17.2.2 Canadian University Dubai — Cross-Sectoral Dialogue About the Sustainable Development Goals
Institutional Commitment
Canadian University Dubai (CUD) is committed to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through meaningful dialogue and collaboration between academia, government, non-governmental organisations, industry and civil society.
The University recognises that sustainable development challenges require cooperation across sectors, bringing together scientific knowledge, public-sector priorities, industry experience and community perspectives.
CUD initiates, hosts and participates in conferences, expert discussions, public forums and collaborative initiatives addressing climate change, environmental sustainability, public health, workplace safety, social inclusion and sustainable economic development.
During 2025, CUD facilitated and participated in several cross-sectoral initiatives involving regional government authorities, international environmental organisations, business representatives, researchers and academic leaders.
These activities demonstrate the University's role in connecting stakeholders to exchange expertise, examine sustainability challenges and identify opportunities for collective action.
1. Overview of Cross-Sectoral Dialogue in 2025
CUD's documented engagements include the following initiatives.
| Event or Initiative | Date | Participating Sectors | SDG Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Artificial Intelligence Trends in Shaping the Future of Occupational Health and Safety | 28 April 2025 | Dubai Municipality, government leaders, academic researchers and professional experts | SDG 3, SDG 8, SDG 9, SDG 11 |
| Climate Summit 2025 | 3–4 June 2025 | Academia, environmental organisations, international partners and business | SDG 13, SDG 14, SDG 17 |
| Dubai Municipality Environment, Health and Safety Collaboration | 20 November 2025 | Government, academia and food-sector stakeholders | SDG 2, SDG 3, SDG 9, SDG 17 |
| Brand Me Summit 2025 and Refugee Education Collaboration | 22–23 November 2025 | Academia, business, entrepreneurship and humanitarian organisations | SDG 4, SDG 8, SDG 10, SDG 17 |
These initiatives demonstrate different forms of cross-sector engagement, from specialist government-academic discussions to international sustainability conferences and partnerships addressing barriers to education.
2. Cross-Sectoral Dialogue One — Artificial Intelligence and Occupational Health and Safety
Joint Initiative with Dubai Municipality
Date: 28 April 2025
Location: Canadian University Dubai
Lead Collaborators: Dubai Municipality and CUD School of Health Sciences and Psychology
Event: Artificial Intelligence Trends in Shaping the Future of Occupational Health and Safety
Relevant SDGs: SDG 3 — Good Health and Wellbeing; SDG 8 — Decent Work and Economic Growth; SDG 9 — Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; SDG 11 — Sustainable Cities and Communities
Event Overview
On 28 April 2025, Dubai Municipality, in collaboration with CUD's School of Health Sciences and Psychology, organised an event examining how artificial intelligence can improve occupational health and safety.
The initiative coincided with the World Day for Safety and Health at Work.
It brought together representatives from government, academia and professional fields to consider technological developments affecting workplace safety, prevention and public wellbeing.
Cross-Sector Participants
Participants included:
- H.E. Eng. Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Acting Director General of Dubai Municipality.
- H.E. Khalfan Belhoul, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Future Foundation.
- H.E. Buti Saeed Al Ghandi, Chancellor of Canadian University Dubai.
- Government and executive leaders.
- Academics and occupational health and safety specialists.
- Professionals working in public health, workplace safety and related technical fields.
Topics Discussed
The initiative explored how emerging technologies can support more effective workplace safety systems.
| Discussion Area | Sustainability Relevance |
|---|---|
| Artificial intelligence for occupational risk assessment | Improving identification and prevention of workplace hazards |
| Smart monitoring and predictive technologies | Supporting earlier detection of occupational safety risks |
| Digital health and safety platforms | Improving access to workplace safety information and management tools |
| Robotics and environmental monitoring | Supporting the assessment of workplace environmental conditions |
| Virtual reality and digital training | Strengthening professional capacity and worker safety awareness |
| Technology-enabled prevention | Improving practices intended to reduce occupational accidents and illness |
Government and Academic Contributions
Dubai Municipality presented its approaches to applying artificial intelligence and digital systems in occupational health and safety.
These included examples of monitoring technologies, interactive geographic information systems and technology-supported training.
CUD's School of Health Sciences and Psychology participated as an academic partner in delivering the initiative and promoting dialogue between government and academic specialists.
The event connected the Municipality's operational experience with the University's public health and sustainability expertise.
Contribution to Cross-Sectoral SDG Dialogue
The event provided a platform for examining how government, academia and professional specialists can contribute to safer and more sustainable working environments.
