Under the patronage of His Excellency Professor Esameldin Agamy, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah, UoS hosted an international symposium aimed at advancing renewable energy and sustainability. Organized by the University’s Sustainable Energy and Power Systems Research Center within the Research Institute of Sciences and Engineering, the event brought together leading academics, industrial experts, policymakers, and representatives of prominent national and international organizations.

Demonstrating the University’s commitment to innovation in clean energy, the symposium explored opportunities to foster dynamic partnerships between scientific research and the broader community. This initiative reflects ongoing efforts to promote sustainability and environmental awareness, in alignment with both UAE Vision 2031 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The program featured two primary scientific sessions and several interactive panels. Key topics included cutting-edge renewable energy technologies, energy management and storage, decarbonization, the circular economy, green hydrogen, and smart grids. Participants highlighted the UAE’s pioneering transition toward sustainable energy systems.

Discussions addressed the far-reaching effects of climate change on human life and examined avenues for collaboration among government bodies, private enterprises, and research institutions. By confronting current challenges, UoS and its partners aim to deliver practical, science-based solutions to mitigate climate change’s impact locally and globally.

In his opening speech, Professor Maammar Bettayeb, Vice Chancellor for Scientific Research and Graduate Studies, emphasized the urgent social relevance of the symposium’s theme and applauded the University’s leadership in sustainability. He pointed out that UoS holds the top national spot in sustainability rankings, thanks to its vibrant research community dedicated to supporting the UAE’s climate and energy objectives.

Other speakers included Prof. Hussein Al Awadhi, Director of the Research Institute of Sciences and Engineering (RISE), who outlined the symposium’s main objective: fostering cooperation between researchers, decision-makers, and the public. Prof. Abdul Ghani Olabi, Director of the Sustainable Energy and Power Systems Research Center, showcased the center’s research output, unveiling advancements in emissions reduction, carbon footprint minimization, and solar energy technology.

The event featured distinguished contributions from both local and international experts, such as Mohamed Al Hossani, CEO of Sustainability at Bee’ah Group; Professor Hossam Jawhara from Brunel University London; François de Pée, Commercial Director at Emirates Biotech; and specialists from institutions in Italy, Greece, and throughout the UAE. Their engagements spanned the latest breakthroughs in clean energy, policy innovation, and practical strategies for sustainable development.

A concluding roundtable, facilitated by Professor Mohamed Ali Abdelkareem, examined global best practices in energy management and the green economy, underscoring the necessity of community involvement and international cooperation. The session advocated for developing forward-thinking national policies and leveraging advanced technologies, reaffirming the university’s leading role in connecting research to practical implementation for the benefit of society and the environment.

This landmark event welcomed an extensive array of researchers, climate specialists, and industry partners from within the UAE and abroad, cultivating scientific and industrial alliances vital to sustaining the Emirates’ progress toward a greener, more resilient future.