UAE COP28 sustainability initiatives

UAE’s Commitment to Sustainability Shines as COP28 Nears

UAE COP28 sustainability initiatives are driving universities to embrace change and lead the way in addressing climate challenges.

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UAE Universities Spearhead Sustainable Change as COP28 Approaches

As the world gears up for the United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP28, hosted this November and December by the United Arab Emirates, there’s an air of anticipation and excitement, particularly within the higher education institutions of the UAE. The COP28 conference, scheduled from 30 November to 12 December 2023 at Expo City in Dubai, has ignited a fervent drive toward addressing climate change and sustainability, with UAE universities leading the way.

Andrew Mackenzie, a senior marketing and innovation lecturer at Middlesex University Dubai, emphasizes the tremendous enthusiasm surrounding COP28, not just in the UAE but also in neighboring Gulf countries. The UAE’s dedication to sustainability and climate action is evident, especially in the emirates of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, solidifying its status as a regional leader in this regard.

What sets the UAE apart is the unwavering support from the government. The COP28 presidency is helmed by Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, the UAE’s Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology. On the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York in September, the COP28 presidency, in collaboration with Dubai Cares, an organization dedicated to youth and associated with the UN, hosted a high-level session introducing a program for climate education titled “Rewiring Education for People and Planet: The Road to COP28.”

One of the distinctive aspects of this event is its focus on education. A RewirEd Summit in 2023 will take place on 8 December, designated as Education Day, under the “Youth, Children, Education, and Skills” theme of COP28. The conference presidency’s support for the Universities Climate Network, consisting of 31 UAE-based universities and higher education institutions, is noteworthy. This network is actively working to engage youth and academia in the lead-up to COP28.

Middlesex University Dubai is a prominent member of this network and has been at the forefront of sustainable initiatives. Their sustainability events this year, such as “Love the Planet Day” and discussions on food security and waste reduction, reflect their commitment to the cause. They are also co-hosting a “Climate Law and Governance Day” with the University of Cambridge at COP28, focusing on collaboration between COP delegates, researchers, students, legal practitioners, and experts.

The importance of this COP lies in its emphasis on solutions and problem-solving. It aims to engage students at all educational levels, from schools to universities, and bridge the gap between academia and government while fostering stronger collaborations between industry and academia. It’s a holistic approach that encourages collective responsibility and change for a sustainable future.

UAE universities are also taking a multi-pronged approach to address climate change and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives. ESG is at the core of many corporate policies and serves as a framework for responsible action. This approach involves research conducted by both staff and students, examining sustainability trends and barriers to ESG adoption within various industries in the UAE.

Notably, employment policies within universities have also been updated. At Middlesex University Dubai, women now hold more than half of management positions, marking a significant step towards inclusivity and gender diversity. Moreover, engagement with industry giants like Airbus and DHL demonstrates the commitment to ESG initiatives, as these companies play vital roles in the UAE’s economy and global trade.

A key aspect that differentiates these sustainability initiatives is their integration into university curricula. Sustainability is no longer confined to specific courses; it’s woven into the fabric of education, from engineering to business studies. While having sustainability credentials is essential, students are also encouraged to become problem solvers, equipping them with skills needed to address real-world challenges.

Other UAE universities are equally dedicated to sustainability. New York University Abu Dhabi, for instance, offers 28 classes that revolve around sustainability. Zayed University, a public institution with campuses in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, saw a significant surge in enrollment in its sustainability program. Activities like the “Road to COP28” sustainability prize further underline their commitment.

The Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi introduced the “Go Green 2023” initiative, focusing on reducing carbon footprints, fostering sustainable development activities, and promoting collaborative environmental research. Their efforts aim to raise awareness about climate change, develop students’ capacities, and encourage active participation in initiatives that combat environmental challenges.

One notable aspect that has garnered global attention is the adoption of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by UAE universities. Launched in 2015, these goals address global challenges and offer a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity. The state-backed United Arab Emirates University has achieved recognition in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings for its commitment to several SDGs.

These include SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation), SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy), and SDG 10 (reduced inequalities). They’ve also published a substantial number of research papers aligned with the SDGs between 2017 and 2023.

In addition to curricular changes, UAE universities are investing in greening their campuses. This involves the installation of solar panels, energy-efficient lighting, and the implementation of water-reducing technologies. The environmental awareness campaign among students has made these changes all the more effective.

But the story isn’t without its critics. The choice of the UAE as the host for COP28 has faced some backlash due to the country’s economic reliance on hydrocarbons. As the third-largest oil producer among the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and the seventh-largest producer of total liquid fuels globally, the UAE’s environmental stance has been scrutinized.

Furthermore, the appointment of Sultan Al Jaber as the president of COP28 has raised eyebrows, considering his dual role as managing director of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company. However, it’s important to note that Al Jaber also chairs Masdar, a major UAE-based renewable energy company. While some critics question these associations, others argue that change requires involvement from all sectors, even those traditionally tied to fossil fuels.

In 2021, the UAE unveiled ambitious plans to invest $163 billion in achieving a country-wide net-zero emissions target by 2050. These initiatives, while receiving mixed reviews, highlight the country’s determination to combat climate change and promote sustainability.

Join the Conversation!

The drive towards sustainability in UAE universities is undoubtedly commendable, but what’s your take on the COP28 conference being hosted in a country with a significant reliance on hydrocarbons? Do you believe it’s a positive step toward change, or do the ties between the energy sector and climate action raise concerns? Share your thoughts and be part of the conversation. Let us know what you think about the UAE’s journey towards sustainability.

As the United Arab Emirates prepares to host the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in November and December, it’s evident that sustainability and environmental awareness have taken center stage in the UAE. Higher education institutions are leading the charge, aligning their efforts with the mission to address climate change and promote sustainable practices. In this article, we’ve explored the significant steps these universities are taking to create a more sustainable future for the nation. From innovative curricula focused on sustainability to impactful initiatives that reduce their carbon footprint, the commitment of these institutions to sustainability is inspiring.

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