Al Hosn University's 3rd annual Earth Day affirms full support for Abu Dhabi's leadership in sustainability policies and practices

The related activities are part of initiatives to establish Al Hosn as a "Green University" and affirm the institution's full support for Abu Dhabi's leadership in national efforts to adopt sustainability practices and policies.

Earth Day is celebrated worldwide every April 22nd, a tradition supported by the United Nations since 1970.

Next year will be the 40th anniversary of this special event. Al Hosn has been marking the occasion with relevant day-long programs since 2007. Last year, Al Hosn inaugurated its "recycling centre" with a generous support from energy company Taqa and the Emirates Environmental Group.

In the latest edition, Al Hosn has invited guest speakers from industries and government agencies to discuss key environmental issues, and organizing photo exhibits, displaying recycled sculptures and holding competitions and student presentations on how to care for the environment through local and global actions.

"Al Hosn supports Abu Dhabi's goals of creating a carbon-free society based on renewable energy; encouraging individual commitment to responsible and sustainable consumption; and establishing a "green"-oriented local education system. Our Earth Day activities affirm that we too believe in the vital role of sustainability in local and national growth, so much so that we have integrated it into our academic programs. We appreciate the active role that our students and our special guests from companies, government offices and concerned sectors played in creating another memorable event in celebration of the environment,"

said Dr. Adnan Husnéin, Chair of Urban Planning at Al Hosn University and advisor to its Green Club.

Al Hosn University's 2009 Earth Day celebration also marks the first anniversary of its student-run "Green Club," which focuses on service and education to transform the university into a more environmentally-aware and responsible institution. The University has been adopting this "Green Thinking" mentality across its curriculum through various courses and seminars.

It has also been highly supportive of activities that inspire awareness and appreciation for the environment from students, faculty, staff, and the community. These include participation in "clean up" campaigns, aluminum can collection drives, tree planting, and inter-collegiate public speaking competitions.

Abu Dhabi-based Al Hosn University is accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in the UAE. It started offering its academic programs in 2005 to students from all nationalities.

The University has 11 undergraduate and 7 graduate programs in three faculties focusing on disciplines that are highly sought regionally and globally. Most of these were developed by academicians from prestigious North American universities.

The City Campus includes the Men's Campus, the Women's Campus, Library Building, Lectures Building and the Engineering Labs Building, all located at the center of Abu Dhabi. A main campus with state-of-the-art facilities designed according to the highest international standards will soon be built.