EEG's 11th Students Workshop

An exciting and insightful series of workshops on a theme extremely relevant to the UAE and other countries in the Middle East was organized by the Emirates Environmental Group for students from schools across the country. The 3-day programme covering different age groups each day, titled ‘Sustainable Cities: Healthy Life’, was hosted at the Rashid School for Boys, Dubai to help raise academic awareness on a topic that is critical to maintain harmony between our built environment and our living standards.

Thus, EEG organized the 11^th Annual Students Workshop under its commitment to “Education for Sustainable Development.” The Workshop, through a number of informative and practical sessions led by a diverse array of speakers, explored the different dimensions of this challenge and identified the essential role of the future generation in increasing eco-friendly knowledge and skills for a healthy life.

Mrs. Habiba Al Marashi, Chairperson of EEG, welcomed the audience consisting of students and supporting teachers saying that due to the rapid advent of globalization, urban settlements have transformed into major consumers of goods and services that drain natural resources. Today, major cities across the world are under pressure of degradation, as a result of which we may face problems in the supply of clean water, adequate waste management, efficient transportation and other necessities for decent living.

 The workshop hosted a group of speakers from diverse backgrounds and expertise in the field of sustainable development. Eng Yousuf Mohammed Al Ali, Executive Director of Dubai Taxi Agency talked about Sustainable Transport, which is an effective means to reduce carbon emission as well as reduce the negative effects such as air pollution, noise, oils, batteries and environmental damage caused by the various means of transportation found today in the country. 

Eng. Hassan Mohammed Makki, Director of the Drainage and Irrigation Network in Dubai Municipality, addressing the issue of waste management in the UAE, pointed to the urgent need to change the consumption patterns of society, while adopting responsible consumption, which in turn will reduce the waste we produce. He also believed that there is a significant need to address the importance of recycling and re-using resources that will reduce the depletion of natural resources and achieve sustainability.

EEG as well as Nokia explained that the growth of consumer societies in the Middle East has led to a large increase in solid waste produced per head due to which cities today are running out of landfills. There is a dire need to bring in systems that consider waste as a resource to be reused. This can create jobs, provide livelihoods, and, most importantly, help limit the consumption of natural resources to a great extent.

Mr. Doug Cook, the First Secretary, Energy and Climate Change, at the British Embassy in Abu Dhabi highlighted the need to focus on clean energy production as well as energy efficiency to ensure that we can effectively mitigate the impact of climate change and adapt to its adverse effects. In his presentation, Dr. Cook also helped students understand the value of investing in technologies for energy-efficiency.

DEWA, with their presentation, ‘Water-Every drop matters’ highlighted the amazing facts of water and the ways in which we should save this scarce resource, the backbone of sustainability. Mr. Hazem El Mahi, a Food Security expert spoke about the touching story of the Horn of Africa famine that sees thousands dying each day and 12,391,394 people need food! All the more reason we should not waste food and consume only what is needed. Healthy food habits and lifestyle is another topic which has been in the news, with childhood obesity and diabetes on the rise in the country. Mrs. Nafeesa Ahmed, specialist in Nutrition& Dietetics gave an interesting talk on the same. The students also enjoyed a refreshing session organized by renowned clinical nutritionist and personal trainer, Dr. Ryan Penny who conducted hands-on activities rather than a PowerPoint presentation. He explained that the healthiest lifestyle for an individual and the environment is a simple lifestyle.

Mrs. Sheela Anand from Our Own English High School, Sharjah presented a session on Building tomorrow’s leaders for Sustainability which is a guide for youngsters to be the leaders of change for a better environment. Our young EEG student-members, Kehkashan Basu and Simran Vedvyas envisioned their ‘DreamCity’ and Delhi Private School, Sharjah showcased their contribution as a sustainable school.

EEG is grateful to the sponsors of the event – Imdaad (Main Sponsor) as well as UNDP Abu Dhabi. Imdaad is a leading provider of integrated facilities
management solutions in the UAE. In line with its commitment to CSR, Imdaad has gained a strong reputation as an adopter and implementer of the latest FM technologies and practices that promote sustainability.

Also with the support of Al Safi Club for Friends of the Environment, the workshops highlighted a relevant issue that must be brought to the forefront with the student community in the UAE. EEG would also like to thank Rashid School for Boys for hosting this programme since its inception.