AUS and UNDP Join Forces to Advance Disability Inclusion and Climate-Resilient Development in the Arab States

In a landmark step toward equitable and sustainable development, the American University of Sharjah (AUS) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on advancing disability-inclusive and climate-resilient development in the Arab States region.

The agreement, signed during the “Europe Walk for Climate Change in Brussels: Leaving No One Behind” on June 12, reflects a shared commitment to integrating research, education, and advocacy to address the intersection of disability and climate vulnerability. The MoU was signed by Dr. Mohamed El-Tarhuni, Interim Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost at AUS, and Dr. Abdallah Al Dardari, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Director of the Regional Bureau for Arab States at UNDP.

“This partnership with UNDP represents a strategic step toward shaping more inclusive and sustainable futures,” said Dr. El-Tarhuni. “By combining AUS’ research and academic strength with UNDP’s development leadership, we can accelerate solutions that prioritize accessibility and climate resilience.”

Dr. Al Dardari emphasized the need for inclusive climate action: “Aligned with the UN Disability Inclusion Strategy, UNDP is dedicated to promoting development that includes and protects the rights of persons with disabilities. Despite their vulnerability to climate change, there remains a significant research gap on how these impacts unfold and how to mitigate them. This partnership aims to address that gap.”

The collaboration will focus on building institutional capacity and fostering innovation to understand the multifaceted impacts of climate change on people with disabilities. It will support data-driven policymaking and aim to align closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Key objectives of the AUS–UNDP partnership include:

• Promoting inclusive, evidence-based policy research

• Expanding education and community engagement around disability and climate justice

• Developing locally informed, practical solutions rooted in lived experience

• Supporting awareness initiatives to strengthen accessibility culture across the region

The partnership also enhances AUS’ ongoing mission to serve regional and global society through knowledge generation and cross-sector collaboration. With a growing reputation as a hub for inclusive research, AUS reaffirms its leadership role in producing impactful, community-centered outcomes.