SDG17: PARTNERSHIP FOR THE GOALS
The UAE’s commitment to sustainable development is not new. The principle of sustainable development underpins the plans of the seven emirates and the UAE’s Vision 2021, which often supersede those of the Global Agenda 2030. In 2017, the UAE government announced a 50-year strategy for development, the UAE Centennial 2071. The plan is a clear commitment to its people that by the country’s 100th anniversary, the UAE’s citizens will be celebrating living in a model nation for sustainable development. As such, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) form part of a continuum of outcomes that the UAE aims to achieve in the coming years. The degree to which the UAE was involved in the formulation of the 2030 Agenda, and the pace with which it has responded to the Agenda by creating the right governance structures, are testament to the importance the country places on following a sustainable trajectory.
The National Committee on SDGs, established in January 2017, is the institutional mechanism responsible for leading the implementation of the 17 goals in the UAE. The Committee, comprising 17 federal entities, prioritized the development of a 2030 roadmap focused on four key phases: raising awareness, building foundations, developing policy, and instituting rigorous reporting and monitoring. Since 2017, the National Committee has focused heavily on raising awareness of the SDGs across society and within ministries. This year, the National Committee on SDGs is assessing the UAE’s data readiness, in order to define clear baselines and set quadrennial targets to inform all stakeholders of the direction the country shall take to implement the 2030 Agenda.
Together, the UAE seeks to respond to the ongoing economic transformation of a world economy that is increasingly placing a premium on sustainable development and on securing a better future for all.
World Para Athletics Championships to become first major global sport event to promote the Sustainable Development Goals24 Oct 2019
The Dubai 2019 World Para Athletics Championships will mark the first time a major international sport event will provide a platform for the promotion of the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDG).
The announcement was made on Thursday in Bonn, Germany, during the International Paralympic Committee Conference.
The IPC and the UN SDG Action Campaign signed a Statement of Intent in a commitment to increase the visibility of the SDGs throughout the Paralympic Movement and the Paralympic Games.
The SDGs emblem will be used to brand all athlete bibs at the World Para Athletics Championships in November.
In addition to that, spaces around the field of play in Dubai will be provided to raise awareness of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
“Our aim is to use the World Para Athletics Championships to showcase our support of the Sustainable Development Goals to a global audience,” IPC President Andrew Parsons said.
Parsons signed the agreement together with UN SDG Action Campaign Director Marina Ponti.
“We are honoured that the Paralympic Movement and Para athletes are adding their voices and showing their support to the Goals. Working together we will make sure we leave no one behind,” Ponti said.
Recently retired three-time Paralympic champion Kurt Fearnley also took part in the Conference and celebrated the announcement in an emotional presentation.
“When we look at the Sustainable Development Goals, disability sits in every single one of them. If you can’t see it, I gotta say, pretty hard to beat it,” the Australian wheelchair racer.
Dubai 2019 will take place from 7 to 15 November with more than 1,400 athletes from 120 nations.
Innovation and partnerships in the humanitarian field
https://fcsa.gov.ae/en-us/Documents/SDG%20Report%20EN%20Final.pdf
The International Humanitarian City (IHC) was founded by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in 2003 as a result of the merge of the AID City and Humanitarian City. Chaired by Her Royal Highness Princess Haya bint Al Hussein, wife of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, IHC is a non-profit and independent humanitarian hub hosting a community of more than 80 members comprising humanitarian organisations and commercial companies. It is established as a designated free zone.
Given that IHC exists to support the global humanitarian operation through its members, the core of its work is bound to the achievement of the SDGs, specifically SDG 17 through IHC’s role as a platform to bring aid agencies and commercial entities together. However, the work of IHC and its community also contribute in supporting SDGs 2 (Zero Hunger), 3 (Good Health and Well-being), 4 (Quality Education), and 6 (Clean water and Sanitation), respectively. Between 2017 and November 2018, IHC attracted more than 20 new members and operated 37 airlifts transporting relief items supplied by various humanitarian organisations.
Driven by partnerships between humanitarian organisations, government agencies, and private sector companies, IHC developed an innovative platform that allows real-time data sharing on prepositioned humanitarian aid stocks to enhance emergency preparedness and response. The platform was launched in Dubai in early 2018 and encompasses data from six international humanitarian organisations: World Food Programme (WFP) and United Nations Humanitarian Response Depot (UNHRD), World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), United Nations International Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
The collection of data for this platform was made possible through the commitment of the head of agencies to share information, and the partnership IHC forged with the Customs Authorities. The Databank relies on official Customs records as its data source, as any aid locally procured, entering, or exiting a humanitarian hub needs to be processed through a customs transaction. Such transactions are then reflected into dashboards, which are made available to humanitarian actors.
