The Arabian Gulf University (AGU) participated in the regional workshop organised by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) West Asia Office at the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS).
The workshop titled “Strategic Foresight” aimed to review and discuss forward-looking global outputs and data from a regional perspective. Regional experts in various environmental issues, such as climate change, biodiversity, and pollution, were involved to analyse relevant issues, opportunities, and risks. They also aimed to determine appropriate strategic actions based on the reality of the UNEP regions.
Representing AGU at the event were Professor Waleed Zubari, Professor of Water Resources, and Professor Odeh Al Jayyousi, Acting Head of the Innovation and Technology Management Department at the College of Graduate Studies (CGS) and Professor of Innovation Policies.
The workshop was held by the E-Learning Centre of the Central Library at the University of Kuwait in Sabah Al Salem University City. Around 40 environmental experts and strategic thinkers from West Asian countries, including representatives from Kuwait University, the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, KFAS, the Environment Public Authority, and the Municipal Council, also participated.
During the workshop, the participants were divided into teams and focused on discussing three main elements of the UNEP foresight path: scanning the horizon, putting data in context, and developing strategies. The aim was to include this information in a global report to be published in 2024.
On this occasion, Prof. Zubari noted that the workshop aimed to enhance the global foresight prepared by the UNEP by incorporating the social and cultural context of West Asia, while Prof. Al Jayyousi explained that this workshop reflects the regional specificity of West Asia in strategic planning for the future environmental situation, highlighting the region’s future concerns.
The UNEP is considered a leading global voice in the field of the environment, providing leadership and encouraging partnerships in environmental stewardship to improve quality of life for current and future generations.