It directly supported dialogue concerning public health, occupational safety, innovation and the protection of workers.
The initiative demonstrates CUD's active participation in government-academic collaboration on practical sustainable development challenges.
Official CUD Evidence: AI Trends Shape Occupational Health and Safety's Future in Dubai
3. Cross-Sectoral Dialogue Two — Climate Summit 2025
International Dialogue on Climate Action and Sustainability
Date: 3–4 June 2025
Venue: CUD HUB Building, Dubai
University Role: Official Host and Speaker Participation
Event Organiser: G.P.I. Global Partners Investments Limited
Strategic Partners: The Climate Institute, The Coral Collective, Project Zero and international partners
Relevant SDGs: SDG 13 — Climate Action; SDG 14 — Life Below Water; SDG 17 — Partnerships for the Goals
Summit Overview
Canadian University Dubai served as the official host of Climate Summit 2025, held on 3–4 June 2025.
The summit was held under the high patronage of the Private Office of His Highness Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Saeed Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan.
The event was organised by G.P.I. Global Partners Investments Limited, in strategic partnership with The Climate Institute, The Coral Collective, Project Zero and international partners.
The programme included global speakers, expert presentations, panel discussions and opportunities for engagement.
Cross-Sectoral Participation
The summit brought together stakeholders with interests in climate action and environmental sustainability.
| Sector | Participants and Role |
|---|---|
| Higher Education | CUD hosted the summit and contributed university speakers |
| Environmental and Climate Organisations | The Climate Institute, The Coral Collective and Project Zero participated as strategic partners |
| Business and Investment | G.P.I. Global Partners Investments Limited organised the summit |
| International Partners | External organisations contributed to the summit's international sustainability engagement |
Canadian University Dubai's Role
CUD provided the venue and institutional hosting for the summit.
University representatives identified among the featured speakers included:
- Dr. Adam Fenech, Provost of Canadian University Dubai.
- Mr. Gustavo Montero, Incubator Director at Canadian University Dubai.
Their participation demonstrates that CUD contributed to the programme beyond providing event facilities.
SDG Dialogue and Collaborative Engagement
Climate Summit 2025 created an opportunity for representatives from different organisational sectors to engage with sustainability priorities through presentations and panel discussions.
The event's structure brought together university expertise, climate-focused organisations and business partners.
Such exchanges support the sharing of knowledge, exposure to different approaches and identification of potential collaborative responses to climate and environmental challenges.
Contribution to Sustainable Development
The summit demonstrates CUD's role in facilitating an international forum for sustainability dialogue.
Its combination of academic speakers, environmental organisations and business representatives provides direct evidence of cross-sector collaboration around climate-related objectives.
Official CUD Evidence: Climate Summit 2025 — June 3–4, 2025
4. Cross-Sectoral Dialogue Three — Dubai Municipality Environment, Health and Safety Partnership
Advancing Food Safety Research and Knowledge Exchange
Date: 20 November 2025
Government Partner: Dubai Municipality — Environment, Health and Safety Agency
University Partner: Canadian University Dubai
Announcement Venue: 19th Dubai International Food Safety Conference
Relevant SDGs: SDG 2 — Zero Hunger; SDG 3 — Good Health and Wellbeing; SDG 9 — Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; SDG 17 — Partnerships for the Goals
Partnership Overview
On 20 November 2025, Canadian University Dubai and Dubai Municipality signed a Memorandum of Understanding establishing a structured framework for collaboration in environment, health and safety.
The agreement was announced during the 19th Dubai International Food Safety Conference.
The collaboration aims to support research excellence, knowledge exchange, food safety innovation and opportunities for joint development of solutions to relevant public-sector challenges.
Government and University Representatives
The agreement was signed by:
- Mr. Buti Saeed Al Ghandi, Chancellor of Canadian University Dubai.
- Professor Karim Chelli, President and Vice Chancellor of Canadian University Dubai.
- Dr. Naseem Abdulla, Acting CEO of the Environment, Health and Safety Agency at Dubai Municipality.
Establishing Channels for Dialogue
The agreement provides for ongoing communication and knowledge exchange between the University and the government authority.
