Roughly 50 NYU Abu Dhabi students started the first week of their J-Term semester with a conversation with the UAE Minister of Energy H.E. Eng. Suhail M. Al Mazrouei. A first for the University, His Excellency addressed students at the NYUAD Downtown Campus and spoke at length about the UAE’s commitment to investing in nuclear, natural gas, and renewable energy in order to develop sustainable energy sources and to minimize the country’s carbon footprint.

While the UAE maintains its role as a major oil producer, the Minister also recognized the importance of creating a culture of responsible energy use amongst both commercial organizations and individuals. "It takes a culture change to create these changes in your classrooms and in your houses," he said.

Students and faculty from various disciplines attended the talk and had opportunities to have their questions answered by the Minister. The lecture and discussion was part of the J-Term class Energy, Development and International Politics.

"It was a great opportunity and an honor for me to listen to and meet with His Excellency. As part of the class' focus on oil and energy international development, I have learned a lot more about sustainability and the future strategy of the UAE," NYUAD freshman Toma Pavlov said.

Over the next few weeks at NYUAD, roughly 266 students from Abu Dhabi and New York will be engaged in a series of intense classes. The truncated J-Term format – at just three weeks long – offers students a unique opportunity to tackle complex issues in an intimate setting, providing access to top thinkers and educators, and enabling a more interactive learning experience.

Some of the other NYUAD J-Term classes include Understanding Insurgency and Counterinsurgency, Modern Architecture in Abu Dhabi, Values in Information Technology and Digital Media, and Food in the Global Kitchen.

Stay tuned for reports from the field from students once they wrap up their intensive J-Term studies at the end of the month.