Abu Dhabi University And UI GreenMetric Host First International Sustainability Leaders Meeting In 2025

Abu Dhabi University (ADU) and UI GreenMetric are set to host the first International Sustainability Leaders Meeting (ISLM) on February 26th and 27th, 2025. This event will occur at ADU's Abu Dhabi campus, with an option for virtual participation. The gathering aims to unite global sustainability leaders, experts, and academic institutions to discuss innovative strategies for advancing the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in academia.

The ISLM aligns with the UAE's ambitious sustainability agenda under the theme "Doing Sustainable Development Goals in Higher Education: The Story of Our Institution and Society." This meeting will provide a platform for discussing how higher education can contribute to both UAE objectives and global SDGs. The event is supported by Environmental Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), over ten international universities, and representatives from various industries and global ranking entities.

Throughout the two-day conference, participants will engage in keynote addresses, interactive forums, and expert panel discussions. These sessions will highlight Abu Dhabi’s leading role in sustainable urban development, strategies for achieving carbon neutrality, and fostering green economies. Renowned sustainability experts, policymakers, and academics from the UI GreenMetric Network will share insights into developing impactful sustainability policies.

The conference also aims to deepen understanding of sustainability offices' critical role within universities. It emphasises the importance of dedicated human resources for successful initiatives. Participants will exchange best practices as universities from the UI GreenMetric network share their experiences in establishing and managing these offices.

Professor Ghassan Aouad, Chancellor of ADU, stated: "At Abu Dhabi University, we firmly believe that universities play a transformative role in shaping sustainable societies. By embedding sustainability into every facet of our institution, from research and teaching to campus life, we foster a culture of environmental responsibility that equips our students with the knowledge and skills to tackle global challenges. Through these initiatives, we are empowering tomorrow’s leaders to drive positive change, innovate solutions, and contribute to a resilient and sustainable future for all."

The ISLM will feature renowned experts who will offer valuable insights into implementing sustainability programs that deliver lasting environmental and social impact. Attendees will have opportunities to contribute their perspectives on furthering the broader sustainability agenda alongside global SDGs.

Encouraging Meaningful Change

This event underscores ADU’s strong performance in the 2024 UI GreenMetric World University Rankings. ADU ranked 344th out of 1,477 institutions globally and second in the UAE—a 15-place improvement from last year. The conference encourages universities to implement policies ensuring lasting environmental impact while highlighting sustainability offices' vital role in integrating sustainable practices into university operations.

The ISLM promises to be an influential platform for sharing knowledge on advancing sustainability within higher education institutions worldwide. By fostering collaboration among experts and academics globally, it aims to drive meaningful change towards a more sustainable future.

With inputs from WAM