Abu dhabi: Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Vice-Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Abu Dhabi University, inaugurated the 3rd International Conference on Advancing Sustainable Futures (ICASF 2025) at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental. The conference is organized by Abu Dhabi University in collaboration with the International Observatory for University Rankings and Academic Excellence.
According to Emirates News Agency, the event is themed "Shaping the Future: Integrating Nature, Technology, and Society" and gathers over 75 experts to discuss topics such as artificial intelligence and renewable energy. These discussions focus on how advanced technologies can support sustainable development, inclusion, and societal resilience.
In his remarks, Sheikh Nahyan welcomed the diverse group of participants to Abu Dhabi, emphasizing their shared commitment to improving human life and promoting sustainability. He noted that the conference theme aligns with the UAE's vision of sustainability, inspired by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and supported by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Sheikh Nahyan highlighted the UAE's role as a global leader in conservation, education, research, and technological innovation, stressing the need for creativity and global cooperation in addressing broad topics like university quality, environmental sustainability, science and technology, and the social and ethical dimensions of innovation.
The conference underscores the principle that sustainability must balance economic, social, and environmental needs, a message Sheikh Nahyan conveyed while expressing gratitude to Abu Dhabi University and the participants. The opening ceremony was attended by key figures such as Amr Ezzat Salama, Secretary-General of the Association of Arab Universities; Sharif Al Olama, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure for Energy and Petroleum Affairs; and other academic leaders from the UAE and abroad.
Ali Saeed bin Harmal Al Dhaheri, who also attended, highlighted the significance of hosting ICASF 2025. He pointed out that the conference reflects the UAE's commitment to sustainability and its efforts to develop national initiatives that position the country as a leader in environmental legislation and resource protection. He also praised Abu Dhabi University's leadership and its partnerships with institutions working on sustainability projects.