Abu Dhabi, 9 May 2012 - The UNEP/CMS Office - Abu Dhabi was invited to participate in the Paris Sorbonne University - Abu Dhabi (PSUAD) Astrolabe Annual Career Forum. The Office exhibited alongside approximately 40 other international organizations, including for example the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).

The Paris Sorbonne University - Abu Dhabi (PSUAD) was established in 2006 following an international agreement between the French university Paris Sorbonne and the Government of Abu Dhabi under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Head of the Abu Dhabi Education Council.

PSUAD is the first Sorbonne campus outside the French borders, implementing the same teaching structure as in Paris, and offering programmes at both undergraduate and graduate levels in subjects such as International Business and Languages, and Sustainable Development Law.

The Astrolabe Annual Career Forum, named after the ancient navigation tool used by astronomers and mariners prior to the 18th century, was organized by PSUAD under the patronage of H.E. Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research. Astrolabe aims to be a platform where top public and private sector organisations from different industries can interact with students and alumni who are at the point of transition from education into professional life.

Interns Katherine Hunt and Mariam Yacout represented the UNEP/CMS Office - Abu Dhabi at a designated stand in the main forum providing information to interested visitors, and Associate Programme Officer Jenny Renell took part in round-table discussions in the form of career speed networking. This allowed the students to learn about representatives of various organisations, their experiences and professional career paths.

The event was very useful in increasing the awareness of students, alumni and international organizations to the presence of the UNEP/CMS Office - Abu Dhabi and to the global mission of CMS. The Office was encouraged by the interest of many students and visitors, and participation in the event proved to be a mutually beneficial experience. Astrolabe was also a valuable opportunity for the UNEP/CMS Office - Abu Dhabi to network with other participating organisations from the region.