Abu dhabi: The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) has held the inaugural meeting of the Sustainable Energy and Water Working Group, one of eight groups of the Advisory Committee for Higher Education and Future Skills. The meeting brought together representatives from higher education institutions (HEIs) and relevant economic sectors to ensure alignment of academic outcomes with labour market needs.
According to Emirates News Agency, the meeting was attended by representatives from the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council alongside 12 HEIs, including United Arab Emirates University, Zayed University, and Khalifa University, among others. Economic entities such as ADNOC Group, TAQA, and Emirates Global Aluminium also participated. MoHESR outlined the context behind the establishment of the working group and emphasised the importance of ongoing coordination among participating entities to achieve the group's objectives.
Dr. Faisal Al Ayyan, President and CEO of the Higher Colleges of Technology, stated that the Sustainable Energy and Water Working Group is crucial for aligning academic programmes with workforce needs in the energy and water sectors. The initiative focuses on applied learning and partnerships with employers to prepare future-ready graduates.
Ibrahim Al Zu'bi, Group Chief Sustainability and ESG Officer at ADNOC Group and Chairman of the Working Group, emphasised the importance of aligning education with the transformation of the energy and water sectors. He highlighted ADNOC's commitment to education and capacity building, focusing on sustainability, resource and risk management, and the application of AI and advanced technologies.
Participants discussed skill requirements in energy- and water-related sectors and the importance of data-driven insights to align educational outcomes with sector needs. They reviewed opportunities to align academic curricula with required competencies, supporting educational pathways linked to real-world needs.
The working group's efforts are part of national initiatives to develop the UAE's higher education system in line with the evolving labour market, aligning it with economic and professional needs. These efforts aim to prepare qualified talent capable of contributing to development and enhancing the country's competitiveness.