The two-day conference, brought together leading experts, policymakers, and practitioners to exchange knowledge and best practices on advancing sustainability. The conference provided a platform for regional and international dialogue, enabling stakeholders in the Arab world to benefit from global experiences while addressing local and regional priorities. Sessions covered pressing topics such as food and water security, renewable energy, climate change, education for sustainability, and digital innovation.
Dr Fatima Ali al-Kubaisi, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at QU, stated: “This conference is the outcome of constructive collaboration between the College of Arts and Sciences and HAW Hamburg with strategic support from the National Planning Council. It reflects QU’s commitment to fostering co-operation with national institutions stemming from our deep belief in the importance of integration between academic institutions and executive bodies to achieve our shared goals.”
Dr al-Kubaisi noted that the conference themes address key topics such as food and water security, renewable energy, climate change, and education for sustainability — aligning with both national and regional priorities and reflecting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, which have become a roadmap for humanity toward a more stable future.
Ahmed Khalid al-Sumaiti, director of the International Indicators and International Cooperation Department at the National Planning Council, emphasised collective responsibility.
Prof Walter Leal, director of the Research and Transfer Centre for Sustainability and Climate Change Management at HAW Hamburg, noted that the event offered a valuable opportunity to exchange insights and share experiences at a time when the need for regional and international collaboration is increasingly urgent to address accelerating challenges and achieve development goals in a tangible and effective manner.
