This groundbreaking program equips CUD community with the knowledge and essential skills to drive sustainable development and career growth.
April 25, 2024, United Arab Emirates: Emphasizing its commitment to sustainability education, Canadian University Dubai (CUD) has successfully hosted the "Green Skills for a Green Economy", a pioneering training program by Deloitte Middle East, in collaboration with the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA). This workshop equips students and faculty members with an understanding of environmental sustainability concepts, language, and career opportunities, so they can consider pathways to further develop green skills in their current role or pursue other jobs presented by the green transition. The meticulously designed session, held at CUD HUB Incubator, saw proactive participation from over 80 students and faculty members, reflecting the community's dedication to sustainability.
Deloitte facilitators introduced the workshop by outlining the importance of understanding and adapting to the job opportunities emerging within the green economy. Deloitte’s sustainability strategy, presented under four main pillars - Net-zero with 2030 goals, embedding sustainability, empowering individuals, and engaging ecosystems - formed the foundation of the training.
Interactive elements such as videos and a live quiz via mobile phones engaged the participants further, enhancing their understanding of achieving net zero emissions and exploring the broader implications of climate change. The facilitators encouraged participants to think critically about local environmental risks and opportunities, leading to a brainstorming session where ideas and current actions were shared openly. They also provided key tips on how to integrate sustainable practices into various fields, asserting that a person doesn't need to be an environmental expert to make a difference.
The day progressed with discussions around the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the planetary boundaries. A significant part of the training involved understanding how green skills defined within the context of the SDGs can transform traditional job roles and create new career paths.
A student participant, reflecting on the program's impact, shared their enthusiasm, "It was really good and informative. I liked the different job paths and careers needed for the green skills. For me, that was the most interesting part—how I think my future would look like; it had the most impact on it."
Dr. Dima Jamali, Vice President of Academic Affairs at CUD, expressed the significance of the program, stating, "This training is a significant step in aligning our academic practices with global sustainability objectives and the UAE’s visionary sustainability goals. By equipping our students and faculty with this knowledge, we are not just educating; we are inspiring them to take proactive roles in their professional and personal lives to advance sustainability. We are committed to fostering a culture that prioritizes long-term environmental integrity and support the UAE’s values of innovation and sustainability."
Rana Ghandour Salhab, People and Purpose Partner, Deloitte Middle East, highlighted the broader impact of the initiative, stating, "Environmental education and youth empowerment are key pillars of Deloitte Middle East’s purpose and climate strategies. We feel privileged to work with our communities, especially university professors and students, to contribute to the region's sustainable development goals, and foster a resilient, innovative economy that can thrive in the face of environmental challenges, while also raising eco-conscious generations and instilling a strong sense of environmental responsibility in the region’s future leaders."
CUD will continue to host workshops and training sessions in collaboration with more industry leaders. “These trainings embed a deep, practical understanding of sustainability in students and faculty. This continuous commitment is in line with the UAE’s vision for a sustainable future, positioning CUD as a pioneering institution in environmental education not just within the region but on a global level.”, Dr. Jamali continued.
The training concluded with a discussion on how sustainability is influencing and re-shaping job requirements, highlighting the essential skills needed in this impactful landscape.
The "Green Skills for a Green Economy” program is one of the key components of CUD’s approach to building strong relationships with industry leaders like Deloitte, fostering a curriculum that enhances employability while addressing some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.
By emphasizing sustainable education and practical experience, CUD is establishing a benchmark for academic institutions globally to follow.
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