This challenge is the first of its kind on a global scale

Qatar University (QU), represented by the College of Business and Economics initiated and launched the Global Sustainability Space Challenge 2022 yesterday, in partnership with Metavisionaries. This partnership comes within the framework of the new vision of the college and its determination to adopt many important initiatives and steps that support sustainable business practices and promote a culture of sustainability locally and globally. The event was attended by former NASA Chief Scientist James Green.

This competition is open to teams of young people affiliated with schools and universities from all over the world, between the ages 16-26, from diverse disciplines and backgrounds to find innovative solutions that address one of the pressing challenges that threaten sustainability on our planet.

QU President Dr. Hassan Al-Derham said in his speech on the occasion, “This competition comes as part of the belief in the importance of the role of education and educational institutions in preparing generations of leaders and officials, who are capable of creating a sustainable and prosperous future in Qatar and a better world for all. This partnership in line with the University’s mission of achieving sustainable economic and social growth in the State of Qatar. The University has adopted many important initiatives and steps to promote a culture of sustainability and develop knowledge and capabilities by focusing on topics related to sustainability in the curriculum and focusing on them in scientific research and encouraging practices that achieve sustainability for future generations.”

He adds, “Undoubtedly, this competition is an opportunity that enables younger generations to acquire skills to deal with and adapt to leading technology as well as to recognize the importance of space as a driving force in global efforts, to address challenges facing the sustainability of life on the planet. Understanding the environment on other planets, studying our biological systems and how matter behaves when not affected by gravity helps find answers to important questions and find innovative solutions to the challenges facing the world.”

The competition is organized alongside the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar, with the aim of leveraging the momentum of the event, and is co-organized with global partners Metavisionaries, ICE Cubes, Space Applications Services, International Space University and Club of the Future founded by Blue Origin, and is supported locally by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) in Qatar. It is also sponsored by Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation (Kahramaa).

The competition will officially kick of this month. Following the first phase of the competition, finalists will be invited to Qatar for five days in mid-October where they will participate in a hackathon.

Dr. Omar Al Ansari, Vice President for Academic Affairs, said, “The competition offers unique and unconventional challenge opportunities for younger generations through the use of space science and environment to reach innovative solutions to the challenges facing sustainability on the planet.”

Dean of the College of Business and Economics in QU, Prof. Rana Sobh said, “The State of Qatar has made great strides in the fields of clean energy and sustainability, and the competition and its programs will highlight what has been achieved in this field and enhance the reputation of the State of Qatar regionally and globally. The launch of this competition from Qatar adds to Qatar’s distinguished record in hosting international events with a significant positive impact.”

Former NASA Chief Scientist James Green, a supporter of the completion commented saying, “This competition is unique and offers the opportunity for future generations to take the reins and change the world for the better.”

Wasim Ahmed, CEO for Metavisionaries commented saying, “The disruption we are facing today is exponential and rapid and to tackle the challenges we face, we must embrace lifelong learning that allows us to be adaptive and multidisciplinary. And I believe space and the Metaverse are essential to that conversation.”

Source: Qatar University