Northwestern Qatar organizes annual desert cleanup as part of Qatar Sustainability Week 2025
Northwestern University in Qatar organized its annual community cleanup at the Singing Sand Dunes near Nega Bu Birka, bringing together students, faculty, staff, and their families to promote environmental stewardship and community engagement ahead of Qatar Sustainability Week.
The initiative, led by the Wellbeing & Community Committee, reflects the university’s continued commitment to sustainability and community wellbeing. Dean and CEO Marwan M. Kraidy joined volunteers in the cleanup effort, emphasizing the university’s shared responsibility toward the environment.
“We had a great time coming together as a community for this year’s cleanup. It was a day of connection, reflection, and action, getting outdoors, giving back, and doing good for our planet. I am proud of how our students, faculty, and staff come together to live our values in such tangible ways. This is what being part of the NU-Q community is all about”
This year’s desert cleanup, facilitated by DEAP Qatar Conservation, follows last year’s community beach cleanup along Qatar’s northeastern coast. Both initiatives reflect the University’s ongoing collaboration with local organizations to advance sustainability goals and support national environmental initiatives.
As part of the event, participants were encouraged to use reusable materials such as gloves, water bottles, and collection bags to minimize single-use waste and reinforce sustainable habits.
The annual cleanup is one of several initiatives organized by the Wellbeing & Community Committee to strengthen wellbeing, social responsibility, and environmental awareness across the university community. HR director Hannah Balogun, who chairs the committee, said: “There’s something special about getting out into nature together - not just to clean up, but to connect, reflect, and do something good as a community. She added, “It’s these moments that remind us how wellbeing and belonging go hand in hand with caring for our planet.”
Northwestern Qatar’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond community activities to its operations and infrastructure. Its LEED O+M Platinum-certified building in Education City meets the highest international standards for energy efficiency, water conservation, and responsible maintenance.
Through initiatives such as the annual cleanup, Northwestern Qatar continues to advance sustainability as part of the University’s institutional values.
