UAE Universities Climate Network

Ajman University's Leadership of the UAE Universities Climate Network

Ajman University stands at the forefront of climate action in higher education through its leadership of the UAE Universities Climate Network (UCN) . This powerful alliance comprises 38 UAE-based universities and higher education institutions working together to drive engagement among youth and academia, and to showcase the crucial role of higher education in tackling climate change. The UCN was launched to unify the voices of UAE universities, strengthen youth engagement, and mobilise academic communities around the climate agenda in the lead-up to COP28.

Ajman University's Leadership Role

Ajman University holds a distinguished leadership position within the UCN, serving as one of the three institutions currently leading the network alongside Khalifa University and the University of Birmingham Dubai.

Ms. Maya Haddad, Senior Sustainability Manager at Ajman University's Office of Sustainability, has been appointed as Head of Operations for the UCN. In this capacity, she plays a pivotal role in advancing climate action regionally and internationally, and promoting sustainability across the UAE's academic sector. The official handover ceremony, held at New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), was attended by distinguished dignitaries including H.E. Edward Hobart, the UK Ambassador to the UAE; H.E. Ambassador Majid Al-Suwaidi, Director-General of the COP28 UAE Presidency; and Professor Sir John O'Reilly, President of Khalifa University.

Her Excellency Razan Al Mubarak, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28, commended the appointments, stating: "Universities play an integral role in supporting climate action. They provide the research, education and expertise to respond to the climate challenge, developing the solutions and capacity to reduce emissions and address the adaptation gap. With the appointments of Dr Samuel Mao, Dr Rasha Bayoumi and Ms Maya Haddad in the UAE, I am delighted that UCN are building on their success at COP28 to take forward this agenda across the MENA region".

Ajman University's leadership extends across the network's four strategic pillars. Ms. Haddad co-leads the Campus Carbon Neutrality Pillar alongside Julia Carlow of the American University of Sharjah. In addition, she leads the "Children and Climate Change" Thematic Group of the UCN, with the primary mission of empowering university students and faculty with knowledge about the impacts of climate change on children, focusing on areas like health.

Key Initiatives & Achievements

1. Launch of the MENA Climate Solutions Research Network (MENA CSRN)

In August 2024, Ajman University's Office of Sustainability, in collaboration with the UCN and supported by the UN High-Level Climate Champions, launched the MENA Climate Solutions Research Network (MENA CSRN) . This initiative aims to tackle critical climate challenges within the MENA region by implementing solutions aligned with the "2030 Climate Solutions - Implementation Roadmap".

The network focuses on key thematic priorities identified at COP28, including energy, transport, industry, land use, oceans & coastal zones, water, human settlements, and finance. Through a multidisciplinary approach encompassing technological innovations, policy frameworks, and capacity-building efforts, the network addresses these areas to drive meaningful climate action.

2. Launch of the UCN Decarbonization Academy

In March 2025, Ajman University led the launch of the UCN Decarbonization Academy in collaboration with leading universities in the UAE. This initiative represents a significant step forward in advancing campus decarbonization plans and aligning with the UAE's ambitious Net Zero 2050 strategy.

3. Wellbeing Economy Award Celebration

Ajman University, in partnership with Greenpeace MENA and the UCN, celebrated the winners of the Wellbeing Economy Award, reinforcing the network's commitment to fostering sustainable and equitable economic models.

4. COP28 Universities Climate Network

Ajman University formally joined the COP28 Universities Climate Network as an integral member, demonstrating its commitment to mobilizing youth and academia in the fight against climate change. The UCN's structure and initiatives were designed to empower young people to take the initiative in combating climate change.

The UCN's Four Strategic Pillars

The network's strategy rests on four pillars for thought leadership and action:

1. Student Youth Engagement Pillar: Empowering Youth Climate Leaders by igniting a global movement of student climate action

2. Research & Innovation Pillar: Fueling Innovation and Solutions by disseminating climate research and providing policymakers with actionable recommendations

3. Communal Activations Pillar: Engaging Communities with Action by activating university campuses and stakeholders

4. Campus Carbon Neutrality Pillar: Leading by Example by spearheading university decarbonization plans aligned with the UAE's Net Zero 2050 strategy

A Shared Commitment to Climate Action

Through its leadership of the UAE Universities Climate Network, Ajman University continues to demonstrate its unwavering commitment to climate action, sustainability, and youth empowerment. By uniting 38 universities across the Emirates, the UCN is building a powerful movement that showcases the critical role of higher education in tackling climate change. Whether through research, innovation, or community engagement, Ajman University remains dedicated to creating a more sustainable future for the UAE and the world.