July 15th, 2018, Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates): Keele University, a leading university based in the United Kingdom, has conferred an honorary Doctor of Letters degree on Dr Nawal Al-Hosany, Permanent Representative of the UAE to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and Deputy Director General of the Emirates Diplomatic Academy (EDA), in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the promotion of renewable energy and sustainability.
A leading global advocate of sustainability, Dr Al-Hosany is cited as one of the 40 most influential Emiratis to have helped shape the UAE. Her career spans business and academia, both in the UAE and internationally. Prior to her current roles, she was Director of Sustainability at Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s renewable energy company, and Director of Zayed Future Energy Prize (now Zayed Sustainability Prize), the UAE’s annual global award for renewable energy and sustainability.
Addressing the ceremony, Dr Al-Hosany thanked the university and emphasised that the credit for this honour belongs to her home country, the UAE. She said: “I am fortunate to come from a country that has a long history of nurturing the spirit of ingenuity and sustainability. I attended public schools and went on to a state university, after which I received a government scholarship to pursue my PhD in Sustainable Architecture. Simply put, I am the product of my country. Needless to say, my upbringing has imbued in me a deep keenness to make sustainability a way of life.”
Dr Al-Hosany congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to be compassionate global citizens that lead with responsibility and contribute to society. She added: “As an engineer, my job has always been to try to solve problems. It is my view that climate change is one of the biggest problems mankind faces today. Action to reduce the impact of climate change is critical, and there is an urgent need to adopt sustainable energy solutions.”
Additionally, Dr Al-Hosany passionately believes in the leading role that women can play in responding to global sustainability and climate change challenges. She has been Programme Director of the UAE-led Women in Sustainability, Environment and Renewable Energy (WiSER) initiative since its formation in 2015.
She also has the prestigious distinction of being one of the first two Emirati women to have climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest free-standing mountain in the world at 5,895 metres above sea level.
About Emirates Diplomatic Academy (EDA):
EDA is the UAE’s leading international relations and diplomatic institution and was established in Abu Dhabi in 2014. A prestigious platform that combines the best of academia, research and practice, EDA equips the UAE’s current and future diplomats with the knowledge and multi-disciplinary skills to effectively serve their nation. A dynamic community of seasoned diplomats, renowned faculty, respected thought leaders, experienced researchers, international partners and exceptional aspiring diplomats come together at EDA to create an ecosystem of continuous learning and achievement – a true centre of excellence for diplomatic capacity development, research and thought leadership in the UAE. Learn more at: http://eda.ac.ae/