It identifies several collaborative activities.
| Dialogue Mechanism | Intended Collaborative Activity |
|---|---|
| Knowledge-Sharing Events | Workshops and discussions on research, food safety and innovation |
| Innovation Laboratories | Bringing together expertise to explore practical problems and potential solutions |
| Joint Scientific Research | Developing and sharing evidence relevant to environment, health and safety challenges |
| Technical Consultation | Exchanging expertise concerning food inspection, risk assessment and monitoring |
| Public–Private Communication Platforms | Creating opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange across sectors |
| Student and Researcher Engagement | Involving university participants in challenges identified by Dubai Municipality |
SDG Dialogue Focus
The collaboration identifies food safety, environmental health and technological innovation as shared priorities.
Potential areas of engagement include:
- Food inspection and control.
- Risk analysis and predictive monitoring.
- Artificial intelligence and data-driven approaches.
- Public health and environmental safety.
- Research-based innovation.
- Practical training and knowledge exchange.
Contribution to Cross-Sectoral Collaboration
This partnership provides a formal mechanism for continued dialogue between government, academia and other relevant stakeholders.
The agreement expressly envisages communication across the public and private sectors, creating opportunities to exchange information and jointly develop responses to sustainability-related challenges.
The signing and agreed framework were established in 2025. Subsequent workshops, research outputs and implemented projects would require separate evidence when reporting completed activities.
Official CUD Evidence: Canadian University Dubai and Dubai Municipality Sign MoU to Advance Environment, Health and Safety
5. Cross-Sectoral Dialogue Four — Refugee Education and Brand Me Summit 2025
Partnership Involving UNHCR and the Entrepreneurial Community
Date: 22–23 November 2025
Venue: Canadian University Dubai
Event: Brand Me Summit 2025
Humanitarian Partner: UNHCR — the UN Refugee Agency
Relevant SDGs: SDG 4 — Quality Education; SDG 8 — Decent Work and Economic Growth; SDG 10 — Reduced Inequalities; SDG 17 — Partnerships for the Goals
Event Overview
Canadian University Dubai hosted Brand Me Summit 2025, a large-scale entrepreneurship and personal-branding event bringing together speakers, entrepreneurs, business founders and other industry participants.
The 2025 edition incorporated a social impact initiative focused on refugee education.
Through collaboration involving UNHCR under the Aim Higher initiative, the summit connected entrepreneurial engagement with the challenge of expanding higher education opportunities for displaced individuals.
Partnership for Refugee Education
The event announcement identified two principal actions:
- A contribution of 10% of summit sales proceeds towards the refugee education initiative.
- CUD's announcement of 50 fully funded scholarships for 50 refugee students.
The collaboration linked a university, a humanitarian organisation and a business-oriented event to address a recognised education access challenge.
Cross-Sectoral Relevance
| Participating Sector | Contribution |
|---|---|
| Higher Education | CUD provided institutional hosting and announced funded educational opportunities |
| Humanitarian and International Organisations | UNHCR was identified as a collaborator through the Aim Higher refugee education initiative |
| Business and Entrepreneurship | Summit organisers, speakers and participants contributed to the broader platform |
| Education and Social Development | The partnership connected entrepreneurship-related activity with refugee access to higher education |
Contribution to the SDGs
The initiative demonstrates how cooperation across education, humanitarian and business sectors can support practical responses to inequalities in educational access.
The public announcement establishes the collaboration and intended support.
It does not independently confirm that all 50 scholarships had been awarded by the end of 2025 or that a dedicated refugee education policy panel took place during the summit.
Official CUD Evidence: Brand Me Summit 2025 — Refugee Education Initiative
6. Historical Cross-Sectoral Dialogue — Climate Change and Tourism Conference
Sustainability Dialogue Involving Academia, Industry and Community Advocates
Event Date: 4 December 2024
Post-Event Report: 8 January 2025
Venue: Canadian University Dubai
Relevant SDGs: SDG 8 — Decent Work and Economic Growth; SDG 12 — Responsible Consumption and Production; SDG 13 — Climate Action; SDG 17 — Partnerships for the Goals
Conference Overview
Canadian University Dubai convened a conference examining the relationship between climate change and the tourism industry.
The event involved academic researchers, hospitality professionals, business representatives and environmental advocates.
Its discussions focused on the challenges and opportunities associated with making tourism more sustainable in the UAE and internationally.
Participating Sectors
Participants and contributors included:
- Academia: Dr. Daniel Scott of the University of Waterloo, together with CUD researchers.
- Community and Environmental Advocacy: Juhi Yasmeen Khan, founder of the Eco Walk sustainability initiative.
- Hospitality: Representatives of La Ville Hotel & Suites Dubai City Walk.
- Business: Mr. Colin Francis of Gostoso Coffee, presenting a regenerative agriculture business model.
