Ajman University Strengthens Global Sustainability Ties at ISCN Biodiversity Community of Practice Meeting

Demonstrating its active role in the global sustainability dialogue, Ajman University (AU) participated in the ISCN Biodiversity Community of Practice (CoP) meeting on Tuesday, December 3, 2024. The virtual gathering brought together international higher education leaders to discuss the critical role of universities in implementing the landmark Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework following COP16.

The session featured key insights from global sustainability leaders, including Emily Stott from the University of Oxford's Nature Positive Universities (NPU) initiative and Emilio Latorre from the ISCN-LATAM Chapter. The discussions focused on the outcomes and challenges of COP16, held earlier this year in Cali, Colombia, and how higher education institutions can serve as catalysts for achieving global biodiversity targets.

“Active participation in forums like the ISCN Biodiversity CoP is integral to our sustainability strategy,” said Maya Haddad from Ajman University's Office of Sustainability. “Engaging with peers from Oxford, LATAM, and other global institutions allows us to benchmark our practices, gather innovative ideas, and reinforce our commitment to the Nature Positive Universities initiative. The insights on translating international agreements into local action are directly applicable to our campus and community initiatives.”

The meeting's agenda delved into two core themes:

• Representing Higher Education at COP16: Emily Stott shared her experience advocating for the university sector's role in global biodiversity policy.

• International Exchange as a Catalyst for Local Change: Emilio Latorre discussed how global cooperation, particularly through networks like the Sustainable Campus Network (RUCAS), drives tangible sustainability projects at the institutional level.

Ajman University's consistent involvement in the ISCN Community of Practice underscores its strategic commitment to environmental stewardship and global citizenship. By contributing to these discussions, AU continues to align its operations, curriculum, and research with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Life on Land (SDG 15), Climate Action (SDG 13), and Quality Education (SDG 4).