A new educational program “STEM for Sustainability” will engage the youth in driving an action-oriented sustainability agenda in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Amideast UAE and Boeing are embarking on a multifaceted science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education program aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The new initiative is designed to promote sustainable practices and values among the younger generation in the UAE, enabling them to proactively address climate change. Launched in anticipation of the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (28th Conference of Parties – COP28), the “STEM for Sustainability” program will equip students with necessary skills and knowledge through STEM education.
The three-year program will offer a range of activities for students:
- STEM Roundtables that will bring together government, academia and business stakeholders to share best practices in addressing sustainability issues and fostering collaboration
- STEM Podcasts that will feature both subject matter experts and students elaborating on how STEM and sustainability are interlinked
- STEM Career Fair that will help students explore career paths in STEM and sustainability and connect with the relevant universities across the UAE
- STEM Club with sustainability workshops and other activities to promote sustainable behaviors in different settings.
“The scale of climate change and the fact that it affects many areas of life requires action on many fronts starting now. One of the solutions is education that helps young people acquire the right, practical knowledge to contribute in achieving sustainability goals. Our multifaceted approach will prepare the youth for future careers in STEM and sustainability, an aspect which is now a priority among employers,” said Sara El Dallal, Amideast country director in the UAE.
Kuljit Ghata-Aura, President of Boeing Middle East, Türkiye and Africa, said: “Boeing shares the UAE’s commitment to promoting sustainable aerospace partnerships and solutions and accelerating opportunities for young people. We strongly believe that STEM education is a catalyst for positive change and we are excited about empowering the next generation of leaders with the knowledge and skills required to drive progress towards decarbonizing aviation.”
The UAE government is committed to tackling climate change and has declared 2023 as the Year of Sustainability. The country will host COP28 in November-December 2023. The UAE government aims to engage young people in driving a solutions-oriented agenda, and “STEM for Sustainability” program is an important contributor.
A launch event of the program in the UAE has been held on May 1, 2023 in the newly opened STEM Lab in Amideast center in Dubai. Brian Moran, Boeing Vice President of Global Sustainability Policy & Partnerships; Kuljit Ghata-Aura, Boeing President of Boeing Middle East, Türkiye and Africa; Meghan Gregonis, the United States Consul General in Dubai; and Sara El Dallal, Amideast country director in the UAE, took part in the event.
Amideast and Boeing are working together to align STEM education with sustainability strategies in several countries in the Middle East and North Africa, including the UAE, Egypt and Morocco.
