His Highness Sheikh Hazza and His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan Present Degrees to First Batch of Students from Masdar Institute at Graduation Ceremony.
Abu Dhabi-UAE: 5 June, 2011 – His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Adviser and Vice-Chairman of Abu DhabiExecutive Council, today commended the active contribution of Masdar Institute in highlighting the leading role of Abu Dhabi and the UAE while building the future of global renewable energy sector.
His Highness Sheikh Hazza said: “The first batch of graduates of the Masdar Institute reflects the sincere efforts of the country to develop the future of the global renewable energy sector. This stems from the country’s firm belief in the importance of preparing the younger generation, as well as enriching their knowledge and expertise to build the future of one of the most important and vital economic sectors. The whole endeavour is based on the approach as mapped out by the leadership of this country under the guidance of the UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.”
He added that the UAE has always prioritized the spreading of knowledge and technology and taking initiatives that are important and beneficial for the future of mankind in all fields.
His Highness Sheikh Hazza was speaking at the graduation ceremony for the first batch of students from the Masdar Institute organized at the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi under the patronage of His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Masdar.
The graduation ceremony was also attended by His Highness Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s Court, His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, the UAE Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and His Excellency Mohammed Al Bowardi, Secretary-General of Abu Dhabi Executive Council. A number of senior officials and dignitaries were also present on the occasion.
During the ceremony, His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, presented the certificates to the graduates, congratulating them and wishing them well in their future academic and scientific careers, hoping that their knowledge will reflect positively on their countries and communities.
His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak said: “The graduation ceremony for the first batch of students from Masdar Institute is an ideal occasion to express our pride in the Institute, its endeavours and role in enriching the process of sustainable development in the country and the world. In addition to its focus on creative development in the areas of renewable energy and environment, it also plays a key role in developing the right way of life that is more suitable to the planet and the entire humanity.”
His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan also expressed his optimism about the ability of the Institute to add real value to the higher education sector in the country, human development efforts, preparation of qualified specialists, and support the country’s knowledge and technical progress in all areas. It will also have a significant role in achieving the goals of the UAE which include providing a distinctive national environment for research, innovation and development that will contribute to the creation of a knowledge-based society in the country.
His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak availed the graduation ceremony to express his gratitude and respect to the UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who always places education as the top priority. His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan added that His Highness Sheikh Khalifa attaches great significance to scientific and technical progress of the country and its ability to create and innovate in all fields, confirming the central role of UAE in the region and the world.
His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan also expressed his appreciation to His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his strategic vision for the future of Abu Dhabi, and his efforts and initiatives in the development of all aspects of life in the country. He also praised him for his keenness to promote and develop the education sector through renowned global institutions in the world.
His Excellency Mohammed Ahmed Al Bawardi, Secretary-General of the Executive Council, said: “The celebration we are witnessing today is not just for the graduation of first batch of the Institute. It is an affirmation of the commitment of our government and our leadership to support all projects which would develop the country and support Abu Dhabi’s Vision 2030.”
His Excellency Al Bawardi added: “Masdar Institute today is at the beginning of its journey to prove that it is one of the leading projects that can be added to the successful records of the UAE. It has already confirmed its excellence by attracting the best faculty members and students from around the world. It has also strengthened its leading status for offering scientific programs in accordance with global standards, and conducting high-level scientific researches, which enabled strategic relationships with successful corporates locally and internationally.”
Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, CEO of Masdar and the Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees of Masdar Institute, said: “In line with the vision of our wise leadership to support the education sector, invest in human capital and actively engage in research and development in renewable energy and sustainable development, Masdar Institute was created to serve as the centre of the sector and an important hub in the Masdar Initiative strategy. The Institute is the only research university of its kind in the region in terms of postgraduate specialization in the field of renewable energy and clean technology.”
He added: “Through the research conducted by professors and students, Masdar Institute plays a major role in contributing to the shift towards a knowledge-based economy, in line with the directives of Abu Dhabi 2030. Today, we are pleased to witness the graduation of the first batch of students. On this occasion, we express our sincere gratitude to the wise leadership of the UAE, as we congratulate the fresh graduates, wishing them success in their future.”
Dr Fred Moavenzadeh, President of Masdar Institute, said: “The commencement and convocation ceremony for the first batch of post-graduate students of Masdar Institute will mark another milestone achievement for Masdar. The occasion will surely position Masdar Institute as one of the rapidly emerging hubs for education in renewable energy-related fields. We are proud to have played our part in creating the next generation of leaders in sustainable energy industry.”
Classes commenced for the batch at Masdar Institute in September 2009. The students are graduating after completing the two-year graduate-level science and engineering degree programs that focus on the study of alternative energy and sustainable technologies.
The first batch was selected on the criteria set in collaboration with Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Those selected were among 1,200 applicants from 77 countries, including a large number from the Arab world as well as residents in the UAE.
Masdar Institute aims to foster a culture of research in the region to help advance the renewable energy sector. Its activities focus on the integration of education and research spanning technology, policy and systems.
