Khalifa University of Science and Technology has been recognized by the Global Alliance of Universities on Climate (GAUC) for its significant contributions to research and innovation in clean energy and sustainability. The recognition highlights the University’s efforts in advancing sustainable development across research, student engagement, community outreach, and institutional infrastructure.
A high-level GAUC delegation, led by Dr. Jian Zhang, Deputy Secretary-General, visited Khalifa University’s main campus and was received by University President His Excellency Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri, who also chairs the Khalifa University Sustainability Task Force. Formed in 2019 at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, GAUC brings together elite universities committed to climate action, including institutions such as the University of California, Berkeley, MIT, University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, London School of Economics, Australian National University, University of Tokyo, and Tsinghua University.
During the visit, Dr. Zhang expressed admiration for Khalifa University’s vision and leadership in sustainability, noting the University’s significant achievements in developing sustainable technologies, engaging students in climate initiatives, fostering partnerships, and promoting climate action. He particularly appreciated the innovative off-grid, solar-powered water-from-air system, capable of producing fresh water from air moisture continuously. Designed and built by Khalifa University engineers, the system reflects the University’s focus on solutions that do not compromise resources for future generations. Dr. Zhang suggested that this technology could be presented to global universities to address the increasing water crisis caused by population growth, climate change, pollution, and infrastructure challenges.
The GAUC delegation also visited the Research and Innovation Center on CO2 and Hydrogen (RICH) and the ASPIRE Research Institute of Sustainability, where they learned about ongoing research in clean energy, CO2 reduction, and hydrogen technologies. Faculty members from the Earth Science Department introduced research on the cryosphere, highlighting how climate change-induced ice melting threatens sea levels and communities in the GCC region.
Professor Samuel Mao, Co-Chair of the UAE Universities Climate Network, emphasized Khalifa University’s comprehensive climate strategies, including renewable energy adoption, water conservation, energy efficiency, and waste reduction, integrated across campus operations, curricula, and research activities. Khalifa University also encourages active student participation in sustainability initiatives, offering practical project experience, technical skills, and opportunities to engage internationally on climate action.
The recognition by GAUC underscores Khalifa University’s role as a leader in sustainability and climate research, aligning with the UAE’s Net Zero objectives and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The University continues to serve as a model for integrating sustainability into higher education and fostering collaborative efforts to address pressing global environmental challenges.
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