The Hashemite University (HU) on Sunday launched a project to establish the Global Center for Climate Change, Water, Energy, Health and Food Systems in Amman, which is the first of its kind in the region.

Speaking during the launching ceremony, the university's president, Dr. Khaled Hiyari, said the project, which is funded by the U.S. National Institute of Health (NIH), constitutes a "global" initiative, comprised of a network of scientists from multiple specializations, who represent "prestigious" American and Jordanian universities and civil society organizations concerned with sustainable development issues.

    On its vision, Hiyari noted the project seeks to establish a virtual center that brings under its umbrella over than 30 scientists in multiple areas, primarily water sciences, energy, health, agriculture, data science, and statistics.

     Hiyari added that part of the new center's budget will be allocated to establish a water desalination plant that runs on solar energy in central Mafraq governorate.

     Hiyari stated that this facility is designed to become a research hub to contribute to collect scientific data to know climate change impacts on public health in local communities, who are most vulnerable to the risks of this phenomenon and then provide related solutions.

"Our region is exposed to the risks of climate change, mainly high temperatures, drought, water scarcity, and floods, as well as the spread of related physical and psychological diseases," Hiyari pointed out.

   Additionally, he stressed the importance of international scientific and research partnership to discuss interconnected scientific issues, primarily climate change, water, energy, food and health, which require multidisciplinary research teams to reach sustainable applied solutions.