Interdisciplinary Solutions for a Sustainable Future

Workshop

The concept of ‘sustainable development’ was first introduced by the 1987 Brundtland Commission report and has since gained widespread recognition. In light of today's rapidly evolving global changes, the imperative for sustainable development has become increasingly evident. Interdisciplinary by nature, sustainability is key to the future of various fields of research and therefore considered a cornerstone for the ongoing development in academia and beyond.

On the initiative of AGYA alumni Prof. Dr. Ahmad Sakhrieh and Prof. Dr. Salma Balazadeh, a workshop aiming to enhance collaboration and understanding of sustainability among policymakers, students, and scientists from various disciplines, including environmental science, engineering, social sciences, and business administration was organized in cooperation with the American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK), UAE. Through presentations and panel discussions, the workshop ignited creative thinking and inspired the development of inclusive and practical solutions for a sustainable future. The workshop covered a broad spectrum of topics, ranging from innovations in sustainable infrastructure to green agriculture, enhancing photovoltaic viability to groundwater resource management, sustainable healthcare, and the impact of nanotechnology.

Our support to this event stemmed from our strong belief that the study of sustainability is not just nice to have, but is essential for the survival of the human race. Through their contributions, the participants signalled their optimism that human-made problems could be tackled or solved by human-made solutions. 

Prof. Dr. Stephen Wilhite, Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs and Student Success and Provost, AURAK

Giving a voice to the future generation

The event also included the AURAK Renewable Energy Competition, a forum for undergraduate students to showcase their research, exchange ideas, and improve their communication skills. The objectives of the competition were to promote renewable energy concepts through students’ projects; give undergraduate students an opportunity to share their research ideas, and apply engineering concepts for renewable energy.

Especially, the representatives of the Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) Municipality, RAK Transportation Authority, and the Ministry of Culture showed great interest in the innovative ideas of the future generation. The prizes were awarded to student projects from the following institutions:

• Abu Dhabi University, recognised for their advancements in the smart inspection of oil and gas pipelines,
• American University of Ras Al Khaimah, awarded for BreatheEZ,
• University of Sharjah, awarded for their 3D printed electrical equipment for compressed air energy storage.