The event will highlight the role of universities in reinforcing ethical responsibility within the society by adopting USR in everyday practices
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, Abu Dhabi University (ADU), in collaboration with the Ministry of Community Development, is hosting the first forum on ‘Zayed and Social Responsibility’ on 20 November. In line with ADU’s strategy for the Year of Zayed, and coinciding with the UAE’s celebrations of the late Sheikh Zayed’s 100th birthday, the forum aims to shed light on the concept of University Social Responsibility (USR) and the importance of embedding it within the everyday management of institutional processes in the UAE’s higher education sector. The forum is set to take place at ADU’s main campus in Abu Dhabi.
USR is an internationally-recognized practice of integrating social responsibility into academic management, research, and community activities through initiatives that address pertinent social, economic, cultural, environmental and social justice matters.
The forum will bring together government officials and representatives from over ten universities across the UAE to discuss and highlight the role of academic institutions in contributing to building a socially responsible society. Additionally, it will focus on the mutually beneficial relationship that USR fosters between universities’ internal communities and external stakeholders.
The event will include three panel discussions encompassing a number of key speakers including Professor Thomas Clarke, Professor of Management at the University of Technology in Sydney, and Dr. Fatih Mehmet Gul, Founder and CEO of CSR Middle East. The first session will focus on ‘The UAE Government’s vision in relation to universities’ social responsibilities’, while the second session will shed light on the ‘Importance of corporate social responsibility for public and private organizations in the UAE.’ The third session will discuss ‘The role of UAE universities in a knowledge society within the social responsibility context’.
Dr. Ali Saeed bin Harmal Al Dhaheri, Chairman of ADU’s Executive Board, commented on the inaugural event. “It gives us great pleasure to host the first ‘Zayed and Social Responsibility’ forum, inspired by the late Sheikh Zayed’s legacy and values of social justice and stewardship. As primary institutions, it is imperative for universities to actively engage with their communities in order to build a generation of socially engaged, responsible individuals, who will carry these values for many years to come.”
Bin Harmal added, “In the UAE’s bid to achieve its vision of becoming a knowledge-based economy, there lies a huge responsibility on universities not only to give back to the community, but also to take part in shaping its future through USR initiatives. By hosting this event, we aim to lead the dialogue on USR and encourage a wider understanding of the concept. We endeavor to drive other universities across the nation to adopt and implement USR initiatives, in line with the UAE Vision 2021 to build a more responsible, ambitious and confident nation.”
The event, supported by our valued sponsors and strategic partners, will see the participation of students, faculty members, including representatives from local universities, government and private institutions. Participating universities include Abu Dhabi University, Zayed University, University of Sharjah, Khalifa University, New York University Abu Dhabi, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, Ajman University, Al Ain University of Science and Technology, Gulf Medical University, Middlesex University, Murdoch University Dubai, and Skyline University.
Participating government institutions include the Department of Urban Planning and Municipalities, Zakat Fund, Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation, and Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF). Private participants include Emirates Islamic, National Petroleum Construction Company (NPCC), Universal Hospital, UAE Exchange, the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD), Al Masaood and Schema Advisory.
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About Abu Dhabi University (ADU)
Abu Dhabi University is a private, multi-campus University committed to meeting the education, skills and knowledge needs in the United Arab Emirates and neighboring countries through qualifications and standards that are respected across the world.
Although young, the University is recognized as a world-class institution committed to excellence in teaching, student experience, research and corporate education. We are regularly featured in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) rankings as among the best higher education institutions in the region. We hold prestigious international accreditations for the institution as a whole, for particular fields of provision and for specific programs. We were the first private higher education institution in the UAE and the GCC region to earn international accreditation from the California Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). ADU’s College of Business holds international accreditations from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and the prestigious EFMD Quality Improvement System (EQUIS). In addition, its College of Engineering has earned accreditation from the world-renowned Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) and the Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC) of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
According to the QS World Universities Rankings, ADU ranks in the top 701-750 universities worldwide, the top 150 leading institutions under 50 years, the top 27 universities in the Arab World, and the top 6 in the UAE. Being rated 3rd globally for international faculty and 10th for international students, we consider diversity to be among our key strengths.
Established in 2003, Abu Dhabi University has over 7,500 students across its four campuses and sponsored programs. Structured into Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business, Engineering, Law and the University College, we offer undergraduate and graduate programs across arts, law, education, business and management, engineering and sciences, including to Etihad pilots, trainees and personnel of the UAE military. Alongside the well-established campuses in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, we have launched a new campus in Dubai Knowledge Park and recently opened a teaching facility in the Al Dhafra Region of the Abu Dhabi Emirate.
Media Contacts
Weber Shandwick for Abu Dhabi University
Mohammed Al Azzam / malazzam@webershandwick.com / +971 2 449 4457
Abu Dhabi University
Noor AlMasri, Senior Marketing Operations Manager / noor.almasri@adu.ac.ae / +971 506195700
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