beyond, American University of Sharjah (AUS) has recently hosted the fifth annual student-led Higher Education Climate Dialogues (HECD) under the theme "Collaborating for Climate Resilience: Sustaining the Legacy of COP28” in collaboration with New York University Abu Dhabi.

University students from across the UAE benefited from a debrief by the Youth Climate Champion (YCC) Team on the "UAE Consensus," the historic outcome of COP28 to transition away from fossil fuels. The YCC team, bridging youth stakeholders with governments and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, also delivered a workshop later in the day, offering practical insights and actionable steps to involve youth in  climate advocacy.

"Hosting the fifth HECD underscores AUS' pivotal role in advancing sustainability and fostering global youth leadership. By providing a platform for dialogue and action, we empower the next generation to drive positive change and ensure a more sustainable future for all,” said Dr. Tod Laursen, Chancellor of AUS.

Among the highlights of the event was a thought-provoking panel discussion on "Making Sustainability Accessible to the Youth," which explored innovative strategies to engage and empower young leaders in the fight against climate change. Panelists included Mythili Madapati of Ernst & Young, Dr. Elham Chehaimi, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of CSR Consultancy BrightPath and AUS alumnus Omar Shihab, Founder and Chief Sustainability Officer of the Michelin Green Star restaurant, BOCA, Dubai.

"The HECD exemplifies our commitment to fostering sustainability and empowering the youth to lead the charge against climate change. By providing a platform for interdisciplinary, intergenerational and inter-institutional dialogue, we foster collaboration, build capacity for climate resilience and inspire collective action,” said Julia Carlow, Acting Head of Sustainability. 

Hands-on workshops, facilitated by esteemed partners such as Ernst & Young, Canon, Goumbook and Ecyclex, provided participants with practical solutions and innovative approaches to address climate challenges in various sectors. Ernst & Young also hosted a student competition to pitch sustainable solutions, inspiring creativity and entrepreneurship among participants.

The event culminated in a vibrant Climate Art Gallery where attendees were treated to a rich tapestry of creative expressions, showcasing activism and raising awareness about climate issues. By intertwining art and sustainability, this gallery offered a platform for youth to engage and express themselves in yet another impactful form.

To further emphasize the feasibility of bringing sustainability into every aspect of the conference, student organizers reached out to Healthy Farm Eatery of Sharjah to cater the event. Chef Luca Cobre, of Healthy Farm Eatery, is known for sourcing and highlighting high-quality ingredients both locally and organically. Providing vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, prepared with twists on local and cultural ingredients further enhanced the idea that it is possible to eat sustainably on a variety of diets.

Sameera Khan, an environmental sciences student and AUS EcoRep, who served as Head of Sponsors and Speakers as well as the Master of Ceremony for the event's opening ceremony, found the panel discussion and Ernst & Young's workshop enriching.

"As a student aspiring for a career in corporate sustainability, I found the panel discussion and workshop on workplace sustainability highly enlightening. We tackled real business environmental issues, gaining insights into Ernst & Young's initiatives and brainstorming motivational strategies for businesses. This experience expanded my professional network,” she said.

AUS has ranked third in the UAE and among the world’s top 600 universities in sustainability, according to QS World University Rankings: Sustainability (2024). This marks AUS’ debut appearance in this ranking, emphasizing AUS' unwavering commitment to environmental responsibility and its leadership in fostering sustainability education in the region.

For more information about AUS’ sustainability initiatives, visit www.aus.edu/sustainability.