The Centre for Community Services, Consultancies, Training and Continuing Education (CSCTCE) at the Arabian Gulf University (AGU) has recently announced the opening of registration for the fourth batch in the Professional Diploma Programme in Waste Management, which it is offering in collaboration with the Natural Resuources and Environment Department at the university’s College of Graduate Studies. The programme will commence at the start of the next academic year, following the great success it has achieved since its launch in October 2021.
The programme has obtained the support of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the accreditation of the Chartered International Institute for Waste Management (CIWM) in the United Kingdom, and has graduated three batches of diploma students who represent major public and private sector institutions in Bahrain and the GCC countries.
The CSCTCE offers this professional diploma in waste management, which was launched by the College of Graduate Studies through an intensive programme in which lecturers representing an elite group of international experts participate in study packages that address the priorities of integrated sustainable management methods for different types of municipal and medical waste. The programme also focuses on explaining the role of environmental innovation and the circular economy in waste management, its relationship to the water, energy, and food nexus, and innovative
sustainable alternatives to materials.
Moreover, the programme targets all career fields, including managers, employees, technicians, and graduates who wish to develop their knowledge and skills, excel in their careers, and diversify their competencies in their related specialisations.
Obtaining a Professional Diploma in Waste Management helps those enrolled in the programme to excel in the competitive labour market, especially with the new global approach towards sustainability, the circular economy, and the transition to renewable energy resources. This increases job opportunities by acquiring more advanced skills and knowledge that are reflected in the quality and productivity of work.
Furthermore, this diploma is considered the first of its kind in the West Asia region and aims to build professional capabilities in the field of sustainable and innovative waste management in the region. It is accredited by the CIWM in the United Kingdom and is supported by the UNEP West Asia Office.
It is worth noting that the university offered this diploma with the support of the UNEP West Asia Office, using a dual education method – virtual and in-person – two years ago. It has attracted interest from many sectors from GCC countries, including municipal, industrial, and health sectors, especially at a time when waste management has become one of the most important challenges urban cities around the world face.
Understanding environmental pollution and managing waste in a sustainable manner has become essential. The idea of designing a professional diploma in waste management came from a lack of sufficient awareness and necessary knowledge of the importance of managing waste in sustainable ways and awareness of the importance of sustainable production and consumption in our region. Experts stress that dealing with waste as a resource rather than waste is essential to maximise its benefit. Sustainable production and consumption limit waste generation and enable its
management in a sustainable manner and adoption of the circular economy.
This contributes to protecting the environment, economy, and society by reducing wrong practices starting from consumers to reduce waste production rates. It also requires awareness campaigns in society and this cannot be achieved without capacity building and spreading awareness through contributions from AGU, as it is the only regional university managed by the GCC that
encompasses important and rare specialisations that contribute to achieving sustainable development goals.
Furthermore, it is noteworthy that the university has launched several academic and professional programmes at diploma, master’s, and doctoral levels in innovative specialisations over recent years. These programmes come within the framework of responding to the aspirations of Their Majesties and Highnesses the leaders of the GCC countries.