The importance of the Humanitarian Logistics Databank relies also on the network it creates between different humanitarian hubs across the globe, allowing it to not just track the stocks but also the flow of aid. The Databank first covered the stocks of International Humanitarian City in Dubai, UAE. The system is being replicated in, and connected to hubs in other countries, starting with Panama. By the first quarter of 2019, the Humanitarian Logistics Databank is set to reflect data on aid prepositioned in 10 different countries.
Partnerships are at the heart of IHC’s modus operandi, and the main instrument we deploy to help achieve SDGs for a brighter tomorrow.
Through the Office of Research Services, Canadian University Dubai continually seeks to foster research collaborations with both academic and business partners to generate knowledge that will be of benefit to wider society. This provides a unique opportunity for researchers within the University to contribute to first class research programs in collaboration with their peers in Canada, the US, Europe, Asia and other international settings
Research initiatives are implemented in close collaboration with partner universities from Canada, including:
University of British Columbia;
Lake Head University;
University of Windsor;
University of Regina;
The University of Western Ontario.
Additional research partnerships have been initiated with:
Georgia Tech, Atlanta, USA;
Columbia University, New York, USA;
Multimedia University of Malaysia;
EMLyon Business School in France;
The Qatar Foundation in Qatar.
These partnerships make the university a portal to Canadian and other international education systems and give Canadian University Dubai a global stature.
Canadian University Dubai (CUD) and Bank of China (Dubai) Branch (BOC) have joined forces to support a series of education, research and professional development initiatives for students and employees in Dubai’s banking sector. The collaboration was sealed with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at a ceremony presided over by Her Excellency Lingbing Li, Consul General of China, and Chancellor of CUD, Mr. Buti Saeed Al Ghandi.
The agreement will provide undergraduate students with exposure to the banking industry through job search support and internship opportunities, while sharing business research and intelligence through BOC guest lectures on campus at CUD. The partnership will also facilitate higher learning amongst BOC employees and promote Chinese cultural events across the university community.
China is one of the UAE’s largest trade partners and CUD has welcomed a growing Chinese student population in recent years. During her address at the MoU ceremony, Her Excellency Mrs Li said, “The implementation of this agreement not only combines the strengths of both entities, but also tightens the relationship of both countries.”
She continued, “Dubai was not a conventional, preferred destination for overseas student in the past. However, with the maturity of the academic environment, the booming demand for talent, and job opportunities generated by EXPO 2020, it attracts an increasing number of overseas students, specially the group from China. I trust that the 100 Chinese students currently studying in CUD are just the beginning of a new stage for both countries and their people to tighten friendship and civilian intercourse.”
In his remarks, Mr. Al Ghandi referred to the strengthening ties between China and the UAE, demonstrated through the recent visit to the country by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
Of the agreement, Mr. Al Ghandi said, “On behalf of CUD, I would like to express how proud we are to be part of the portfolio of such a prestigious organization as Bank of China and we look forward to a long and successful collaboration.”
Established over a century ago, BOC is China’s most internationalized and diversified bank, having extended its operation across more than 40 countries and regions around the world. Representing the Bank to sign the MoU was Mr. Chunyan Cai, General Manager of Bank of China (Dubai Branch) and Regional Head (MENA).
Mr. Cai said, “Bank of China is delighted to be able to assist graduates by sharing information and making use of our extensive research capabilities. We are also excited about offering internships within our organisation where all-important experience and crucial knowledge of the Banking world is gained.
“This partnership allows Bank of China to understand more easily the youth of other cultures, and how cultural diversification in the region actually forms the bedrock of its success. I would like to thank CUD for giving the Bank of China Dubai access to the future treasure of our region – young, intelligent people from all cultures.”
Signing the MoU on behalf of CUD was President, Dr. Karim Chelli, who said that the University recognizes the value and significance of collaboration with China and its institutions, and this agreement will open the door to a range of unique opportunities.
The ceremony concluded with a special performance of Chinese calligraphy by Mr. Yuan Yongjia.
Higher education thrives in the UAE by the combined support of government, corporate partners and the community at large.
Engagement with these entities for the betterment of the community is fundamental to both the vision of this country's leaders and the goals of the university. Canadian University Dubai endeavors to establish these relationships and to participate in the ongoing success of the community we serve.
Canadian University Dubai has established itself through corporate partnerships with leaders of government and industry both nationally and internationally.
In appreciation of our partners, here are a few of the organizations who endeavor to support the community through educational collaboration.
Dubai World Trade Centre
Established in 1979 as the anchor high rise on what is recognized today as Dubai’s dazzling skyscraper corridor, the Dubai World Trade Centre has and continues to play a crucial role in promoting trade with the wider region and opening doors for business opportunities with the world.
Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank
Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank strives to deliver banking as it should be: simple, transparent, for mutual benefit and guided and inspired by Shari’a.
