The First session of youth projects at 3rd DIPMF, held at Madinat Jumeirah yesterday, addressed three themes, the first of which was delivered by Sir Walter Jiniffery, Educational Foundation at PMIEF, member of Communal Communication Committee. He reviewed Italy’s experience in studying schools requirements in 21st century how to support it, and how to establish positive ties between the project management Institute and all other parties, in a bid to support education. He pointed out that the Institute had offered $100 million to support education institutions worldwide, in addition to numerous scholarships.
Jiniffery underscored the importance of addressing the requirements of education in terms of academic cadres, critical, creative and communicative thinking, and solving all the curricula-related problems be it in science, geography, music or others. He also stressed the importance of training trainers in this vital field, and grooming open-minded instructors. He noted that project management tools were translated into 14 global languages, including Arabic, thereby opening wider utilization prospects.
Mr. Omran Sharaf, from Mohammed bin Rashid Space Center, Director of the UAE Mars Probe Mission ‘Misbar Al Amal,’ outlined the young Emirati-inspiring expedition to Mars, which is more than 600 million kilometers away from our planet. He noted that the project was not aiming to land on Mars but to build a knowledge-based Emirati economy. This echoes the directive of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai that science is innovation not iteration.
The UAE’s project to explore Mars includes more than 60% Emiratis aged below 30, which opened various choices for the Emirati varsity students who now opt for scientific, technological and space disciplines. Sharaf pointed to the partnerships with Mohammed bin Rashid Space Center to establish laboratories, thanks to our sufficient know-how to engage strongly in this project.
Delivering the third part of the session and reviewing the role played by youth in minimizing carbon footprint, Dr. Yousef Al Akraf, Executive Vice CEO – Business Support and Human Resources Sector at the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, said: "The Carbon Ambassadors Program is a key step to materialize the national long-term initiative launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, under the slogan "Green Economy for Sustainable Development, which aims at nurturing an economy that preserves the environment, and supporting varied knowledge & innovation-based economy.
Al Akraf further added: "The Carbon Ambassadors Program comprises 80 students, striving to implement the concept of sustainability, how to spread it at schools and homes level, and disseminating the culture of environment conservation in order to achieve the UAE Vision 2021. This would promote Dubai 2021 Plan, and Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030, which aims to reduce energy consumption by 30% by 2030, given the climate change that resulted in rising the earth’s temperature by 2°C."