AUS Environmental Day 2023 discusses scientific challenges of food security

Aiming to foster knowledge about environmental sustainability and global food security among high school students considering careers in the biological, chemical and environmental sciences, American University of Sharjah (AUS) has hosted its annual Environmental Day.

Featuring a range of informative sessions and fun-filled competitions on the theme of food security, the event, which was sponsored by BEEAH Group and Petrofac and organized by the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) and the AUS Sharakah Program, was attended by 531 high school students and teachers from 26 schools. 

"We are excited to host the Environmental Day and provide students with the opportunity to learn about the critical connection between environmental sustainability and global food security," said Dr. Mahmoud Anabtawi, Dean of CAS. "Through this event, high school students can explore the scientific challenges of food security and consider how to ensure society has access to safe and nutritious food, while minimizing harmful impact on the planet.”

The day-long event showcased innovation and creativity, with a wide range of exhibits displaying cutting-edge ideas and solutions in the fields of science, sustainability and food security. The booths, which were set up by AUS students, faculty and staff, along with local industry participants from the food sector, offered an opportunity for students to interact with experts. 

Among the main highlights of the event were two interactive competitions: the Environmental Jeopardy Quiz Competition and the Food Security in UAE Schools Video Competition. Around 45 high school teams participated in the quiz, demonstrating students’ knowledge of environmental issues. In the video competition, 20 teams presented their innovative ideas and solutions to address food security challenges through engaging videos. 

Winners of the Environmental Jeopardy Quiz Competition were Abu Dhabi Indian School Muroor (first place), Cambridge International School (second place) and Greenwood International School (third place).

Abid Ahmad from Abu Dhabi Indian School Muroor said,”Teamwork and efficiency were key in our functioning as a team. Quick thinking skills combined with our knowledge on the topic helped us win the event.”

Winners of the video competition were Wesgreen International School (first place), Sharjah American International School–Sharjah (second place) and Al Durrah International School (third place). 

Ali Shuhaimy, Executive Director of the Office of Enrollment Management, spoke about the importance of such opportunities for students. 

”AUS is committed to sustainability and to engaging with the wider community to find solutions to the challenges we face. The Sharakah Program invited school students to join us in reflecting on the scientific challenges of food security and to learn more about the importance of sustainable food systems. We believe that youth have an important role to play in finding solutions to these critical issues, and we encourage them to get involved and take action,” Shuhaimy said.

Another highlight of the day was the "Climate Impact and Food Security" panel discussion, moderated by Rose Armour, Head of Sustainability at AUS. Panelists were Mohamed Alhosani, AUS alumnus and Chief Sustainability Officer at BEEAH Group; Donna Glasper, Co-founder and COO of HeroGo; Luca Cobre, Executive Chef and Manager at Healthy Farm Eatery; and Nathalie Curabba, Clinical Nutritionist and Sustainability Project Coordinator at AUS.

Offered through the AUS College of Arts and Sciences, the Bachelor of Science in Biology, Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences provide students with a strong foundation in sciences that can be applied in various industries, including the food industry. Graduates of these programs possess the skill set necessary to work in food research and development, quality control and food safety. They also have the capability to develop sustainable solutions to the challenges faced by the food industry, such as food waste reduction, resource conservation and environmental protection. The programs align with the needs of the food industry and contribute to the development of the sector in the UAE and beyond. For more information on CAS, visit www.aus.edu/cas. 

AUS has a strong track record for sustainability and for promoting positive environmental outcomes on campus. Recently, AUS was invited by the UAE Climate Envoy to take part in the COP28 University Taskforce, which will see representatives from AUS participate in key climate change debates. For more information about AUS’ sustainable initiatives, visit www.aus.edu/sustainability.