To foster an environment that advocates sustainability and corporate responsibility, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) is presenting its latest Makerspace initiative titled Green Economy, Business, and Entrepreneurship in Qatar to encourage a more informed understanding of ethics and practices of green economies. The two-day event is open to the public and will take place on March 28 and 29 at the Education City Student Center. 

The event will bring together organizations and members of the community for sprint, interactive exhibitions, workshops, and short talks. Dr. Emad El-Din Shahin, dean of CIS, noted: “As the dean of the College of Islamic Studies, I am extremely happy to have initiated this university-wide engagement. Makerspace represents the innovation driven path we have embarked on and this initiative is a perfect example of thinking of innovation at the social, economic, cultural levels.”

Various activities are planned over the course of the initiative and all members of the public, HBKU leadership, faculty, staff, students, and alumni are invited to attend. One significant spectacle will be the competitive Makeathon, where groups of integrated individuals will attempt to solve issues relating to waste management, sustainable tourism, environmental awareness and water security. To aid their mission, selected participants will receive fabrication tools such as microcontroller kits, 3D printers, CNC routers, as well as resources found at the event.

An exhibition called Living Off the Land will aim to present how different people rely on nature to survive, out of necessity or by choice. The exhibition will aim to portray how land may be used in various ways, while respecting the role of nature in our everyday lives. The exhibition hopes to inspire and create an awareness of the possibilities of sustainable survival. 

The initiative will also host a friendly zone for children to inspire the artist within, as well as provide ample learning and creative activities that encourage upcycling and recycling. Workshops will be conducted over two days, and members of the general public are welcome to contribute by bringing recycling material, including water bottle caps, water bottles, newspapers, plastic bags, and textiles.

Key speakers will include international, resident and Qatari participants who have demonstrated successful models that endorse green economies and businesses, or have effectively led sustainable lifestyles. Prominent business startups and entrepreneurs practicing ecological models will also be showcasing their work in various outlets.

HBKU has partnered with a selection of sustainability experts, supporters, and partners, including Qatar Development Bank, the Qur’anic Botanic Garden, Qatar Green Building Council, Qatar National Research Fund and Al Jaber Green Construction.

“The Makerspace initiative undoubtedly addresses a pressing and fundamental issue -- supporting the green economy in which growth is channeled through investments that will promote the efficient use of natural resources, reduce carbon emissions, waste and pollution. The event aims to prevent loss of biodiversity and ecosystem degradation, and at the same time it is also geared to green services and technological innovations while ensuring that they are an appropriate reflection of environmental protection costs,” said Fatima Al Khulaifi at the Qur’anic Botanic Garden, a member of Qatar Foundation for education, science, and community development.

HBKU is dedicated to providing a well-rounded educational experience for its students, and benefits from the expertise and knowledge of its world-class faculty The University offers a wide array of multidisciplinary programs that are characterized by innovation and excellence. To find out more about HBKU colleges, programs, research institutes, and events visit hbku.edu.qa.