The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region faces significant environmental challenges, including water scarcity, desertification, rising temperatures, and air pollution. Rapid urbanisation and a growing population are exerting pressure on natural resources, infrastructure, and social services. Also, the MENA region is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including extreme heatwaves and fluctuating rainfall patterns.
Addressing these through sustainable development is a matter of great importance. Many MENA countries have adopted national strategies related to sustainable development, such as Qatar National Vision 20230 and the UAE’s Green Growth Strategy. Higher education is pivotal in aligning these goals with actionable outcomes. Universities in the MENA region are uniquely positioned to contribute to achieving the SDGs, particularly through SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). They can also equip future leaders with the knowledge and tools to address these challenges.
By participating in regional and global discussions on sustainable development, MENA universities can learn from other regions and adopt international best practices in education for sustainability. It is against this background that the “Symposium on Sustainable Development in Higher Education in the MENA Region” is being organized.
The event is based on the perceived need to understand better how sustainability is being implemented and practiced at universities in the MENA region, creating a platform for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners to share best practices and innovations related to sustainability in higher education. This may also lead to more research partnerships. The Symposium will be held in Doha, Qatar, on 12th- 13th February 2025.
