Ajman University Advances Institutional Climate and Education Leadership at Times Higher Education Arab World Summit 2025

Ajman University strengthened its regional leadership in sustainability and higher education development through its active participation in the Times Higher Education Arab World Summit 2025, hosted by Al Ahliyya Amman University and held in Amman, Jordan, from 25 to 27 November 2025. Centered on the theme “Future-ready and united: A new vision for Arab higher education,” the summit convened senior leaders from academia, government, and industry to examine how universities can drive societal, economic, and environmental progress across the Arab region.

The summit agenda addressed critical priorities shaping the future of higher education, including innovation ecosystems, digital transformation and artificial intelligence, institutional resilience, and graduate employability. Opening discussions highlighted the accelerating global visibility of Arab universities and emphasized the growing importance of transparency, accountability, and data-informed strategy in strengthening institutional impact.

Ajman University contributed to the summit’s academic leadership dialogue through its participation in the session “Reimagining Graduate Employability” held on 26 November. Representing the University, Dr. Khaled Assaleh, Vice-Chancellor of Academic Affairs, engaged in discussions on how universities can better align curricula with labour market needs and regional economic shifts. The session explored future skills and mindsets, the role of work-integrated learning and internships, and the importance of entrepreneurship in preparing graduates for a rapidly evolving world of work.

A core sustainability-focused contribution from Ajman University followed through its engagement in the workshop on Institutional Climate Action Planning, also held on 26 November at the Ahmad Hourani Auditorium. The strategic session examined how universities can develop and scale comprehensive sustainability action plans addressing energy use, biodiversity, waste management, and stakeholder engagement, while embedding climate responsibility across governance, operations, and academic frameworks.

Ajman University was represented in this workshop by Ms. Maya Haddad, Senior Sustainability Manager, who shared the University’s approach to building robust and accountable institutional climate action plans. Her contribution emphasized science-aligned net-zero ambition, inclusive community mobilization, and the use of transparent performance indicators, partnerships, and funding mechanisms to accelerate progress in decarbonisation and biodiversity protection.

Ajman University was also represented at the summit by Professor Mustahsan Mir, Vice Chancellor for Institutional Planning and Effectiveness, reflecting the University’s broad institutional engagement in high-level strategic discussions shaping the future of higher education in the region.

Ajman University’s engagement at the Times Higher Education Arab World Summit 2025 underscores its commitment to advancing sustainability, employability, and institutional excellence as integrated strategic priorities. Through the leadership of its academic and sustainability offices, the University continues to contribute to regional and global dialogue, reinforcing its role as a proactive institution shaping responsible, future-ready higher education in alignment with the UAE’s sustainability vision.