Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Dubai’s Bid as 2020 World Expo Host


Thoughts of young generations of nationals and expatriates living in the country, especially students of universities such as American University of Sharjah (AUS) will be integrated in Dubai’s bid for hosting the 2020 World Expo.

This was stated during a visit to AUS on 1 March, by Vicente Gonzalez Loscertales, Secretary General of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE).

Dr. Peter Heath, Chancellor of AUS, received Loscertales, who was accompanied by Reem Ebrahim Al Hashemi, Minister of State and Managing Director of the Higher Committee for Hosting the 2020 World Expo; Laurence Levy, in charge of coordination for 2020 candidates; and Dimitri Kerkentzes, BIE Head of Cabinet. Also present were Dr. Nada Mourtada-Sabah, Vice Chancellor for Development and Alumni Affairs; Dr. Cleve McDaniel, Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration; and Saeed Al Shamsi, Director of Public Relations.

Expo 2020 Dubai Blog

“Your tour of AUS is not meant only for you to see the marvellous facilities and higher education infrastructure our universities have but also raise the idea of integrating thoughts of youth, such as AUS students, who come from over 80 different nationalities, into the general idea of Expo 2020 bid by Dubai,” Al Hashemi told Loscertales. She emphasized that connecting people, especially the young generation, is at the heart of the UAE’s vision as a cosmopolitan nation facilitating greater cooperation and understanding between people and cultures.

Chancellor Heath welcomed Al Hashemi’s call and expressed the university’s readiness to cooperate in generating ideas and thoughts from AUS students in all disciplines. He briefed the guests on the historical development of the university since its establishment 15 years ago by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, for it was envisaged by His Highness as a leading educational institution in the region. AUS is a not-for-profit, independent, coeducational institution of higher education formed on the American model.

Expo 2020 Dubai Blog

“The main purpose of EXPO is education and to let young people learn best practices from EXPO as well as from experiences of different countries,” said Loscertales supporting the idea. He also expressed satisfaction over visiting AUS which he described as directly connected to society. “Congratulations for this excellent university which constitutes an important element for progress and social change for the future of the country,” he added.

Chancellor Heath also took the guests on a tour of the various facilities on campus, including the College of Architecture Art and Design where Loscertales reviewed the modern design of the building and reviewed a project where students invented innovative textile designs for the various industries. The tour also included the AUS Library Building.


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