- Higher Education Leadership: CUD Provost Dr. Adam Fenech and university faculty.
Key Dialogue Themes
The conference considered:
- Climate risks affecting tourism destinations.
- Low-carbon transportation and travel.
- Sustainable hospitality operations.
- Regenerative agriculture and environmental business practices.
- Alignment between tourism and climate policies.
- Academic research and industry collaboration.
The event provided a platform for perspectives from research, business and community sustainability advocacy.
Reporting-Year Clarification
Although CUD published a post-event article on 8 January 2025, its official event listing confirms that the conference was held on 4 December 2024.
It is therefore included as historical supporting evidence of CUD's cross-sectoral dialogue activities and is not counted as an event held during 2025.
Official Evidence: CUD Convenes Conference on Climate Change and Tourism
7. Institutional Approach to Cross-Sectoral Dialogue
CUD's 2025 activities demonstrate several ways in which the University brings together different sectors to address sustainable development challenges.
Hosting International Sustainability Forums
The University provides a platform for discussion involving researchers, environmental organisations, businesses and external partners.
Climate Summit 2025 is an example of this role.
Collaborating with Government Authorities
CUD works with public institutions to discuss current challenges and emerging approaches in areas such as health, safety and environmental management.
The April 2025 occupational health and safety initiative demonstrates active joint dialogue, while the November 2025 MoU provides a formal framework for continued collaboration.
Connecting Education, Business and Humanitarian Action
The University's involvement in Brand Me Summit 2025 and the UNHCR refugee education collaboration demonstrates how educational and business-oriented initiatives can engage with social development challenges.
Sharing Research and Professional Expertise
CUD contributes academic expertise through faculty participation, research-oriented discussions and collaboration with external specialists.
These activities help connect sustainability research with operational experience and stakeholder perspectives.
8. Cross-Sectoral Dialogue Summary
| SDG Challenge | CUD's 2025 Activity | Participating Sectors | Nature of Dialogue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Workplace health and safety | AI and Occupational Health and Safety event | Government, academia and professional experts | Joint discussion of smart monitoring, technology and prevention |
| Climate action | Climate Summit 2025 | Academia, environmental organisations and business | Expert presentations, panels and international engagement |
| Food safety and environmental health | Dubai Municipality collaboration | Government, academia and other relevant sectors | Formal knowledge-sharing and future research collaboration framework |
| Refugee access to higher education | Brand Me Summit 2025 | Higher education, humanitarian organisations and entrepreneurship | Cross-sector partnership and announced education support |
Together, these activities demonstrate that CUD's engagement with the SDGs involves multiple sectors and a range of practical sustainability issues.
9. Contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals
SDG 17 — Partnerships for the Goals
CUD's cross-sector events and partnerships support engagement between academia, government, civil society and business.
These activities contribute to SDG Targets 17.16 and 17.17 by encouraging multi-stakeholder collaboration and the sharing of expertise and resources.
SDG 3 — Good Health and Wellbeing
Government-academic dialogue on occupational health, public safety and food safety supports discussions concerning healthier and safer communities.
SDG 8 — Decent Work and Economic Growth
The April 2025 occupational safety initiative addressed the role of emerging technologies in protecting workers and supporting safer workplaces.
SDG 10 — Reduced Inequalities
The refugee education collaboration involving UNHCR and Brand Me Summit 2025 addressed barriers affecting displaced students.
SDG 13 — Climate Action
Climate Summit 2025 provided a forum for organisations and experts working on climate and environmental sustainability.
Institutional Commitment
Canadian University Dubai actively contributes to cross-sectoral dialogue through conferences, government collaborations, international sustainability forums and partnerships involving humanitarian organisations and business.
During 2025, the University collaborated with Dubai Municipality on occupational health and safety, hosted Climate Summit 2025, established a formal environment, health and safety collaboration with Dubai Municipality, and participated in a refugee education initiative involving UNHCR and Brand Me Summit.
These activities demonstrate CUD's engagement with different sectors in discussing and addressing sustainable development challenges.
Through knowledge sharing, public engagement and collaborative initiatives, CUD continues to support the exchange of expertise and the development of relationships relevant to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Principal 2025 Government Partner: Dubai Municipality
International and Civil Society Partners: The Climate Institute, The Coral Collective, Project Zero and UNHCR
Relevant University Functions: Centre for Sustainability and Innovation, School of Health Sciences and Psychology, University Leadership and participating academic departments