Manama, The registration period for the Professional Diploma in Waste Management Programme, offered by the Community Service, Consultancies, Training and Continuing Education Centre at the Arabian Gulf University (AGU), in collaboration with the Environment, and Environmental and Biological Studies Centre at the College of Education, Administrative and Technical Sciences, will close in October 15. Classes are set to commence in early November.
The programme has witnessed notable success since its inception in October 2021. It has garnered support from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and accreditation from the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) in the United Kingdom. To date, three batches of diploma students have graduated, representing key public and private sector institutions in Bahrain and the GCC countries.
AGU’s Centre for Community Service, Consultancies, Training, and Continuing Education is offering this professional diploma through an intensive curriculum that featu
res lectures from a distinguished group of international experts. The study packages focus on integrated sustainable management methods for various types of waste, including municipal, medical, and industrial waste. Moreover, the programme emphasises the significance of environmental innovation and the circular economy in waste management, as well as its relationship to water, energy, and food security, alongside innovative sustainable alternatives for materials.
This diploma targets various professional sectors, including managers, employees, technicians, and graduates who aspire to enhance their knowledge, refine their skills, and excel in their careers while diversifying their capabilities in related fields. Obtaining the Professional Diploma in Waste Management equips participants to thrive in the increasingly competitive labour market, particularly in light of the global shift towards sustainability, the circular economy, and renewable energy sources. Furthermore, the programme enhances job prospects by
imparting advanced skills and knowledge that positively impact work quality and productivity.
Recognised as the first of its kind in the West Asia region, this diploma aims to build professional capacities in innovative and sustainable waste management, with accreditation from the CIWM in the UK and the UNEP’s West Asia Office. Notably, AGU launched this programme with the support of UNEP’s West Asia Office, employing a dual education model that combines virtual and in-person instruction. This initiative has attracted significant interest from various sectors across the GCC, including municipal, industrial, and health sectors, especially at a time when waste management represents one of the foremost challenges facing urban environments worldwide.
The design of the Professional Diploma in Waste Management was motivated by a recognised gap in awareness and knowledge about sustainable waste management practices. Experts point to the necessity of perceiving waste as a valuable resource instead of merely waste,
to maximise its utility. Promoting sustainable production and consumption reduces resource wastage and, consequently, waste generation. Additionally, effective waste management and the adoption of a circular economy are essential for protecting the environment, economy, and society. This requires a collective effort to diminish poor practices, starting with consumer behaviour, coupled with widespread awareness campaigns within communities.
AGU plays a pivotal role as the only regional university managed by the GCC, offering significant and specialised programmes that contribute to achieving sustainable development goals. Furthermore, in recent years, the university has launched several academic and professional programmes at the diploma, master’s, and doctoral levels, aligning with the aspirations of Their Majesties and Highnesses, the leaders of the GCC countries, and the vision of the University’s Board of Trustees.
Source: Bahrain News Agency
