The Cyprus Institute (CyI) and the Municipality and Planning Department – Ajman (MPDA) of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to consolidate their cooperation and coordination in the fields of sustainability and clean energy.

The MoU was signed on behalf of CyI by Professor Jean Sciare, Director of the Climate and Atmosphere Research Center (CARE-C), and on behalf of MPDA, by Eng. Khalid Moeen Al Hosani, MPDA’s Executive Director of the Public Health and Environment Sector, in the presence of officials from both parties.

Professor Sciare noted that The Cyprus Institute and MPDA share common goals in terms of conducting scientific research and studies, based on scientific facts and innovation in sustainability, the environment, climate and atmosphere research, to address challenges and impacts of climate change and air pollution.

Khalid Moeen stressed the MoU was in line with the MPDA’s vision and strategic directions, underlining both parties’ desire to support and enhance the existing cooperation between them. The Memorandum signals the belief in the parties’ role towards achieving the goals of the State in general, and the Emirate of Ajman in particular, in areas that concern both parties, as well as the role of each party’s contribution to scientific studies and research related to air quality, emissions, clean energy and carbon neutrality.

The MoU will form the basis for scientific collaboration between the two parties and outlines their engagement and effective cooperation in implementing joint initiatives, establishing projects and programmes in the Emirate of Ajman, which enhance air quality in the context of sustainable development, exchanging fruitful experiences and expertise in implementing air-quality strategies and projects, and organising joint workshops, seminars, conferences and events to enhance and exchange ideas on air quality and carbon neutrality, in addition to taking part in activities held by either party.

The MoU also includes provisions to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and expertise between the two parties, and to discuss opportunities for launching joint research and development projects in carbon neutrality and innovation, which contribute to preserving and sustaining the environment.