emirates7 - Abu Dhabi University (ADU), in partnership with UI GreenMetric World University Rankings, hosted the inaugural International Sustainability Leaders Meeting (ISLM) at its main campus, drawing over 250 participants from 40 countries.
This event aligns with the UAE’s Green Agenda 2030, which seeks to contribute 4-5% to the nation’s GDP by enhancing sustainability initiatives within the academic sector.
ISLM brought together national and international sustainability leaders, experts, and representatives from higher education institutions, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), global ranking organisations, and key industry players.
Under the theme Doing Sustainable Development Goals in Higher Education: The Story of Our Institution and Society, the event featured strategic discussions on integrating the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into academic institutions to advance global sustainability efforts.
Professor Ghassan Aouad, Chancellor of ADU, welcomed esteemed guests, including Husin Bagis, Ambassador of Indonesia to the UAE, and Professor Riri Fitri Sari, Chairperson of UI GreenMetric World University Rankings.
Professor Aouad stated, “Abu Dhabi University is honoured to host the first ISLM in collaboration with UI GreenMetric. As global conversations on sustainability evolve, this forum fosters meaningful partnerships that equip universities with the necessary strategies to drive impactful change. Through innovation and action, we are tackling today’s environmental challenges and shaping a sustainable future.”
Professor Fitri Sari highlighted the significance of the meeting, saying, “Bringing university leaders together to share sustainability practices is crucial for advancing sustainable development in higher education and beyond. The UAE, particularly Abu Dhabi, exemplifies a strong commitment to sustainability through its leadership and innovative initiatives.”
Professor Sherine Farouk, Associate Provost for Academic Projects and Internationalisation at ADU, Member of the Sustainability Strategic Committee, and Lead of the Communal Activation Pillar in the UAE Universities Climate Network (UCN), reinforced ADU’s dedication to sustainability. She stated, “At ADU, we are committed to equipping students and the wider community with the knowledge and platforms needed to engage in critical sustainability discussions. By fostering awareness and offering practical learning opportunities, we empower students to drive real change.”
The meeting featured distinguished speakers, including Ahmed Baharoon, Executive Director of Environmental Information Science and Outreach Management at EAD; Dr. Ashwin Fernandes, Executive Director (AMESA) at QS; and Professor Sherine Farouk.
ISLM included keynote speeches, interactive forums, and expert panel discussions on Abu Dhabi’s role in sustainable urban development, the evolving responsibilities of universities in achieving carbon neutrality, and strategies for implementing the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings Network vision. Participants also explored the importance of establishing sustainability offices in universities to integrate eco-friendly practices and equip students and faculty with the necessary tools for contributing to a greener future.
The event underscored ADU’s strong performance in the 2024 UI GreenMetric World University Rankings, where it ranked 344th out of 1,477 institutions worldwide and 2nd in the UAE, marking a 15-place improvement from the previous year.
Organised by ADU, the event was held in collaboration with United Arab Emirates University, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, University of Szeged, Universitas Diponegoro, Università degli Studi dell'Aquila, Times Higher Education World University Rankings, Universidade de São Paulo, Association of Arab Universities, Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings, Tzu Chi University, and the American University in Cairo.
This event aligns with the UAE’s Green Agenda 2030, which seeks to contribute 4-5% to the nation’s GDP by enhancing sustainability initiatives within the academic sector.
ISLM brought together national and international sustainability leaders, experts, and representatives from higher education institutions, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), global ranking organisations, and key industry players.
Under the theme Doing Sustainable Development Goals in Higher Education: The Story of Our Institution and Society, the event featured strategic discussions on integrating the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into academic institutions to advance global sustainability efforts.
Professor Ghassan Aouad, Chancellor of ADU, welcomed esteemed guests, including Husin Bagis, Ambassador of Indonesia to the UAE, and Professor Riri Fitri Sari, Chairperson of UI GreenMetric World University Rankings.
Professor Aouad stated, “Abu Dhabi University is honoured to host the first ISLM in collaboration with UI GreenMetric. As global conversations on sustainability evolve, this forum fosters meaningful partnerships that equip universities with the necessary strategies to drive impactful change. Through innovation and action, we are tackling today’s environmental challenges and shaping a sustainable future.”
Professor Fitri Sari highlighted the significance of the meeting, saying, “Bringing university leaders together to share sustainability practices is crucial for advancing sustainable development in higher education and beyond. The UAE, particularly Abu Dhabi, exemplifies a strong commitment to sustainability through its leadership and innovative initiatives.”
Professor Sherine Farouk, Associate Provost for Academic Projects and Internationalisation at ADU, Member of the Sustainability Strategic Committee, and Lead of the Communal Activation Pillar in the UAE Universities Climate Network (UCN), reinforced ADU’s dedication to sustainability. She stated, “At ADU, we are committed to equipping students and the wider community with the knowledge and platforms needed to engage in critical sustainability discussions. By fostering awareness and offering practical learning opportunities, we empower students to drive real change.”
The meeting featured distinguished speakers, including Ahmed Baharoon, Executive Director of Environmental Information Science and Outreach Management at EAD; Dr. Ashwin Fernandes, Executive Director (AMESA) at QS; and Professor Sherine Farouk.
ISLM included keynote speeches, interactive forums, and expert panel discussions on Abu Dhabi’s role in sustainable urban development, the evolving responsibilities of universities in achieving carbon neutrality, and strategies for implementing the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings Network vision. Participants also explored the importance of establishing sustainability offices in universities to integrate eco-friendly practices and equip students and faculty with the necessary tools for contributing to a greener future.
The event underscored ADU’s strong performance in the 2024 UI GreenMetric World University Rankings, where it ranked 344th out of 1,477 institutions worldwide and 2nd in the UAE, marking a 15-place improvement from the previous year.
Organised by ADU, the event was held in collaboration with United Arab Emirates University, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, University of Szeged, Universitas Diponegoro, Università degli Studi dell'Aquila, Times Higher Education World University Rankings, Universidade de São Paulo, Association of Arab Universities, Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings, Tzu Chi University, and the American University in Cairo.