University students based in Abu Dhabi will this month collaborate to develop innovative solutions for green schools as part of a challenge to create a school that fosters a healthy environment and is conducive to learning while saving energy, resources and money.

These solutions will be presented at the third annual Sila Connection 2014 conference that will take place at NYU Abu Dhabi between November 21st and 22nd. The winning team will receive US$5,000 to implement their solution in the American Community School of Abu Dhabi.

Sila Connection is the first conference that brings university students together across Abu Dhabi. This year’s selective group of participants represent Abu Dhabi University, Higher Colleges of Technology, Khalifa University, NYU Abu Dhabi, Petroleum Institute, Paris-Sorbonne Universite Abu Dhabi, and Zayed University. Participants at the conference will be placed into teams to investigate and form solutions to enable a growing network of green schools in Abu Dhabi.

Myung-In Sohn, Director of Sila Connection 2014, said, "We’re reaching out on a personal level. Partnering with the American Community School allows us to contextualise this year's conference focus subject, green schools, and provides our delegates with a sense of grounding to develop even more sophisticated solutions." Participants will be given expert guidance, support, and mentorship from leaders in the field of environmental sustainability in the UAE. Cecil Scheib of the Urban Green Council will deliver a keynote speech while judges will include Walid Hosam El Din of the Abu Dhabi Education Council, Dr. Ken Volk of the Zayed Future Energy Prize, and Robin Heslip of the American Community School of Abu Dhabi. Professional advisers will also be assisting participants through the process, these include Sophia Kalantzakos of New York University, Dr. Dorothy Furber Byers of Khalifa University, Gayatri Raghwa of the Environment Agency ­ Abu Dhabi, and Rashed Al Blooshi of Mubadala Investment Company.
 

We accept Guest Posts

Download the Dubai City Guide iPhone mobile app

DubaiCityGuide.com is owned and managed by Cyber Gear