Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi launches a number of initiatives to celebrate Earth Day

23 April, 2019

Under the theme “Zero Waste”, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi launched a number of initiatives to celebrate Earth Day and raise awareness about waste and its effects on the planet. The event took place yesterday on the university’s campus in Al Reem Island and attracted guests from the local community as well the university’s management, employees and students.

The event included an environmentalist adaptation of Jean Giraudoux’s theater play “the madwoman of Chaillot”, a talk by Dr. Ali Al Amoudi, Senior Environmental Engineer at Abu Dhabi Refining Company (TAKREER) and previously in Federal Environment Agency (FEA) – Abu Dhabi, UAE and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). In addition, students played heart-warming music while guests enjoyed organic food using recyclable plates. Finally, participants received Ghaf tree seeds in recycled cans that will be collectively planted in the desert later on. Gift bags containing products that are reusable for everyday use were distributed to help participants taking their first steps towards a waste-free world.

Dr. Ali Al Amoudi, Former Sustainable Development Advisor, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), said: “On April 22 each year, one billion people around the world celebrate Earth Day. This year it is celebrated under the theme ‘Protect Our Species’. Protecting our planet from industrial pollution such as carbon emissions and other major causes of global warming and climate change has become an issue in recent decades”.

Dr. Al Amoudi, added: “My participation in Earth Day event at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi is an opportunity to raise awareness among students about the importance of protecting the Earth. I was pleased to discuss with the participants simple daily habits that positively contribute to reducing pollution and the use of carbon energy from fossil sources by replacing them with renewable energy and working to conserve natural resources sustainably. Hence, striving for a sustainable development in all economic, social and environmental activities in pursuit of the sustainable development’s goals”.

From his side, Mr. Eisa Al Raesi, Head of Students Affairs Department at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi: “We are keen at SUAD to organise this kind of activities to highlight the importance of our student’s attachment and belonging to earth. Hence, providing them with necessary knowledge to preserve it from all what would affect it through inviting them to practice daily habits, which play a key role in avoiding environmental pollution”.