March 2021

Dr. Tarifa Alzaabi, Acting Director General of ICBA, and Dr. Khalid Al-Khazraji, Vice-President of Zayed University, signed a memorandum of understanding to this effect in the presence of H.E. Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, UAE Minister of State for Food and Water Security, at ICBA’s headquarters in Dubai.

Signed by Dr. Tarifa Alzaabi, Acting Director General of ICBA, and Dr. Glenn B. Gregorio, Director of SEARCA, the agreement paves the way for cooperation in such areas as the implementation of programs to develop individual and institutional capacities, as well as the exchange of scientific materials, publications, and information between the two organizations.

AWLA aims to help early- and mid-career professionals in agriculture to secure leadership roles by encouraging gender-responsive working cultures and creating platforms to showcase their intellect, capability, and contribution. AWLA’s fellows will help establish a unique R&D forum for women scientists in the MENA region to address pressing agricultural challenges and take part in a regional networking platform for women researchers across agricultural disciplines.

ICBA developed AWLA in 2016 with support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB). The program aims to contribute to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) on gender equality and women’s empowerment by building and enhancing the capacities of a new generation of Arab women researchers and leaders. By doing so, AWLA aspires to have a positive impact on the SDGs on Climate Action; Life on Land; and Partnerships for the Goals.