AUS students join UAE's Climate Ambassadors Program to help combat climate change

Eight students from American University of Sharjah (AUS) have been selected to participate in the UAE's first university edition of the Climate Ambassadors Programme (CAP) held recently at Expo City Dubai. With 40 student ambassadors in total forming the program, AUS is well-represented in this important initiative.

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment in collaboration with the Expo University Programme. CAP is a simulation program that aims to provide an authentic and novel experience for students so that they can better understand the decision-making process of climate change issues, while fostering awareness about the impact of climate change and the importance of coordination among different agencies to address climate challenges.

During a roleplay simulation of the proceedings of the United Nations (UN) Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of Parties (COP) session, AUS students acted as representatives from Brazil, China, India, Mauritius, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman and Qatar. The students engaged in negotiations, drafted action plans and sought consensus on critical climate issues related to carbon and greenhouse gas mitigation. 

"We are dedicated to preparing our students for meaningful careers and empowering them to make a positive impact on the world. CAP provided invaluable opportunities for the eight students with diverse academic backgrounds to align their majors with the critical need for climate action. We are partnering with Expo City Dubai to broaden the scope of CAP opportunities for AUS students in the near future." said Julia Carlow, the Acting Head of Sustainability at AUS.

Saleh Al Shamsi, an international studies student, commented on his participation: "Being part of CAP as Oman's representative was eye-opening. I engaged in real-world negotiations and action planning, gaining insights into global climate challenges. It empowered me to actively contribute to combating climate change and make a positive impact on the world."

“As a student participating in CAP, I was able to enhance my public speaking and negotiation abilities while gaining insight into the upcoming COP28. As an environmental sciences student, this experience provided me with a practical application of my coursework, allowing me to witness its real-world relevance,” said Sameera Khan, who represented Brazil at CAP.

AUS has made sustainability and climate change mitigation a strategic priority, offering all of its students, regardless of their chosen major, the opportunity to participate in the many sustainability-related initiatives led by the university. The UAE Climate Envoy to COP28 has invited AUS to be a member of the Universities Climate Network (UCN). The network comprises UAE-based universities and higher education institutions facilitating dialogues, workshops, public events and youth participation in the lead up to COP28.  To learn more about how AUS is making the most of this opportunity, please visit www.aus.edu/cop28.