Sandooq Al Watan Highlights Social Sustainability Innovations At UN General Assembly

Sandooq Al Watan recently hosted a virtual discussion titled "Towards Social Sustainability: Innovations and Challenges" during the Science Summit at the UN General Assembly in New York. The event, held at Sandooq Al Watan's Abu Dhabi headquarters, featured several UAE scholars, including Dr. Matloob Hussain from the University of Sharjah and Dr. Ann Bartlett from the United Arab Emirates University.

The session was divided into two main themes: "Innovative Solutions for Social Sustainability in a Diverse Society" and "Solving Real-World Sustainability Problems." Participants engaged in interactive problem-solving activities, presenting numerous ideas and discussing innovative solutions related to social sustainability challenges.

Yasser Al-Gergawi, Director-General of Sandooq Al Watan, highlighted that their participation aims to enhance cooperation among UAE scientists to address research challenges and support achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He emphasised that university research can serve as an effective tool to advance these goals through ideas, innovations, and creativity.

Al-Gergawi stressed the importance of continuous participation in science summits due to their positive impact on showcasing the UAE's scientific capabilities. He affirmed that Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Chairman of Sandooq Al Watan, is keen to provide all possible support to UAE innovators and researchers by connecting them with global expertise.

Dr. Khaled Jalal Ahmed noted that the panel discussion addressed challenges, opportunities, and solutions for achieving social sustainability across different urban and community development levels. He highlighted that learning from these experiences enables mutual benefit of solutions applicable in various urban environments, contributing effectively to sustainable social development.

Exploring Social Structure

The session also focused on exploring the relationship between social structure and sustainable development in the UAE. Experts discussed key challenges and innovations in enhancing social sustainability aligned with the UN's noble goals for sustainable development. The UAE's diverse population provides an ideal model for discussing strategies to develop a sustainable society promoting justice, diversity, and social cohesion.

Dr. Matloob Hussain emphasised that integrating sustainability into core functions requires rethinking business practices more sustainably. He pointed out the importance of initiatives focusing on economic and environmental aspects without excluding the social dimension. There is growing interest in defining a widely accepted framework for social sustainability indicators embedded in today’s world.

Encouraging Positive Interaction

The session encouraged positive interaction between local and international researchers both physically and virtually. This enriched discussions with ideas supporting social sustainability through various innovations tackling current and future challenges. The vibrant exchange inspired collective action towards building more just and sustainable communities aligned with the UN's SDGs.

Al-Gergawi expressed pride in organising this scientific session with prominent scholars' participation in coordination with the UN. He highlighted its success, attracting dozens of attendees both in person and virtually. The session aimed to enhance idea exchange and inspire collective action towards building more just communities.

Dr. Khaled Jalal Ahmed confirmed that Sandooq Al Watan's support has been a strong driving force for achieving outcomes transforming challenges into opportunities for humanity. He emphasised that the UAE has significant capabilities in this field, committed to leading through its researchers with continuous leadership encouragement.

The event addressed various topics related to social sustainability such as corporate social responsibility, education for sustainability, social well-being, and sustainable architecture while presenting several innovative solutions for these challenges.

With inputs from WAM