AUS signs important MOU with Sharjah Tatweer Forum

The MOU between the two organizations will enhance cooperation in several areas to develop specific skill sets of Sharjah's young leaders and to initiate programs and projects that foster partnerships and enhance the competitiveness of the emirate of Sharjah.

As per the terms of the agreement, AUS will provide consultation, advice, research, technical assistance, and institutional support to Sharjah Tatweer Forum, specifically with regard to capacity building and human resource development of young leaders. Both parties will jointly undertake the organizing of a number of conferences, workshops, and specialized lectures and seminars that examine current developments, trends and best practices, of interest to both parties and to Sharjah.

"We are pleased about the opportunity of working with Sharjah Tatweer Forum to promote the emirate's competitive advantages, assist in the development of human capital and support joint cooperation between the private and public sectors," said Dr. Winfred Thompson, Chancellor of AUS.

"The alliance with Sharjah Tatweer Forum will also provide our students with exposure to ambitious initiatives as well as hands-on experience of working on various projects undertaken by the forum through internships. This agreement comes as part of AUS's objectives of becoming a center of research, serving as a resource for the community, and contributing to the intellectual traditions as well as the economic progress of the nation. We look forward to working closely with Sharjah Tatweer Forum on various initiatives to achieve our common goals,"

he added.

The American University of Sharjah will also provide Sharjah Tatweer members with the opportunity to access its library and take advantage of the enormous wealth of resources available. Sharjah Tatweer members will also be given the opportunity to participate and attend various events, conferences and specialized seminars, usually reserved for students and faculty. Sharjah Tatweer will, wherever possible, make use of the facilities, academic staff, and student volunteers for its activities, and will promote the university as a sponsor of such activities.

Under the terms of the MOU, the forum will nurture a number of AUS students as interns to work on specific programs, projects or events. It will also provide access to a wide range of networking opportunities across sectors, of benefit to the university and its student body.

"This partnership with AUS is part of a series of agreements initiated by Sharjah Tatweer Forum to utilize the best available academic institutions as well as other international and local organizations to support the objectives of the forum, hone the skills of Sharjah's emerging young leaders and encourage wider cooperation between the various sectors of society. It is an honour for Sharjah Tatweer Forum to be associated with a prominent institution such as American University of Sharjah," said Mohammed Abdullah Bukhatir, Acting Chairman, Sharjah Tatweer Forum, on the occasion.

"We have been committed to introducing innovate ways of engaging our members in fruitful activities that will provide them a well-rounded experience, and we believe this cooperation with AUS will present a wealth of opportunities to develop local talent," added Nasser Akram, Board Member, Sharjah Tatweer Forum, and head of the Academic Committee at the forum. "The reputation of AUS and the chance to interact with students will help promote the ideals of Sharjah Tatweer and provide access to the ideas of youth for enhancing the competitiveness of Sharjah," he said.

Sharjah Tatweer Forum is an initiative formed under a decree issued by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, Member of the Supreme Council, Ruler of Sharjah and Honorary Chairman of Sharjah Tatweer Forum, to boost the involvement of Sharjah`s young talent and encourage competitiveness in the public and private sectors. The signing ceremony was also attended by Salem Al Qasseer, Vice Chancellor for Public Affairs; Dr. Nada Mourtada, Assistant to the Chancellor for Development and Alumni Affairs; and Mahmoud Ghaith, President of the AUS Alumni Association.