AUS signs MoU with Sharjah Sustainable City

As part of its strategic aim to provide sustainable solutions to global challenges and establish collaborative links between industry and academia, American University of Sharjah (AUS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sharjah Sustainable City (SSC) at a ceremony held on campus.

The agreement will see AUS and SSC develop a framework to cooperate and facilitate collaboration between the two parties in a number of areas of mutual interest. Some of these include employment and internship opportunities for AUS students and alumni, collaborative research, development and educational activities, and building bridges between academia and industry through projects that utilize the expertise of AUS faculty members and apply the skills of AUS students. The MoU was signed by Professor Kevin Mitchell, Chancellor of AUS, and His Excellency Marwan bin Jassim Al Sarkal, the Executive Chairman of Shurooq, on behalf of their respective organizations.

Speaking on the occasion, Chancellor Mitchell said: “AUS is committed to addressing sustainability-related challenges through campus-based initiatives and collaborative work with partners who are dedicated to translating the knowledge resulting from research into practice. The university looks forward to the opportunities that result from the MoU with the Sharjah Sustainable City.”

Commenting on the signing, His Excellency Marwan bin Jassim Al Sarkal, said: “Sustainability is in Shurooq’s DNA and, therefore, a prime consideration in each and every project we have been introducing to our diversified portfolio since 2009. Sharjah Sustainable City demonstrates this commitment, and furthers Shurooq’s objectives to strengthen Sharjah’s position on the world map as a hub of innovation. Shurooq’s long history of collaborations with a variety of partners, including the one with Diamond Developers for the SSC project, stems from our belief that Sharjah’s potential can be best realized by integrating specific expertise of stakeholders from a wide range of sectors. The MoU with AUS is significant as it demonstrates our dedicated efforts to collaborate with the academic sector and bring first-class opportunities to the next generation of sustainability leaders in the UAE.”

Noting the significance of the agreement, Yousif Ahmed Al Mutawa, CEO of Sharjah Sustainable City said: ”As the first fully integrated, net zero energy community in the emirate of Sharjah, SSC is inspiring a sustainable movement for a greener future. Today’s signing with AUS is an important milestone in our journey, signalling the beginning of mutually beneficial initiatives and inspiring positive change for generations to come. We are honoured to collaborate with AUS and look forward to the positive outcomes of this agreement.”

Known for its dedication to sustainability and environmental protection, AUS has taken a number of measures that include reducing reliance on single-use plastics on campus. It has also designated sustainability as an important theme of the university’s 2018—2022 Strategic Plan. These measures have had a significant impact on how operational and development issues are carried out at AUS and have garnered appreciation for the university in the form of numerous honors and awards, including receiving a “2 Pearl” rating by Estidama, a sustainable development initiative of the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council, for its new Engineering and Science Building, the Outstanding Sustainable Campus award from the Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) 7th Sharjah Sustainability Award (SSA), and top honors in the “Green School” category at the Emirates Green Building Council Awards.

Such recognition from government and industry validates the university’s efforts to work in tandem with the goals of the emirate of Sharjah and play its part in building a clean and sustainable environment.

ENDS