WAM Abu Dhabi, May 30th, 2012 (WAM)
H. H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister has said that Masdar strives to inculcate the culture of scientific research, development and capacity building to help the UAE takes a centre-stage in the areas of knowledge generation and technology.
He added that the UAE’s participation in the efforts to address the climate change phenomenon “stems from our understanding of how dangerous to remain idle. Our sense of responsibility toward the international community, and our commitment to fulfill our obligations under the joint international action, trigger the UAE’s participation in the collective efforts”.
Sheikh Abdullah was addressing today the graduation ceremony of the second batch of Masdar Institute at Emirates Palace, held under the patronage of His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and Chairman of Board of Trustees of Masdar Institute.
He thanked President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, whose support made Masdar Institute a pioneer reputable institution. He also thanked Sheikh Mohammed for his sponsorship of the event. “We are celebrating today the graduation of the second batch of Masdar. We are proud of the achievements scored by Masdar in short record time. I would like to stress on the behalf of the Board of Trustees of Masdar, keenness of the Masdar Institute to continue development to become the major institution in the region”, he said.
Sheikh Abdullah pointed out that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs established in March 2010 the Department of Energy and Climate Change to coordinate with “Irena” and represent the UAE in international negotiations related to supporting the establishment of a national strategy to address the energy challenges and the repercussions of climate change.
He congratulated the graduates and urged them to shoulder the responsibility. “You are our ambassadors worldwide in the areas of renewable energy and sustainable development”, Sheikh Abdullah said. He also commended the Institute’s efforts and care about the students.
Present were Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Sheikh Lubna Al Qasimi, Minister of Foreign Trade, Humaid Al Qattami, Minister of Education, Dr Rashid Ahmed bin Fahd, Minister of Environment and Water, Dr Maitha Al Shamsi, State Minister, Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Board Chairman of Masdar, Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, CEO of Masdar, senior officials and guardians of students.
The number of graduates of the second batch was 55, who obtained MSc in Computing and Information Sciences, MSc Engineering Systems and Management, MSc Electrical Power Engineering, MSc in Materials Science and Engineering, MSc in Water and Environmental Engineering and MSc Microsystems Engineering.
Dr Fred Moavenzadeh, President of Masdar Institute for Sciences and Technology said, “Masdar graduation of year 2012 made us proud in the light of contributions, which have so far boosted the reputation of Masdar”, citing the publications and dissertations of students on the issues of environment, renewable energy, water and semi conductors.
To ensure the success, he continued, the UAE has realised the significance of developing and training the human capital alongside comprehensive research and development infrastructure.
Flanked by Sheikh Nahyan, Sheikh Abdullah at the conclusion of the ceremony presented the certificates to the graduates, wishing them success in their practical life.
Masdar Institute of Science and Technology is the world’s first graduate-level university dedicated to providing real-world solutions to issues of sustainability. The Institute’s goal is to become a world-class research-driven graduate-level university, focusing on advanced energy and sustainable technologies.
The Institute, which was created in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), integrates theory and practice to incubate a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, working to develop the critical thinkers and leaders of tomorrow.
