Empowering youth in climate advocacy: AUS hosts first Climate Action Awareness Day for Sharakah Schools

With COP28, starting at the end of this week, American University of Sharjah (AUS) hosted its first AUS Climate Action Awareness Day for partner schools from the university’s Sharakah program.

Attended by 250 students from eight Sharakah schools across the UAE, the event aimed to deepen their understanding about environmental issues and inspire innovative solutions for a sustainable future. The transition to clean energy was a primary focus of the event.

Organized in collaboration with the College of Engineering and the Student Energy Summit (SES) Ambassadors, the event offered students the opportunity to engage with AUS faculty and students who are making great strides in the field of climate action. Dr. Amani Al-Othman, Professor in Chemical Engineering at AUS, provided an insightful introduction to climate change and the imperative of clean energy transition. Students also attended a panel discussion about the role of youth in climate action. Moderated by Julia Carlow, Acting Head of AUS Sustainability, panelists were AUS students Khadijah Minhas, Muhammad Junaid, Jawwad Sheikh and Sathya Aamuktha Samrajyam. 

The event also showcased the Clean Energy Transition Ideathon, where students from Delhi Private School Sharjah, Dubai International Private School, Al Nahda National School and Al Ittihad Private School Jumeirah, displayed their innovative spirit. Students from Delhi Private School, Sharjah, won the top prize for their CommunIon E-Fabric System project, which is a sustainable energy storage and transportation system. It contains small units of printable batteries which can communicate with each other and direct the flow of energy to the location where energy demand is the highest.

“I'm truly grateful to AUS for giving me and my team a chance to present our idea, CommunIon E-Fabric System, which bagged the first prize. It was inspiring to explore and understand the ideas of other students, which showcased the youth's stance on Sustainable Development Goals seven and symbolized the sustainable future lying ahead," said Meer Shamdasani from Delhi Private School Sharjah.

"This AUS Climate Action Awareness Day is a crucial step in AUS’ ambition to engage the wider community in climate action. It is a testament that our efforts in sustainability education and engagement extend beyond the campus and shows that we are eager to  integrate the local youth community in the global climate dialogue. We are very pleased with the enthusiasm and innovative ideas presented. It's inspiring to see these young minds eager to contribute to a sustainable future," said Carlow.

Hala Al Jundi, Sharakah Program Officer, applauds the impact left by students during the Climate Action Awareness Day for Sharakah schools. 

“Empowering youth in climate advocacy is not just a step but a leap towards a sustainable future. The innovative ideas and enthusiasm displayed by these young minds are indispensable contributions as we approach COP28, reinforcing the vital role of the youth in the global climate dialogue,” she said.

Dr. Aishwarya Raina Sharma, Environment Incharge (Grades 6 to 12) at Delhi Private School Sharjah, reflected on the collaboration: "Celebrating unity in purpose, Delhi Private School, Sharjah proudly stands with AUS on Climate Action Awareness Day. Through education, awareness and sustainable initiatives, we cultivate a shared commitment to environmental stewardship. Together, let us inspire change, sow the seeds of consciousness and foster a community dedicated to preserving our planet for generations to come."

AUS remains at the forefront of climate action, actively promoting change through knowledge and research. Recognized among the top five institutions for community engagement in sustainability worldwide by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education’s 2022 Sustainable Campus Index, AUS has developed a comprehensive Climate Action Plan that aligns the university’s sustainability efforts with the UAE’s 2050 Net Zero strategic plan. To learn more about AUS at COP28, visit www.aus.edu/cop28.