Abu Dhabi University & UI GreenMetric to Host 1st Int’l Sustainability Meeting

Photo: Abu Dhabi Media Office

Abu Dhabi University (ADU) is set to host the first-ever International Sustainability Leaders Meeting (ISLM) in partnership with UI GreenMetric. The event will take place on February 26-27, 2025, at ADU’s Abu Dhabi campus, with an option for participants to join virtually. The conference will bring together sustainability experts, leaders, and representatives from universities around the world to discuss new ideas and strategies for supporting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within higher education.

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The event is backed by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) and more than ten international universities. Representatives from various industries and global-ranking organizations will also take part. This initiative aligns with the UAE’s ambitious goals for sustainability and highlights ADU’s dedication to playing an active role in global sustainability efforts.

Under the theme "Doing Sustainable Development Goals in Higher Education: The Story of Our Institution and Society," ISLM will focus on how universities can contribute to the UAE’s sustainability targets and the worldwide SDGs. The meeting also celebrates ADU’s achievement in the 2024 UI GreenMetric World University Rankings, where it secured the 344th spot among 1,477 universities globally and ranked second in the UAE, improving by 15 places from the previous year.

Professor Ghassan Aouad, Chancellor of ADU, emphasized the important role universities play in shaping a sustainable future. He stated, “At Abu Dhabi University, we strongly believe that universities can transform societies by making sustainability a key part of education, research, and daily campus life. We aim to create a culture of environmental responsibility that prepares students to tackle global challenges. Through these efforts, we hope to empower future leaders who will bring positive change and innovative solutions to build a more sustainable world.”

The two-day conference will feature keynote speeches, expert panel discussions, and interactive forums. These sessions will focus on Abu Dhabi’s leadership in sustainable urban development, strategies to achieve carbon neutrality, and ways to build green economies. Participants will learn from top sustainability experts, policymakers, and academics from the UI GreenMetric Network and beyond. The event will serve as a valuable space for attendees to exchange ideas, share their experiences, and contribute to the global conversation on sustainability.

A major focus of the conference will be the role of sustainability offices in universities. Experts will discuss how having dedicated human resources for sustainability efforts can lead to meaningful environmental and social changes. Universities in the UI GreenMetric Network will share their experiences in establishing and managing sustainability offices, offering practical insights that can help other institutions improve their sustainability initiatives.

ISLM aims to inspire universities to take real action by implementing policies and programs that have a lasting positive impact on the environment and society. The event will highlight how sustainability offices can integrate eco-friendly practices into campus operations and drive innovation in sustainability.

The conference invites participants from around the world to join either in person or virtually. By gathering diverse perspectives, ADU continues to strengthen its role in promoting sustainability and reinforcing its commitment to advancing global SDGs.