Abu Dhabi, 17 January 2012 - Students from the Paris-Sorbonne University in Abu Dhabi obtained a remarkable first-hand insight into the world of renewable energy when they participated for the first time as observers to the recently concluded IRENA Second Assembly on the 14th and 15th January, 2012. More than 200 delegations composed of over seven hundred delegates from close to 150 countries attended the second session of the Assembly. 

The students learned all about the role of IRENA - the first international governmental organisation headquartered in the UAE - and enhanced their understanding of the various factors and policies governing sustainable energy and natural resources worldwide as they listened to the multilateral debates between the delegates.

IRENA - the International Renewable Energy Agency - is an intergovernmental organisation dedicated to renewable energy. IRENA's objective is to promote the widespread and increased adoption and the sustainable use of all forms of energy produced from renewable sources in a sustainable manner, including bioenergy, geothermal energy, hydropower, ocean, solar and wind energy.

The participation of the Sorbonne students in the Agency's Second Assembly is particularly significant as it enhances the academic value of courses at Paris-Sorbonne Abu Dhabi, as well as deepening the students' understanding of the principles and mechanisms of IRENA.

The students are enrolled in the International Law, Diplomacy and International Relations Master programme, which includes a focus on International Environmental Law and Energy. It also offers students the chance to pursue a course on Sustainable Development Law, either in the second year of their Master's, or as a separate diploma.

Prof. Dr. Jean Yves de Cara, Executive Director of Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi said: "We are very grateful to IRENA for allowing our students to attain a direct insight and overview of the current state of policies, initiatives, technologies and developments related to sustainable energy and the environment. It is essential to engage students in their future and our objective is to expose them to the international policy-making process and to mold them into future leaders. As well as adding a deeper dimension to their academic courses, this confirms the university's objective to intensify its efforts to collaborate with other important entities."

Loulo Al Dhaheri, one of the observing students commented: "observing representatives of state members  interact and exchange on technical issues as well as strategic and programmatic activities taken by IRENA was a valuable learning experience. We could better understand functions such as organisation of work and budget adoption, priorities and initiatives discussion to include in the annual report or settings of policies and regulations. Being  the first local university attending this Assembly, I feel fortunate as a Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi student to engage in such an exceptional opportunity".

In December last year, Sorbonne students from both the International Law, Diplomacy and International Relations and Urban and Regional Planning Master's Programmes visited IRENA headquarters, where they were given a presentation by IRENA officials involved in the strategic and programmatic deployment of renewable energies. 

Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, which is globally-renowned for its level of rigorous and critical thinking, works with universities and organisations in the UAE to bridge gaps between academic institutions and the private and public sector and help students make the transition from university to their professional life. Sorbonne Abu Dhabi provides world-class French education in the UAE and is an integral part of the Abu Dhabi vision to create a knowledge-based economy.

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About Paris Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi   www.sorbonne.ae
Paris Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi is a prestigious higher education institution that offers both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in Social Science and Art, Law and Economics, and Business Management disciplines. Located on Al-Reem Island, Paris Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi offers a world-class diploma, Sorbonne education in Abu Dhabi, with degrees granted by Paris that are globally recognized. The courses are exclusively delivered by lecturers from Paris following the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

Established in May 2006, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) and Paris-Sorbonne University, Paris Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi combines the legacy and experience of two significant and legendary French universities - Paris-Sorbonne University, dedicated to arts and humanities, and Paris-Descartes University, specialized in Law, Political Science and Economics.

At present, more than 650 students from over 60 countries are enrolled at Paris Sorbonne Abu Dhabi for the new academic year 2011-2012.

For further Information, please contact:
Maysoon Baber, Public Relations
Tel: (+971) 2 656 9555/ Dir 9562 / 9560
GSM: (+971) 50 699 9825
Maysoon.Barber@PSUAD.AC.AE
www.sorbonne.ae

© Press Release 2012