Abu Dhabi University to Host Inaugural International Sustainability Leaders Meeting
Abu Dhabi, The Gulf Observer: Abu Dhabi University (ADU), in collaboration with UI GreenMetric, has announced the inaugural International Sustainability Leaders Meeting (ISLM), set to take place on February 26-27, 2025, at ADU’s Abu Dhabi campus. A virtual attendance option will also be available.
The ISLM will bring together global sustainability leaders, experts, and higher education institutions to explore innovative strategies for advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in academia. Supported by Environmental Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) and over ten international universities, the event will provide a platform for discussions on integrating sustainability into higher education.
Under the theme “Doing Sustainable Development Goals in Higher Education: The Story of Our Institution and Society”, the meeting aligns with the UAE’s ambitious sustainability agenda. The event also highlights ADU’s strong performance in the 2024 UI GreenMetric World University Rankings, where it secured 344th position globally out of 1,477 institutions and ranked 2nd in the UAE, marking a 15-place improvement from the previous year.
Professor Ghassan Aouad, Chancellor of Abu Dhabi University, emphasized the role of universities in shaping sustainable societies:
“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 two-day event will feature keynote speeches, interactive forums, and expert panel discussions addressing Abu Dhabi’s pioneering role in sustainable urban development, carbon neutrality strategies, and fostering green economies. Participants will gain insights from renowned sustainability experts, policymakers, and academics from the UI GreenMetric Network and beyond.
The conference aims to enhance the role of sustainability offices in universities by emphasizing the importance of dedicated human resources, exchanging best practices, and encouraging the integration of sustainability policies into university operations. By fostering dialogue and collaboration, ISLM seeks to contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally responsible future.
