UOS, SDA hold Community Preparedness Forum for Climate Change

The first session of the forum, hosted at the Al Rahmaniya Suburb Council, was moderated by presenter Yousif Alhammadi. The session highlighted the importance of institutional and community cooperation in mitigating the impacts of climate change and explored the role of leadership in crisis management. It also discussed institutional preparedness for disasters and emphasized the importance of enhancing communication and implementing preventive measures to reduce the impact of unexpected crises. 

Brigadier Dr. Mohammed Al Othmani, Director General of the Sharjah Police Sciences Academy, highlighted the significance of strategic planning to minimize the impact of disasters and the importance of collaboration between entities for effective crisis management. Colonel Mohammed Ghabar from the Sharjah Police Headquarters addressed institutional preparedness in reducing disaster risks and enhancing community resilience, outlining the steps taken during crisis prevention and recovery phases. Colonel Dr. Ali Al Zaabi discussed the importance of enhancing communication to reduce the impact of disasters and ensure the dissemination of timely and accurate information.

Colonel Abdulrahman Al Khayal emphasized the importance of strengthening community security in the Emirate of Sharjah and highlighted the ongoing coordination with institutions to implement preventive measures that minimize the impact of unexpected events. Prof. Qassim Nasir introduced the Sharjah Smart Center for Climate Risk Management, showcasing the research efforts of experts and academics dedicated to serving the local community in this critical field. 

The second day of the forum, held at the Muwaileh Suburb Council, was moderated by Dr. Asma Alsaadi, Assistant Professor at the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences at UOS. During the session, Dr. Nora Guenifa, Visiting Associate Professor at the same college, discussed the values of volunteering and the importance of promoting social dialogue among children. Dr. Amena Alameri from the University of Khorfakkan focused on the role of families in educating children about the dangers of extreme weather conditions. Dr. Aaesha Almesafri, Assistant Professor at the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences at UOS, addressed the role of digital media in raising awareness and mitigating environmental impacts. Dr. Shareefa Al Marzooqi, Assistant Professor at the College of Communication at UOS, emphasized the importance of increasing community awareness of the risks associated with crises and disasters. 

It is worth noting that the Sharjah Smart Center for Climate Risk Management is a multidisciplinary research center dedicated to addressing the multifaceted challenges of climate change and weather-related risks through innovative research, technology integration, and community engagement. The center works to develop state-of-the-art solutions to mitigate the impacts of adverse weather and climate change through technology and data analysis, thereby enhancing environmental resilience, public health, and infrastructure. It also empowers communities and supports sustainability in the Emirate of Sharjah, the United Arab Emirates, and the Gulf region. By predicting risks and engaging with experts and policymakers, the center aims to lead in creating resilient societies adept at navigating the challenges posed by a rapidly changing climate.