Memorandum of Understanding between AARINENA and Abu Dhabi Environment Network

Localization of Knowledge in the Fields of Agriculture, Environment, and Sustainable Development

ِMarch 18, 2024

The Association of Agricultural Research Institutions in the Near East and North Africa (AARINENA), headquartered in Amman, has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Abu Dhabi Environment Network (ADEN) in the United Arab Emirates to establish joint activities, events, and projects related to the localization of specialized scientific knowledge in the fields of environmental agriculture, sustainable development, climate change, and social responsibility. This was confirmed by Dr. Rida Shibli, the Executive Secretary of AARINENA, following the signing of the agreement on Sunday, March 17, 2024, in the presence of Eng. Emad Saad, an expert in sustainability and climate change, and the President of the Abu Dhabi Environment Network.

Dr. Rida Shibli emphasized that this agreement aims to enhance cooperation between the two parties in the fields of research, training, and participation in topics of mutual interest. Additionally, it aims to disseminate knowledge in the native Arabic language by launching a series of awareness lectures in the fields of agriculture, environment, sustainable development, and climate change among the targeted groups for both parties. Moreover, it seeks to provide technical and economic advisory services as well as technical support in areas of mutual interest.

Dr. Rida Shibli added that this agreement stems from the mutual desire of AARINENA and ADEN to cooperate and coordinate between them, working together to establish activities, events, or projects related to their common goals, such as environmental issues, climate, social responsibility, and sustainable development. Both parties are keen on enhancing and developing mechanisms for long-term collaboration, contributing to the provision of works and projects in areas of common interest, which represent priorities for both parties.

Eng. Emad Saad, an expert in sustainability and climate change, founder and president of the Abu Dhabi Environment Network, emphasized the importance of the roles played by both ADEN and AARINENA in transferring specialized scientific knowledge and raising awareness about issues related to the environment, sustainable development, food security, and climate change. Eng. Saad added that, pursuant to this agreement, a framework for mutual cooperation has been established between the two parties to implement activities such as organizing a series of lectures, workshops, and specialized training courses in the fields of environment, sustainability, climate change, and social responsibility for the benefit of members of AARINENA, in addition to exchanging experiences between the parties.

Eng. Emad Saad also expressed his appreciation for the cooperation agreement with AARINENA, considering it a significant step towards empowering the targeted groups in the agricultural sector to mitigate the effects of climate change and adapt to climate variations. It is hoped that this agreement will inspire other institutions towards further collaboration and partnership, moving away from competition, because we are all partners in responsibility, partners in knowledge, partners in our nation, and partners in the planet.