Brookefield Multiplex
Brookfield Multiplex is a leading global contractor – they build, engineer, maintain and operate property and infrastructure assets. Steadfast, driven and bold, Brookfield Multiplex is an accomplished international contracting and development business, at their best creating large-scale and complex landmark buildings, commercial structures and infrastructure projects. Forward-thinking and focused they build sustainable futures, enriching communities.
Rashid Paediatric Therapy Centre
The Rashid Centre aims to provide high quality, integrated education services and therapies for children with special needs. The Centre’s purpose is to develop children’s abilities to function and learn within their environments, that is, home, school, and community, and to develop maximum independence and participation in these environments.
Emirates Cancer Foundation
The Emirates Cancer Foundation (ECF) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization created by a group of dedicated volunteers and professionals with the aim of raising awareness about cancer to the people of the UAE, Middle East and all other Arabic-speaking regions, and to educate and support them
Emirates Environmental Group
Emirates Environmental Group is a professional working group devoted to protecting the environment through means of education, action programs and community involvement.
AWQAF
Awqaf and Minors Affairs Foundation (AMAF) is a Dubai government department responsible for the legal supervision over the Awqaf, its care and investment, as well as the well-being of minors. It manages and invests such money through an Islamic perspective in full Sharia compliance as well as cares and empowers such minors.
Dubai Electricity & Water Authority
DEWA is meeting customer satisfaction and promoting Dubai’s vision through delivery of electricity and water services at a world-class level of reliability, efficiency, safety and environment by a competent workforce and effective partnerships; supporting resources sustainability.
Roads & Transport Authority
The RTA develops integrated and sustainable transportation systems and provide distinguished services to all stakeholders to support Dubai’s comprehensive growth plans through preparing policies and legislations, adapting technologies and innovative approaches, and implementing world-class practices and standards.
Dubai Health Authority
A world-class integrated health system, Dubai Health Authority ensures excellence in health and healthcare for the Emirate of Dubai and promotes Dubai as a globally recognized destination for medical care.
Department of Economic Development
The Department of Economic Development seeks to create an environment for sustainable economic development to enhance the economic welfare and prosperity of Dubai and the UAE.
Dubai Police
Dubai Police insure security and safety for the community and maintain public order with world-class efficiency, professionalism, and levels of excellence.
Dubai Municipality
Dubai Municipality works to plan, design, build and manage the municipal infrastructure, facilities and services through the appropriate investment in human and other resources maintaining sustainable development.
Dubai Real Estate Corporation
Dubai Real Estate Corporation aims to make Dubai the world’s leading destination for all major exhibitions, conferences and events.
Knowledge Expansion
Knowledge Expansion is a relationship consultancy organization that works with various industry leaders to transfer and share knowledge. Their mission is to share information on ethical approaches that are scientifically validated, to help companies and people gain and increase their credibility.
Since our establishment in 2006, Canadian University Dubai (CUD) has sought to make a significant impact in the realm of higher education. We have grown considerably from our beginnings, receiving global recognition for our commitment to providing students with a quality Canadian education in the heart of Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). This has enabled us to foster valuable global partnerships, contribute to the Nation’s growing knowledge economy, and leave a lasting impression on the UAE’s education landscape.
Over the years our success has attracted industry recognition from many leading international professional bodies including the Chartered Financial Analyst Institute (CFA); a global association of investment professionals responsible for generating value for core investment management professionals and engaging with the core investment management industry to advance ethics, market integrity, and professional standards of practice.
CUD is proud to be a member of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute University Affiliation Program, indicating that our Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and Finance is closely tied to the practice of investment management. This affiliation is beneficial to students who wish to write the CFA® Program exams.
Committed to empowering students and inspiring them to pursue their academic goals and career aspirations, CUD is pleased to share that the CFA Institute is offering limited student scholarships to those enrolled in our Faculty of Management. We would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to our students who have been awarded a CFA student scholarship to date:
• Piyush Sadhwani
• Clarisse Banza
• Navruzakhon Yuldasheva
• Fatima Amiri
• Marwa Al Rammal
• Khadija Abbasi
• Mohammad Al Blooshi
The Faculty of Management embraces the largest number of students at CUD. Bringing Canadian education and learning practices to the classroom, each of our programs are aimed at preparing students for the challenges they will face in this ever-changing globalized business market.
Our BBA in Accounting and Finance enables students to develop core competencies in planning, critical analysis, and financial evaluation, to prepare them for the dynamic and challenging corporate world. The degree also provides a platform for students to move forward in an accounting or finance career, positioning them well for success in professional designation training initiatives.
Please contact the Program Coordinator of Accounting & Finance, Dr. Ikhlaas Gurrib, at ikhlaas@cud.ac.ae for more information on the CFA student scholarships.
Dubai Financial Market (DFM) in partnership with the Canadian University Dubai have launched an Educational Trading Floor, within the University’s premises as part of an innovative educational initiative from DFM.
