American University of Sharjah (AUS) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) have initiated a strategic partnership to strengthen collaboration in research, policy, and community engagement.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) marks the beginning of a collaboration aimed at advancing inclusive responses to development challenges.
Dr. Mohamed El-Tarhuni, Interim Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost at AUS, said that, “Our partnership with UNDP represents a strategic step toward shaping more inclusive and sustainable futures. By combining American University of Sharjah’s research and educational capacity with UNDP’s global development expertise, we aim to drive innovation at the intersection of climate resilience, accessibility, and policy—advancing real solutions that leave no one behind.”
“Aligned with the UN Disability Inclusion Strategy, UNDP is committed to promoting disability-inclusive development that protects the rights of persons with disabilities. And while persons with disabilities are among the most vulnerable to the negative impacts of climate change, not much research has been dedicated to understanding mechanisms through which such impacts materialize and how to address them. We hope this new partnership will fill this gap,” noted Dr. Abdallah Al Dardari, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Director of the Regional Bureau for Arab States in UNDP.
Through this agreement, American University of Sharjah and UNDP will collaborate to explore the complex effects of climate change and crises on persons with disabilities, contributing to more effective, data-driven policymaking and to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
The American University of Sharjah-UNDP partnership will also emphasize community outreach and awareness to foster a culture of accessibility and promote community engagement in the co-creation of practical solutions that reflect lived experiences and local realities.
According to the statement, this collaboration reinforces AUS’ mission to serve society through knowledge, innovation, and cross-sector engagement. It also affirms the university’s expanding role as a regional and global hub for inclusive research, driving long-term development outcomes that benefit communities and individuals alike.
