The Arabian Gulf University (AGU), in partnership with the UNESCO Regional Centre for Quality and Excellence in Education, has launched a joint research chair aimed at supporting scientific research and developing innovative solutions to address environmental, climate, and economic challenges in the region. The initiative also seeks to build scientific capacities and empower the next generation of sustainability leaders. The launch took place in the presence of His Excellency Dr Mohammed bin Mubarak Juma, Minister of Education and Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Higher Education Council.

The establishment of this chair comes at a time when climate challenges are accelerating and intersecting with economic and societal demands. It will serve as a platform that brings together scientific vision and social responsibility, with a strong focus on advancing the transition towards a sustainable green economy.

His Excellency Dr Saad bin Saud Al Fuhaid, President of the Arabian Gulf University, affirmed that “this scientific chair represents an advanced model that integrates research vision with social responsibility. It reinforces the University’s efforts to promote a culture of sustainability and connect scientific research with the future of the planet. It places academic knowledge at the service of the transition towards a sustainable green economy, particularly at a time when global developments have made sustainability not merely an economic policy choice, but a matter of planetary survival.”

He added that the chair “will fill an important knowledge gap in studying the impacts of climate change on regional economies, guide companies in managing climate risks and harnessing the opportunities of the circular economy, and elevate public awareness of sustainability and institutional responsibility.”

For his part, Dr Abdulrahman Al Mudarris, Director-General of the UNESCO Regional Centre for Quality and Excellence in Education, stated that the research chair “constitutes a platform for knowledge and experience exchange with UNESCO Chairs and research centres worldwide. It will stimulate the adoption of green technologies and innovative solutions to reduce the carbon footprint, build capacities, and provide evidence-based advisory services for policy-makers—reflecting the University’s mission to foster a culture of sustainability and link scientific knowledge to the future of the planet.”

The chair aims to address knowledge gaps related to the impact of climate change on regional economies, guide companies in climate risk management, and promote a culture of sustainability among communities and institutions. It also seeks to advance the adoption of green technologies and innovative solutions to reduce carbon emissions, in addition to providing evidence-based policy recommendations and expert advisory support to decision-makers.