Today's Edition
MUDHI ALOBTHANI (ABU DHABI)
The role of research centres and emerging technologies in driving measurable impact towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals came to the fore during the second and final day of the third International Conference on Advancing Sustainable Futures (ICASF 2025) hosted by Abu Dhabi University.
Held under the patronage of Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, and themed “Shaping the Future: Synergies Between Future Technology and Society,” the event highlights the role of innovation in supporting sustainability and enhancing quality of life.
In his opening remarks on Day 2, Dr Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research and Advisory, said that collaboration between research institutions and policymakers transforms scientific knowledge into practical solutions, addressing sustainability challenges and ensuring that research has real-world impact.
Prof Sherine Farouk, Assistant Chancellor for Global Partnerships and Impact, Abu Dhabi University and Conference Chair, highlighted the university’s commitment to aligning its sustainability agenda with the UAE’s national vision.
She noted that this year’s conference received over 1,200 research submissions, with 550 papers selected from scholars across 90 countries, reflecting strong international engagement.
Prof Farouk also announced two major initiatives: a collaboration with the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi to integrate the conference with the Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Environmental Award and the launch of Abu Dhabi University’s first academic journal in partnership with Emerald Publishing, along with several memorandums of understanding scheduled for signing during the event.
Professor Ghassan Aouad, Chancellor of Abu Dhabi University, highlighted the significance of the conference as “a fantastic opportunity to address sustainability topics relevant to the UAE and beyond” and stressed the university’s role in preparing students to become leaders in sustainable development and future technologies.
Dr Hamad Odhabi, Vice-Chancellor of AI and Operational Excellence at Abu Dhabi University, discussed the transformative role of artificial intelligence in sustainability. He noted that AI can optimise operations, reduce electricity and water consumption, and support detailed carbon studies through advanced data analysis. At the same time, he stressed the importance of responsible AI and maintaining a “human in the loop” to ensure that AI enhances rather than replaces human decision-making.
