The Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) and the Abu Dhabi Vocational Education and Training Institute (ADVETI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for four years, to cooperate and collaborate on subjects of mutual interest. These may take the form of research, development and professional consultations as well as education and training programmes; exchange of information; cooperation in the development and implementation of Abu Dhabi Global Environmental Data Initiative, and students' internship and work-integrated learning.
The MoU was signed in a ceremony held today (Sunday 30 March, 2008) at Hilton Hotel by H.E. Majid Al Mansouri, Secretary General of EAD, and H. E. Ahmed Saif Al Darmaki, Deputy Chairman of ADVETI with the presence of H.E Mubarak. Saeed Al-Shamesi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Educational Council (ADEC), HE Dr. Abdullah Maghrabi , Director of Studies and Research Department at the Ministry of Presidential Affairs, and Member of the ADEC, HE Mohammed Salem Al Dhaheri, Director of Abu Dhabi Educational Zone, member of ADEC as well as other officials from the Institute and EAD.
Cooperation and collaboration between the two parties can be done through exchanging of expertise through secondment of scientific experts from either party for limited periods of time as mutually agreed; organization of scientific developments related to areas of mutual interest; and cooperation in the field of specialized training. It can be also done through developing new environmental initiatives, strategies, programmes aimed at promoting the individual roles of the two parties and addressing the needs of the environment of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and related fields of interest.
The two parties agreed to work together on developing UAE national manpower. This is to be by supporting the programmes agreed upon by EAD and ADEC and developing new programmes for recruitment and awarding scholarships to high school graduates to study at the universities to increase the breadth of environmental work pathway and maximize the chance of strengthening the individual role towards better environment in accordance with the set targets in this MOU.
Al Mansouri said that the main objective of this MOU is to assist the Abu Dhabi Government in the environmental sustainable development of the Emirate through policy formulation and enforcement, pro-active planning and co-ordination, scientific research and environmental awareness promotion. He added that the MoU will help lay down the main framework of their future cooperation in the agreed areas.
He noted that both EAD and ADVETI recognize the significance of working closely together with a view to studying, analyzing and exploring the potential of joint benefits through the mutual cooperation between them in respect to addressing the needs of the environment.
Al Mansouri stressed that both ADVETI and EAD are fully aware of the importance of exploring possible cooperation prior to starting implementation activities and we are committed to a long-term relationship on the bases of this MoU and subsequent agreements that may be agreed upon by the parties for the purpose of addressing the needs of the environment.
H.E Mubarak. Saeed Al-Shamesi, Director General of ADEC indicated that signing the MOU comes in the framework of the strategic vision set by our leadership to develop the UAE's future workforce in all fields especially in the services and vocational education sectors, which occupy the top priorities.
Mr. Al-Shamesi said that the reputation of the UAE among the world in the field of preservation of the environment, the infinite support and continuous efforts of our leadership and H.H. late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al-Nahyan, who was awarded the Prize of the Environment Man, all of which stimulate us as educational, environmental and service institutions to work together to maintain the excellent acquired reputation. Since the major emphasis and importance in the UAE has been placed upon protecting, maintaining and investing in its environment under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and President of ADEC and Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Presidential Affairs and Vice President of ADEC, we have implemented this policy for the best benefit of our country and citizens.
Mr. Mubarak stated that Abu Dhabi Vocational and Training Institute (ADVETI) will play an important role in training and mentoring EAD Staff which would enable them to enroll in the Work Environment Management and Vocational Safety Programs. Training will commence this year, where the courses are being designed to meet the highest international standards of the sector whilst also being tailored to fit the specific needs of the EAD. The EAD is to identify and nominate students to undergo the training provided.
"The MOU is just the beginning of our partnership with EAD which will help develop the skills, capacities and professional required to our workforce", Mr. Al-Shamesi added.
Upon the agreement, a joint committee shall be formed between the two parties to determine the main framework of cooperation; lay down a work plan including the goals and the implementation methods according to a time table approved by both parties.
It was also agreed that the joint committee may discuss other cooperation fields and coordinate between the EAD and ADVETI. Then, the committee shall submit its recommendations in this respect to the senior management of both parties for their approval.
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For Further Information, Please Contact:
Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi
Environmental Education and Awareness Division
Sobhia El Masri
Tel: +9712 4454777
Fax: +9712 4463339
Email: lalhasan@ead.ae or selmasri@ead.ae
Website: www.ead.ae
© Press Release 2008
