Minister of Environment, Dr. Ayman Suleiman, inaugurated the first engineering conference of the Faculty of Engineering at Al al-Bayt University, in the presence of the President of the University, Professor Osama Nusier, and the Governor of Mafraq, Mr. Firas Abu Al-Ghanam, under the title: "Engineering and Environment Towards Sustainable Development," with the participation of representatives of official bodies, national institutions, and the private sector, in the Hassan bin Talal Amphitheater at the university.

In a speech during the opening, Minister of Environment Dr. Suleiman affirmed the depth of the real partnership between the ministry and academic institutions, foremost of which is Al al-Bayt University, as universities are the beating heart of environmental work, the provider of knowledge, and the lever of innovation and creativity among young people.

He indicated that the ministry believes in the importance of enabling young people to engage in environmental work, as it is a national necessity that contributes to the sustainability of resources for future generations, and opens the way for green job opportunities that enhance the national economy and its path towards sustainable development.

Dr. Suleiman praised the efforts of Al al-Bayt University, which presented a pioneering model in caring for the environment, through its research and student initiatives that enhance environmental awareness, stressing that what the university is doing proves that science and work together are the way to build a green Jordan worthy of its future generations.

He pointed out that the Ministry of Environment is extending bridges of cooperation with universities and scientific centers to be a genuine partner in formulating policies, developing studies, and providing innovative solutions, making the environmental decision the fruit of a dialogue between science and politics, between the researcher and the decision-maker, and between the student and society.

For his part, the President of the University, Professor Osama Nusier, affirmed that the convening of this conference comes at a very important time in light of the rapid environmental challenges the world is witnessing, and the growing responsibilities it imposes on academic institutions and engineering disciplines in particular.

He stressed the university's firm belief that its role goes beyond traditional education to include the production of applied knowledge, the promotion of directed scientific research, and the building of effective partnerships with national and professional institutions, considering that the conference embodies a practical model of this orientation by bringing together academics, engineers, and decision-makers in one platform to exchange experiences.

The Director General of the Royal Jordanian Geographic Center, Brigadier General Moamar Al-Hadadin, also affirmed that the center plays a pivotal national role in supporting sustainable development paths by providing accurate geospatial data that contributes to sound planning and supports decision-making in the face of environmental challenges, stressing the importance of strengthening partnership with universities and research institutions.

For his part, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and President of the Conference, Professor Muayyad Al-Shawagfeh, indicated that the conference stems from the mission of the Faculty of Engineering, which believes that the university's role is not limited to education, but extends to serving the community and linking scientific research to its actual needs, through a scientific and professional platform to present applied research and discuss innovative engineering solutions that are feasible and support sustainable development at the national and regional levels.

The head of the Jordanian Engineers Association branch in Mafraq, Engineer Majdi Al-Amoush, also affirmed the association's belief in the effective partnership with Al al-Bayt University, as a national scientific edifice that contributes to linking scientific research with practical application and promoting a culture of innovation.

He pointed out that the conference constitutes an important platform for exchanging experiences, presenting ideas, and discussing sustainable engineering solutions, and opens up broad horizons for students, engineers, and researchers to contribute to addressing environmental and development issues, especially in governorates that need realistic solutions based on science and knowledge.

On the sidelines of the opening, which was presented by Engineer Meral Al-Shreida, the Minister of Environment, accompanied by the President of the University and the Governor, opened the engineering exhibition that was held inside the Faculty of Engineering, which included pavilions for innovative student projects.

Minister Suleiman and University President Nusier also exchanged commemorative shields, and the patron of the conference honored the participants, distinguished individuals, and supporters.

Conference Sessions

First Session: Engineer Abdullah Al-Ghurair gave a presentation on the role of the Royal Jordanian Geographic Center in water harvesting projects, through collecting data, building geospatial databases, and converting them into interactive maps via the Internet, in support of water security and sustainable development.

Second Session: Professor Abdul Majeed Al-Rjoub discussed urban transformations and environmental challenges in the Mafraq Governorate, proposing the establishment of a sustainable environmental observatory at the university in cooperation with the Ministry of Environment and concerned parties.

Third Session: Engineer Shaker Khalif reviewed the role of artificial intelligence in architecture and the generation of architectural plans, and compared it to the work of the architect, explaining the possibility of benefiting from it without prejudice to the role of specialists.