The inauguration of the Educational Trading Floor was attended by Mr. Hassan Al Serkal, Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Head of Operations Division, DFM, Dr. Karim Chelli, President of Canadian University Dubai, and Mr Tariq Ebrahim Lari, Vice President & Head of Customer Services, First Abu Dhabi Bank Securities.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Hassan Al Serkal said: “The opening of the Educational Trading Floor at the Canadian University in Dubai is a great addition to DFM’s long list of accomplishments as it bolsters its efforts in promoting financial knowledge to the newer generations. It also assists students in integrating their academic knowledge with the practical side of the capital markets.”
“The DFM works to achieve this goal through partnerships with leading educational institutions in the country, chief amongst them the Canadian University Dubai. Designed to create synergy between academic knowledge and practical experience, the DFM – CUD trading floor will ultimately nurture a generation knowledgeable in the financial markets and investment sector enabling students to learn, test and develop their skills in a real-time trading environment,” Mr. Al Serkal added.
The newly launched Educational Trading Floor located at Hall D, Canadian University Dubai, which has recently undergone a massive refurbishment, is a micro version of DFM’s main trading floor and includes screens and tickers directly linked to DFM's trading engine to display trading activity and real time market data.
Through the initiative, students will also get the opportunity to interact with the stock market with the launch of the Canadian University Dubai’s Student Investment Club & subsequently a student managed investment cash fund using real money to identify, analyse and invest in stocks as they build and manage a portfolio. The Student Investment Club will be managed and overseen by a Supervisory Investment Board. The club will be open to all undergraduate students in the first phase and will then accommodate graduate students, with academic staff from the University’s renowned accountancy and finance programs providing support and guidance
Mr. Buti Al Ghandi, Chancellor of Canadian University Dubai added “The partnership between DFM and Canadian University Dubai is at its core an opportunity for our University to strengthen our ties to the community. There really is no other University in the region offering this standard of learning experience. The Student Investment Club and student managed investment fund have been given a clear directive to deploy the profits in a manner that grows the fund and helps the local community with 50% of the profits given to the students as earnings. This partnership builds on the efforts undertaken at Canadian University Dubai to transform the educational experience, strengthen our ties within our core communities while concurrently innovating our programs and investing in our students as they grow to become active citizens in the world. Most importantly this is a universal example of how to implement all aspects of the country’s vision for higher-education in the UAE as outlined by our leaders.”
Dr. Karim Chelli, President of the University, said: “This is an entirely new enterprise for our University and one we are confident will provide vast benefits to our students. The initiative is designed to give students practical experience and real-world exposure to stock investing and provide insight into the roles of professional traders, investors, equity analysts, fund managers and asset managers. It will definitely enrich their experience while developing their understanding of the dynamics of various industries, the methods for valuing stocks with the added benefit of cultivating their presentation skills as they pitch for funds to invest.”
He continued “Members of the Student Investment club will learn to monitor daily trades, measure investment return and use professional financial databases. This is also an opportunity for the University to strengthen our financial programs setting us apart from other offerings. New economies need new thinking and this will allow students the opportunity to experience the excitement of real-world stock investing. The aims of this partnership with DFM and the launch of the Student Investment Club with real cash are to ensure our students have access to the latest in financial knowledge by learning from seasoned professionals about key aspects of today’s financial markets whilst improving their lateral-thinking and developing an appreciation for the risks involved. We are extremely excited as we will be welcoming First Abu Dhabi Bank and Emirates NBD to our fold as partners in this venture.”
Mr. Al Serkal commended the DFM’s educational initiatives saying “The new Educational Trading Floor is the sixth one to be launched across a number of leading universities in the UAE cementing DFM’s position at the forefront amongst its peers regionally having launched our first Educational Trading Floor at the Higher Colleges of Technology in 2012. I am pleased to note that the DFM’s efforts are strikingly successful in achieving learning outcomes through the interactive experience it facilitates for the students and in linking the theoretical aspects and the practical aspects and methods of trading in financial markets. "
Al Serkal concluded the opening of the Educational Trading Floor with a word of appreciation for the University’s leadership & staff, praising their efforts to build and foster significant educational initiatives such as this whilst noting that collaborations with educational institutions were the cornerstone of the DFM’s success to date in its mission to promote financial knowledge to the next generation of financial experts.
Successful traders & reputable financial firms are scheduled to visit throughout the year on a weekly basis, delivering courses and guidance to the students to enable the Student Investment Club to be as successful as possible. Globally recognized industry certifications in Global Markets & Investments and Investment Operations using Mock and Live Trading modules will be available to the students and to anyone interested in the near future. The certifications are in line with the mandate provided by the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment and the DGCX and are recognized by the Emirates Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) and the KHDA.