The Australian University (AU) signed a three-year cooperation agreement with the Gulf Organisation for Research & Development (GORD) to strengthen sustainability education, professional training, and research in green building practices. The signing ceremony took place on 13 October 2026 at GORD Headquarters in Doha, Qatar.
The agreement was signed by Prof. Isam Zabalawi, AU President, and Dr. Yousef Al Horr, Founding Chairman and CEO of GORD. The ceremony was attended by AU representatives Dr. Suad Al Radhwan, Manager of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and Dr. Mortadha Al Saba, Head of the Petroleum Engineering Department. GORD representatives included Dr. Eiman Eliskandarani, Director of GSAS Trust, Mr. Ibrahim Al Jundi, Head of the GSAS MEP Group, Mr. Mohammad Najjar, Head of the Architectural Group, and Mr. Hussam Othmany, Marketing Director.
Under the agreement, AU will integrate the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) standards into relevant academic curricula, providing students with practical knowledge of sustainability assessment, energy efficiency, and environmentally responsible construction practices.
The collaboration will also provide AU faculty members with specialized training and certification opportunities, alongside access to technical resources and educational materials. Additionally, the agreement establishes a pathway for AU to become an accredited GSAS training center in Kuwait.
The partnership further supports joint research, knowledge exchange, and academic initiatives in environmental sustainability and green building technologies, reinforcing AU’s commitment to advancing sustainable development and preparing graduates with industry-relevant skills.
