Abu Dhabi University (ADU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ittihad Paper Mill (IPM), the first printing and writing paper production facility in the GCC. This agreement aims to enhance all future collaborations and exchange of unified efforts in scientific research, in addition to facilitating the relevant knowledge and academic exchange of renewable materials and paper waste matters in the UAE. Through this collaboration, both parties aim to develop better solutions in helping the environment by utilising paper waste and promoting the use of renewable materials.
Representing Professor Waqar Ahmad, the Chancellor of Abu Dhabi University, Dr Nisreen Alwan and Mr Rabih El Assadi, Operations Director of IPM, signed the MoU in the presence of Dr Hatem Abushammala, Assistant Professor of Environmental Health and Safety at the College of Health Sciences and Mr Mika Viertola, IPM Production Manager.
Through this collaboration, both parties will also secure internships and future job opportunities for ADU students within the field of Environmental Health and Safety.
Through this collaboration, both parties will also secure internships and future job opportunities for ADU students
Dr Nisreen Alwan, Acting Dean of the College of Health Sciences said: “We are thrilled to be part of this collaboration and to shed light on the importance of renewable materials and paper waste matters. We look forward to developing a framework to advance research in the environmental field and find innovative solutions that contribute to environmental sustainability. At ADU, we believe that playing an effective part in preserving the environment is a necessary pillar in building a strong progressive community.”
Dr Alwan added: “We inspire our students to innovate in this field by presenting them with the needed programmes and training that allow them to develop a strong base for their future. Abu Dhabi University aims to fully support its students’ career choices by building partnerships that will aid them to find jobs and build successful careers.”
Mr Rabih El Assadi said: “We at IPM are delighted on the establishment of this connection with a reputable local educational institution like ADU to initiate the exploration of possible reuse of paper waste matter. Sustainability is more important than ever in today’s world. To be sustainable is no longer a choice, it is a must. We believe that sustainability will be the basis of the new economy. Our target is to utilise the most efficient solutions to improve production and save the environment.
“We believe that sustainability will be the basis of the new economy”
IPM is not a lone organisation. It is part of a bigger system comprised of people, values, other organisations, and the environment we live in. We look towards this initiative with ADU as a means to give back to the future generations who will continue to help in building this nation.”
IPM’s products are strictly in compliance with global environmental standards, with pulp being sourced only from certified sustainable forests. This is in line with ADU’s vision regarding environmental sustainability and resource management.
ADU is one of the most prestigious universities in the MENA region, which provides diverse educational programmes on environmental sustainability through advanced and specialised courses in Environmental Health and Safety.