Day: May 22, 2022

ABU DHABI, The University of Sharjah (UoS) is the first university in the Arab World to earn a Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System (STARS) Gold rating in recognition of its sustainability achievements from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) in Florida, United States.

STARS, is a global rating system and a transparent, self-reporting framework for colleges and universities to measure their sustainability performance in a comprehensive manner.

The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) classified 1,085 registered universities, representing 40 countries at the international level.

The STARS Gold rating was only awarded to 82 international universities including the University of Sharjah. In addition, the association works on assessing universities sustainability achievements in five areas: academics, engagement, operations, planning and administration, innovation and leadership.

In response to this achievement, Prof. Hamid M.K. Al Naimiy, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah, emphasised the university’s keenness to focus on fields of sustainable development, commitment to clean environmental standards, and support sustainability projects to address environmental challenges, in accordance with the vision of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and founder of the University of Sharjah. In addition to the directives of H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and President of the University of Sharjah, to make the university a regional and global benchmark for sustainability excellence in higher education, as well as raise awareness among society members on the importance of the sustainability concept in various fields.

Prof. Imad Alsyouf, Director of Sustainability Office, expressed his thanks to everyone who contributed to preparing UOS file to participate in this rating, under the supervision and guidance of Prof. Maamar Bettayeb, Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Studies.

Alsyouf asserted that the establishment of sustainability office at the UOS in 2017 had a significant impact in promoting awareness of sustainability issues, and fostering cultural sustainability among students, staff, and faculty members, as well as local community through the implementation of several environmental initiatives, organisation of various campaigns and awareness programmes inside and outside the campus. In addition to the establishment of circles of sustainability, and the effective role of the office in distinguishing the university in various fields of sustainability, as well as its effort in making the university a global role model in sustainability and innovation.

Source: Emirates News Agency

ABU DHABI, The 31st edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF), organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), will launch tomorrow under the theme ‘Inspire, Innovate, Enrich’.

The Fair, running from 23rd to 29th May at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), will see participation of more than 1,130 publishers from over 80 countries This year, ADIBF will be hosting more than 450 cultural, academic and creative events, as well as interactive activities that appeal to all sections of society.

As the Guest of Honour for ADIBF 2022, the Federal Republic of Germany will present an integrated programme showcasing the country’s culture and history at its own pavilion. These include events with nearly 80 publishers, experts and creators taking part in more than 14 cultural and professional sessions, as well as screenings of German films based on books. Visitors will also be invited to explore the works of renowned poet, author, playwright, and novelist Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, while a visual narration at the pavilion will introduce visitors to illustrious German tradition of creativity and literature.

Audiences can enjoy events at numerous locations throughout ADIBF, including the main podium, youth platform, business lobby, lifestyle corner and art corner. The programme features a wide range of dialogue sessions, seminars, and literary, cultural and academic events. Some of the most-anticipated guests include poet and literary critic Adonis; Guido Imbens, who was awarded one half of the 2021 Nobel Prize for Economics; Prof. Roger Allen, leading Western researcher in modern Arabic literature; and Prof. Muhsin J. Al Musawi, Professor of Arabic and Comparative Literature at Columbia University in New York.

This year’s event will also include a wide range of educational events and activities for children including musical and dance performances, workshops and more. The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre is inviting all members of society to attend the exhibition and participate in its events.

Source: Emirates News Agency