Abu Dhabi University (ADU), in partnership with UI GreenMetric, will host the inaugural International Sustainability Leaders Meeting (ISLM) on February 26-27, 2025, at ADU’s Abu Dhabi campus, with an option for virtual participation. The event will bring together global sustainability leaders, experts, and higher education institutions to discuss innovative strategies for advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within academia. The conference is supported by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), along with over 10 international universities and representatives from various industries and global ranking organizations.
Aligned with the UAE’s ambitious sustainability agenda, the first edition of ISLM will be held under the theme Doing Sustainable Development Goals in Higher Education: The Story of Our Institution and Society. The meeting will provide a platform for participants to discuss how higher education can contribute to the UAE’s objectives and global SDGs. The event highlights ADU’s strong performance in the 2024 UI GreenMetric World University Rankings, where it placed 344th out of 1,477 institutions worldwide and 2nd in the UAE – a 15-place improvement from the previous year.
Professor Ghassan Aouad, Chancellor of ADU, said: “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”.
Throughout the two-day event, attendees will take part in a series of sessions, including keynote addresses, interactive forums, and expert panel discussions that will highlight Abu Dhabi’s pioneering role in sustainable urban development, strategies for achieving carbon neutrality, and approaches to fostering green economies.
The ISLM will bring together esteemed sustainability experts, policymakers, and academics from the UI GreenMetric Network and beyond to share key insights on developing and implementing sustainability policies and programs that create lasting environmental and social impacts. The event will also provide a platform for participants to share their views, advancing the wider sustainability agenda and supporting the global SDGs.
The conference aims to deepen participants’ understanding of the critical role sustainability offices play in universities, particularly the importance of dedicated human resources for successful sustainability initiatives. It will also facilitate the exchange of best practices, as universities from the UI GreenMetric Network share their experiences in establishing and managing sustainability offices. Additionally, the conference will drive meaningful changes by encouraging universities to implement sustainability policies and programmes that ensure lasting environmental and social impact. It will also highlight the crucial role of the sustainability office in integrating sustainable practices into university operations and fostering innovation.
The event offers participants the opportunity to join either in person or virtually, encouraging active participation in crucial discussions and contributing to the advancement of sustainability efforts. By uniting diverse viewpoints, ADU strengthens its ongoing commitment to promoting sustainability and reinforces its dedication to supporting the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
