DUBAI: The Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) is very excited to announce the convening of the 24th cycle of its renowned Pan-Arab Inter College Environmental Public Speaking Competition, set to take place from November 25th to 28th, 2024. The 4-day competition is being hosted by the Higher Colleges of Technology in Dubai for the second year in a row. This year’s competition is being sponsored and supported by prominent entities such as UPS, McDonald’s UAE and Abela & CO. It will be conducted in a hybrid format, inviting under-graduate students from across the Arab region to unite in discussing key sustainability challenges. This prestigious platform enables university students to share their perspectives and propose practical and effective solutions on critical environmental issues.
In a significant step forward, the competition expanded its reach internationally in 2023 in alignment with COP28, welcoming participants from beyond the Arab world. The positive response has led to the continued inclusion of international participants, with this year marking the first registration from China. This prestigious platform enables university undergraduate students to share their perspectives and propose practical and effective solutions to critical environmental issues, strengthening cross-cultural collaboration in the pursuit of sustainability.
Ms. Habiba Al Mar’ashi, Co-Founder and Chairperson of EEG, emphasized the importance of this educational platform, noting, “This Environmental Public Speaking Competition empowers students by offering a dynamic platform to voice their dedication to environmental conservation, inspiring participants to analyse, innovate and propose impactful and practical solutions for a more sustainable future in the UAE and beyond.
Bringing together students from various universities across the region and beyond has helped foster critical thinking, collaboration & team work as well as problem-solving skills. Thus, encouraging participants to explore real-world environmental challenges and putting across innovative and scalable solutions. Through rigorous research, data sharing, presentations and discussions, students are able to gain valuable experience, shaping them into informed and proactive environmental young leaders equipped to make a lasting difference in their communities and beyond.”
For 2024, EEG has outlined 4 applicable themes to drive dialogue and ideas on global environmental challenges and opportunities:
- Greennovation: Envisioning Cities of Tomorrow
- Pending Eco-Excursions: Conservation & Sustainable Tourism
- Harmonised Communities: Leading Climate Conscious Society?
- Benevolence of Oceans: Comprehending Planetary Security
“Greennovation invites us to reshape our cities, guiding us towards a harmonious tomorrow where conservation isn’t merely a choice, but a shared responsibility. With each eco-excursion and every act of conservation, we awaken a deeper appreciation for sustainable tourism, which treads lightly and gives back generously.” Ms. Al Mar’ashi commented. “As communities unify, leading with climate consciousness, we build a resilient world—one that remembers the oceans not just as borders and entertainment places, but as life-sustaining forces essential to our planetary security. Let us embrace these pillars to truly envision cities, communities, and ecosystems bound by compassion and courage.”
The competition aims to foster youth capabilities in environmental sustainability. By instilling awareness and commitment, EEG is dedicated to nurturing a new generation of leaders ready to contribute to a healthier and sustainable environment everywhere.
All college and university students and administrators are invited to visit the EEG website (www.eeg-uae.org) for participation details and to be a part of this vital platform for environmental advocacy.
