The UAE’s Universities Climate Network (UCN), a 38-member group, has announced the appointment of Khalifa University’s Dr. Samuel Mao and Dr. Rasha Bayoumi of the University of Birmingham Dubai as Co-Chairs and Ajman University's Maya Haddad as Head of Operations, taking the UCN to the next stage of advancing climate action regionally and internationally, and promoting sustainability across the UAE’s academic sector.
The Universities Climate Network (UCN) actively drives the climate conversation through a dynamic series of events, blending both virtual and in-person formats to foster collaboration. Building on this momentum, the network recently held a pivotal in-person gathering at the University of Birmingham's Dubai campus, with active participation from Ajman University. This landmark event served as a critical strategic session to advance pillar activities and solidify a powerful, collaborative presence for the upcoming COP29 climate conference.
The session was elevated by a keynote address from a distinguished global leader, Victoria Galán-Muros, Chief of Research and Analysis at The UNESCO International Institute for Higher Education in Latin America and the Caribbean (IESALC). Her expertise in international higher education provided an invaluable framework for the UCN's work, challenging the network to consider the global impact of its research and outreach and setting a thoughtful tone for the discussions to come.
These discussions formed the core of the afternoon's agenda. Following an initial period of registration and networking that allowed colleagues to connect, the formal programme commenced with a welcome from the UCN Chairs and Ms. Galán-Muros’s inspiring address. The event then moved into its collaborative phase with a series of breakout exercises, where each pillar group—including delegates from Ajman University—convened to deeply discuss their specific activities and strategize their engagement for COP29. To synthesize these focused conversations, pillar leads subsequently presented concise summaries to the entire assembly. Ultimately, the session concluded with a forward-looking review of next steps and closing remarks from the UCN Chairs, ensuring all participants, including the team from Ajman University, departed with a clear and unified action plan for the important work ahead.
The UAE Universities Climate Network (UCN) is a powerful alliance of 38 universities across the Emirates. We stand united in the fight against climate change, empowering young minds to become the next generation of environmental leaders.
This network was formed to unify the voices of UAE universities, showcasing the crucial role of higher education in tackling climate change. Its lasting impact extends beyond COP28. The network's strategy rests on four pillars for thought leadership and action:
Student Youth Engagement Pillar:
Empowering Youth Climate Leaders: Igniting a global movement of student climate action by empowering young leaders from the UAE and worldwide.
Research & Innovation Pillar:
Fueling Innovation and Solutions: Disseminating climate research and analysis, providing policymakers with actionable recommendations to accelerate climate solutions.
Communal Activations Pillar:
Engaging Communities with Action: Activating university campuses and stakeholders to broaden public engagement on climate change through evidence-based initiatives.
Campus Carbon Neutrality Pillar:
Leading by Example: Pioneering Carbon Neutrality: Spearhead university decarbonization plans, aligning with the UAE's ambitious 2050 Net Zero strategy.
The UCN offers a variety of opportunities to get involved, from participating in research projects and workshops to attending conferences and events. Whether you're a student, faculty member, or community leader, there's a place for you in our network.
Together, we can create a more sustainable future for the UAE and the world.