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About

About Our Commitment


The effects of global warming are being felt in every realm of our planet. Climate change and its consequences have become a reality more quickly than many scenarios predicted. Storms, droughts, and rising sea levels are bleak signs of what we are facing. Large regions of the world will gradually become uninhabitable for an excess or lack of water.

Young people at universities like ours are calling for change and preparing themselves to lead on it and to make it. At NYU Abu Dhabi, we prepare our students to make a difference here in the UAE and around the globe, and that’s exactly what our graduates—now 2,000-strong and counting—are already doing. Our faculty and our staff have the knowledge and tools, and are committing daily to a livable planet.

The UAE’s position as host of COP 28 in 2023 is strongly affirmed and supported by the inspiring pledge of the country’s leadership to attain net zero by 2050 which will make the UAE the first Middle East and North Africa (MENA) nation to achieve that goal. Many government initiatives and policies of the past few years will continue to support this goal by boosting the development of alternative energy sources, climate-smart technology, and innovation in water and food security.

Central to these commitments is an obligation to make globally significant contributions that help drive the growth and sustainable development of Abu Dhabi, the UAE, and the broader region.

NYU Abu Dhabi is redoubling its own efforts to propel research, teaching, and action on climate change, both in the country and the many sites abroad where we work as we look forward to contributing to the UAE’s hosting of COP28.

Our Leading Research


NYUAD has the ambition to be among the world’s great research universities, nurturing the next generation of thinkers and changemakers. To this end, we have established more than 100 faculty labs and projects and 20 larger-scale research centers. We make significant discoveries and contribute important knowledge to our rapidly changing natural environment, harnessing the power of multidisciplinary research to solve some of humanity’s greatest challenges. From studying rising sea levels to discovering new species, from protecting coral reefs and mangroves to designing sustainable building materials, our researchers are investigating the future of our planet and all living things.

Our Student Leaders


NYUAD is attracting highly talented students from around the world who have the opportunity to complete studies in a wide range of programs focusing on sustainability and the environment. A number of our valued alumni go on to pursue impressive careers within this vital field. We are proud to provide financial support to students when required through full or partial scholarships, thus fostering an environment of equal opportunities and enabling exceptional students to reach their full potential.

Our Community Engagement


At NYUAD we have the goal of expanding the scope and impact of our sustainability commitment through community engagement and public policy and leadership initiatives, thus increasing awareness of climate change priorities within our NYUAD community and beyond. In addition to using our own practices and policies to increase environmental sustainability awareness, we share experience and knowledge with the public, other institutions, and governments for the benefit of sustainability beyond campus.

Leadership Highlights

  • NYUAD faculty co-chair and serve as cluster leads with the UAE Climate Change Research Network with Ministry of Climate Change and Environment.
  • NYUAD staff expertise has been seconded to Climate Envoy UAE Negotiations team for COP28.
  • Member of the UAE Alliance for Climate Action with Emirates Nature – World Wildlife Fund.
  • Three NYUAD students and alumni among cohort of 10 selected for the UAE Youth Climate Delegates.
  • NYUAD students are co-hosts for YOUNGO Global Conference of Youth.
  • Inaugural Chair of the Universities Climate Network, convening & building growing network of 20+ higher education institutions based in the UAE.
  • Founding member of the Abu Dhabi Environmental Research Network with Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi.
  • NYUAD students won the global bid to host the world’s largest Student Energy Summit.
  • One NYUAD and one NYU student selected as part of the cohort of 7 for the UN Secretary-General’s Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change.
  • One NYUAD alum selected as part of COP28 International Youth Climate Delegate Program.