The Institute at NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) is launching today its fifteenth season with a focus on the environment, titled A Series of Wonder and Reflection. A series of talks and conferences will mark the region’s efforts to provide sustainable solutions to the rapid and urgent changes in the environment, while championing international collaboration and preserving the past as inspiration for the future. The events will feature leaders in the fields of politics, economics, and law, among others. 

Highlights this month include Chairperson and Managing Director of Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group Raja Al Gurg, who will discuss her celebrated book, The Power of Authenticity: Three Principles of Leadership Success. Audiences are set to gain unique perspectives on authentic leadership in the Arab world’s business landscape and learn about Al Gurg’s advocacy for Arab women entrepreneurs.  

In light of the approaching COP28, NYUAD Visiting Professor of Business, Organizations and Society Barbara Scheck will lead a panel discussion entitled Sustainable Finance Towards Climate Action, along with panelists from the field. The event will discuss sustainable finance within the UAE and the role of banking institutions in pioneering green finance to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals set for COP28. 

Vice Chancellor of NYUAD Mariët Westermann will also moderate a talk between Executive Artistic Director at The NYUAD Arts Center Bill Bragin, independent editor Nadine Khalil, and curator, critic, and photographer Waleed Shah. Documenting a Performing Arts History will enable speakers to ponder the significance and meaning of arts documentation, while reflecting on their collaborative journey capturing seven years of The Arts Center’s history. 

“Wonder has long been understood as an impetus to further curiosity, thought, and the spark for human creativity. But by recognizing that wonder alone is not enough, this latest series questions the practical steps we can take to preserve our ecosystems for future generations. It is with this in mind that we celebrate our fifteenth season at the NYUAD Institute with the theme of ‘Wonder and Reflection’. We aim to explore how the rapid and urgent changes to our environment are pushing leaders to develop innovative long-term strategies in diverse fields, inspiring us with the stories they tell about the world, and prompting us to reflect on the stories we tell about ourselves.”