Dhofar University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Gulf Organization for Research and Development (GORD) in order to establish a collaboration between the two entities.
The collaboration will focus on advancing green building knowledge and best practices within the Sultanate of Oman.
Furthermore, it sets the stage for integrating GORD’s Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) into the university’s engineering curriculum, fostering education and capacity building on green building practices among students and professionals in Oman.
“Integrating green building practices, specifically through established frameworks like GSAS, into engineering curricula is imperative for developing a technically proficient workforce capable of addressing the complex sustainability challenges of our time. Our MOU with Dhofar University represents a strategic investment in building that capacity. This collaboration extends beyond academia, creating pathways for professionals to upskill and contribute to Oman’s green building sector through the adoption of the GSAS framework. We commend Dhofar University for their foresight in aligning with Oman Vision 2040, and are confident that this collaboration will foster a new generation of engineering leaders who prioritize and understand the technical intricacies needed for sustainable development.”
As part of the MOU, GORD will provide training and professional certification programs for Dhofar University faculty members, enabling them to become licensed GSAS trainers.
This will equip them with the expertise to deliver GSAS training and education to students and professionals in Oman, effectively expanding the reach of GSAS knowledge, and preparing the students for careers mindful of sustainable development and green building practices.
In his statement, Professor Amer bin Ali Al-Rawas, President of Dhofar University, said that, “Academia has a profound responsibility to prepare the next generation of talent for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. To achieve this, it’s critical that we, as educators, stay at the forefront of the latest and best standards, particularly in areas critical to our future, such as sustainable development and climate resilience.”
“Partnering with GORD and integrating their world-renowned GSAS standards into our curriculum allows us to fulfill this responsibility. By equipping our faculty and students with the knowledge of GSAS, we are not simply educating them; we are empowering them to become leaders who can effectively contribute to building a climate-resilient future for Oman and the region,” Prof. Amer added.
