Saudi Women’s University sweeps regional environmental competition

The girls of the Department of Interior Design from Prince Sultan University from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia walked away with the title of the overall winners at the 11^th Inter College Environmental Public Speaking Competition organized by the Emirates Environmental Group at Dubai Knowledge Village on 28-29 November. Held under the august patronage of H.E. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, the event is part of EEG’s strategy to push forth Education for Sustainable Development in the region.

The event was opened by EEG Chairperson, Mrs. Habiba Al Marashi, who explained the importance of providing such environmental platforms to the youth. She said, “We, at EEG, believe that an implicit love for the environment and responsibility towards sustainability must be developed in the youth through the education system. It is in this regard that EEG established the Inter College Public Speaking Competition in 2001 – at a time when Education for Sustainable Development was not very developed in the country.”

This unique program from EEG is the first and only of its kind in the GCC that brings together the public and private sectors as well as boys and girls on a common platform to discuss and debate environmental and sustainability issues. EEG is positive that every year, this event churns out highly motivated and aware young adults who go back to their homes and universities and ensure that they use their skills and knowledge to make a change. As is seen in the recent past, the youth have the power to affect change. Giving them adequate information and creating awareness in them can bring about a much needed Green Revolution.

This year, the green warriors of the GCC debated and discussed the four topics - “Mobile Phones – a Boon or a Curse?”, “Recycling – Does it Really Matter?”, “GCC Countries – 25 Years from Now” and “Development without Destruction – Is it Possible?” Each team participating in the event consisted of 5 members, 4 for the research and preparation and one who presented it. The young adults came up with extraordinary performances, which showcased their oratorical as well as research skills.

The winners of the 11^th Inter College Environmental Public Speaking Competition were:

Mobile Phones – a Boon or a Curse?

Winner: Preston University, Ajman, UAE

1^st Runner Up: RAK Medical & Health Sciences University (College of Pharmaceutical Sciences), UAE

2^nd Runner Up: United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, UAE

Recycling – Does it Really Matter?

Winner: Al Yamamah University (Business College), KSA

1^st Runner Up: American University of Sharjah, UAE

2^nd Runner Up: American University of Kuwait (Humanities & Social Sciences Dept.), UAE, and University of Sharjah (Civil & Environmental Engineering), UAE (TIE)

GCC Countries – 25 Years from Now

Winner: Prince Sultan University (Department of Law), KSA

1^st Runner Up: Al Yamamah University (IT College), KSA

2^nd Runner Up: Qatar University (Qatar Debate Club), Qatar

Development without Destruction – Is it Possible?

Winner: Prince Sultan University (Department of Interior Design), KSA

1^st Runner Up: German University of Technology in Oman (Dept. of Urban Planning & Architectural Design), Oman

2^nd Runner Up: American University of Kuwait (Engineering Dept.), Kuwait 

Overall Winners of the Inter College Environmental Public Speaking Competition were:

Winner: Prince Sultan University (Department of Interior Design), KSA

1^st Runner Up: Prince Sultan University (Department of Law), KSA

2^nd Runner Up: Al Yamamah University (Business College), KSA

Thus, the beautiful EEG rolling trophy was handed over to Prince Sultan University, KSA for the second year in a row! 

As is the case every year, a distinguished panel of experts was invited to evaluate the performances of the participants. This year the bilingual panel consisted of Dr. Mustafa Al Sayed, Secretary General, Royal Charity Organisation, Bahrain; Dr. Mehdi Ahmed Jaaffar, Vice President, The Environment Society of Oman; Mr. Abdul Aziz Al Midfaa, Vice Chair, Emirates Environmental Group and former President of EPAA; and Ms. Abeer Sajwani, Projects Coordinator - Energy Efficiency, Emirates Foundation.  

The Inter College Environmental Public Speaking Competition is an effective networking platform for students and teachers to meet peers and colleagues from the region, discuss issues of concern as well as collaborate to come up with meaningful and strong solutions.

Since 2006, EEG has expanded its reach to the GCC by inviting participants from Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman and Saudi Arabia. This year, there were a total number of 46 institutions from all 6 GCC countries.

The overall partners of the event were Al Safi Club for Friends of the Environment. The event was also supported by Dubai International Academic City and UNDP’s Every Drop Matters project.