Abu Dhabi University hosts Climate Talk on building sustainable and smart cities

In a collaborative initiative to advance climate action and resilient urban development, Abu Dhabi University (ADU), in partnership with the German Embassy in the UAE, held a high-profile Climate Talk entitled “Sustainable, Smart & Healthy: Building the Cities of the Future.” The event took place on April 9 at ADU’s Abu Dhabi campus and convened experts and leaders from government, academia, and industry to deliberate on innovative strategies for sustainable urban living and public health enhancement.

The conference featured an array of panel discussions, interactive workshops, and keynote addresses delivered by specialists in sustainability and smart city innovation. Key topics included the integration of smart technologies into urban planning frameworks, the improvement of energy efficiency, and the creation of resilient communities prioritising health and environmental responsibility. Participants also examined pioneering approaches designed to reduce urban carbon footprints and elevate residents’ quality of life.

Professor Ghassan Aouad, Chancellor of Abu Dhabi University, emphasised the importance of the event in aligning with broader environmental goals. Speaking to albawaba.com, he said, “Healthy cities are the cornerstone of a sustainable future. At Abu Dhabi University, we recognise the crucial intersection between environmental health, innovation, and well-being. This event reinforces our commitment to fostering meaningful dialogue and innovation in sustainable development, aligning with the UAE’s broader vision for a greener, smarter, and healthier future. We are honoured to collaborate with international leaders, like Germany, to exchange knowledge and accelerate the transition to more sustainable communities, here in the UAE and globally.”

Dr Sofyan Maghaydah, Acting Dean of the College of Health Sciences at ADU, added, “Cities designed with environmental sustainability and public health in mind are fundamental to our collective future. At Abu Dhabi University’s College of Health Sciences, we’re committed to exploring solutions that integrate smart technologies with sustainable practices to improve health outcomes, resilience, and quality of life. Through such events, we aim to foster dialogue, collaboration, and innovation, ensuring our cities not only adapt to climate challenges but thrive sustainably for generations to come.”

Alexander Schönfelder, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the UAE, reflected on the significance of urban centres in addressing climate change. He said, “Cities are not only at the forefront of the climate challenge but also hold the key to solving it. As hubs of innovation and collaboration, cities can lead the way toward a more sustainable future. Germany’s cities, such as the green roofs of Berlin and the car-free zones of Freiburg, provide valuable lessons in sustainable urban practices. We extend our gratitude to Abu Dhabi University for hosting this important event and fostering dialogue to create healthier, more sustainable communities.”

The conference also featured participation from ADU’s College of Health Sciences and Department of Environmental and Public Health, along with representatives from significant entities including the UAE’s Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MOEI), Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), and prominent private sector companies such as Siemens and SAP. Contributions also came from international academia, including Cambridge University, and organisations like Tadweer. The collaboration focused on scalable and technologically advanced urban solutions that prioritise environmental stewardship and public health.

The event highlighted the multidimensional approach required to develop cities capable of meeting the increasing demands of climate responsibility and public well-being, emphasising partnerships and innovation across sectors. For further details about Abu Dhabi University and its initiatives, interested parties are invited to visit https://www.adu.ac.ae/.

Source: Noah Wire Services