Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
The 2nd International Conference on Advancing Sustainable Futures (ICASF 2024) kicked off in Abu Dhabi, gathering over 65 keynote speakers, panellists, and experts from over 90 countries to examine the pivotal role of AI and digital technologies in tackling pressing global sustainability issues.
Held under the patronage of Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, the two-day event at the Ritz Carlton Abu Dhabi is organised by Abu Dhabi University (ADU) under the theme "Innovation and Digital Transformation for Sustainable Futures”.
The conference features key discussions on topics such as AI-driven innovation, empowering women in the digital age, as well as driving change in humanitarian and corporate social responsibility efforts.
The event also honours outstanding research with the "Conference Best Research Paper" awards, recognising advancements in sustainable education, green technologies, and AI.
In his opening remarks, Prof. Ghassan Aouad, the Chancellor of Abu Dhabi University, highlighted the urgency of addressing global challenges like climate change, food security, and education, while noting unsustainable practices such as food waste and excessive water consumption.
Prof. Aouad stressed the importance of leveraging technological advancements, noting: "The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are our guiding principles, but there is still a lot of work to be done in order to achieve the target by 2030. We should take advantage of technological development, especially artificial intelligence, in order to move fast."
"The landscape of our education is poised to go through a transformational change, as we are dealing with the next generation of digital natives," he added.
Speaking to Aletihad on the sidelines of the conference, Bérangère Boëll-Yousfi, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in the UAE, spotlighted the importance of an ethical digital transformation that promotes global prosperity and inclusivity.
Boëll-Yousfi stressed the importance of action-oriented discussions, stating: "The conference is discussion for action, focusing on how the UAE and its partners ensure young people are at the heart of digital transformation aligned with the SDGs. The UAE is a leader in ethical digital transformation, and I look forward to the lessons benefiting other countries."
Addressing the global digital divide, she said: “The digital divide is a great concern. We count on leading countries like the UAE to support those left behind, ensuring young people have access to education, networks, and technology to be part of this new digital era.”
Also speaking to Aletihad, Professor Barry O'Mahony, Provost at Abu Dhabi University, highlighted the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration in addressing global sustainability challenges.
Drawing attention to a "climate change emergency" he stressed the need for an environmental science approach, including the use of AI, to drive sustainability efforts.
Highlighting the conference's focus, Prof. O'Mahony said: "The main key points relate to everything to do with sustainability, including financial sustainability, green computing, green accounting, all areas where changes can be made for a positive impact on the climate."
He also mentioned the role of universities in promoting sustainability and the conference's importance in bringing together experts from over 90 countries for long-term discussions and solutions.
"We are in a situation now where climate change particularly and environmental sustainability is at a critical stage. We need to move faster if we are going to reach the KPI of stopping the world from warming past 1.5% by 2030," Prof. O'Mahony added.
At the conference showcase, Eng. Maha Yaghi from Abu Dhabi University, presented the "AgriTech Box: AI-Powered Seed Dispersion for Remote Areas".
"The box, made of 3D-printed ASA material, works with a mission planner app to disperse seeds for endangered Houbara birds."
The AI-powered box is attached to a drone, which flies to designated areas to distribute seeds.
