SQCC’s 2019 Annual Conference – University of Houston – Clear Lake

SQCC’s 2019 Annual Conference – University of Houston – Clear Lake

The Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center held its 10th annual conference at the University of Houston – Clear Lake on 23 October 2019. This year’s conference, “Energy and Environmental Stewardship: Oman and the U.S.” included discussions of oil in Oman and the U.S., environmental and climate change effects on coastal regions, disaster management, and science diplomacy. HE Salim Al Aufi, Undersecretary, Ministry of Oil and Gas, Sultanate of Oman, delivered the conference keynote address the previous evening.

The conference’s first panel, “Oil in Oman and the U.S.: Overlapping Histories and Concerns” focused on the evolution of the energy sector in both Oman and the U.S. and how efforts towards sustainability have affected future development.

The second panel, “Environmental and Climate Change in Coastal Regions and Cities” discussed changing climate conditions and how the risk of flooding is being addressed in Oman and in Texas.

The lunch keynote “Science Diplomacy: My Journey and My Perspectives” was delivered by Dr. Kamlesh Lulla, Director for University Research Collaboration and Partnership Office at Johnson Space Center, NASA. During the lunch break, conference guests also explored a poster presentation on Oman prepared by UHCL students.

The third panel, “Disaster Management: Preparedness, Response and Humanitarian Aid” highlighted the role of proactive disaster management and the multifaceted approaches needed to address disaster events in both Oman and Texas.

The fourth and final panel of the conference, “Science Diplomacy” explored the role of science in fostering international cooperation.