AUS strengthens climate commitment through UACA Advisory Committee participation

An engaged stakeholder in the upcoming COP28, American University of Sharjah (AUS) participated in the inaugural meeting of the UAE Alliance for Climate Action (UACA) Advisory Committee held recently. UACA, led by Emirates Nature-WWF, is a flagship non-state actor program that aims to accelerate the UAE's journey toward a net-zero carbon emissions future.

The UACA Advisory Committee, chaired by Her Excellency Razan Al Mubarak, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28 and President of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, brings together eminent leaders from diverse sectors. Members of the committee include Laila Abdullatif, AUS alumna and Director General of Emirates Nature-WWF; Her Excellency Dr. Nawal Al Hosany, AUS Board of Trustees member and Permanent Representative of the UAE, International Renewable Energy Agency; Mohammed Al Marzouqi, Chief Executive Officer of HSBC UAE; Dr. Nasser Saidi, Chairman of the Clean Energy Business Council; Dr. Leila Hoteit, Managing Director and Senior Partner at Boston Consulting Group (BCG); and Dr. Fadi Aloul, Dean of the College of Engineering at AUS.

The inaugural meeting of the UACA Advisory Committee focused on charting a strategic path forward to accelerate the UAE's transition towards a net-zero carbon emissions future. The committee's discussions revolved around the importance of collaborative efforts, knowledge sharing and innovative solutions to address the pressing challenges posed by climate change.

Dr. Aloul represented the university in the UACA discussions in his role as a committee member. Julia Carlow, Acting Head of AUS Sustainability, also attended the meeting as a senior working level representative.

Dr. Aloul said: “AUS is honored to participate in the UAE Alliance for Climate Action's Advisory Committee. Climate change is a global challenge that requires collective efforts. Our presence reflects AUS' commitment to leveraging our academic and research expertise to contribute to climate solutions and shape a sustainable future.”

"At AUS, sustainability is at the core of our mission. Joining the UACA Advisory Committee aligns with our commitment to drive sustainability initiatives that extend beyond our campus. We believe that through collaboration and innovation, we can make a lasting impact on climate action and support the UAE in achieving its net zero by 2050 target," said Carlow. 

AUS is dedicated to supporting the UAE's sustainability endeavors through robust initiatives and active faculty and student engagement. Recognized for its commitment, AUS is a valued member of the Universities Climate Network, uniting UAE-based institutions to foster dialogues, workshops, public events and youth involvement in preparation for COP28. AUS' commitment to reducing carbon emissions is demonstrated through its pioneering Climate Action Plan, which aligns with the UAE's Net Zero by 2050 strategic vision. 

To know more about AUS sustainable initiatives, visit www.aus.edu/sustainability.