Ajman University Champions Green Schools at World Environment Day GEP Webinar

As the world marks World Environment Day, Ajman University reaffirmed its commitment to advancing climate action in education by participating in the Greening Education Partnership (GEP) Capacity Building Webinar Series, focused on "Innovative Practices for Advancing Green Schools."

The webinar, organized by the GEP Secretariat, brought together global education leaders to spotlight contributions under Pillar 1 of the Greening Education Partnership: Greening Schools. The session underscored education's role as the most effective long-term solution to the climate crisis.

A Global Platform for Green Schools

Launched at the UN Transforming Education Summit in September 2022, the Greening Education Partnership now includes over 1,700 organizations and 97 member states, all working to "get every learner climate-ready" through four pillars of action: greening schools, greening curriculum, greening teacher training and education systems' capacities, and greening communities .

The World Environment Day webinar provided a valuable opportunity for GEP members to showcase good practices and innovative activities that advance green schools globally. The event featured presentations and interactive discussions on how places of learning can transform to align with green practices and contribute to global environmental awareness .

Ajman University's GEP Engagement

Ajman University's participation in the webinar reflects its sustained engagement with the Greening Education Partnership at the highest levels. The university has been an active contributor to GEP working groups since 2023, when the Office of Sustainability participated in the Third Quarterly Working Group Meeting focused on advancing greening education . Discussions at that session centered on GEP's core pillars while preparing for COP28 .

At COP28 in Dubai, Ajman University's Sustainability Manager and a student delegation attended the Greening Education Partnership Annual Meeting, where high-level discussions involved education and environment ministers from various countries . During this session, The Declaration on the Common Agenda for Education and Climate Change was endorsed, calling for unified efforts to integrate climate education into national policies .

Innovative Practices in Green Schools

Ajman University's flagship sustainability initiative, the "Greening Communities: Mangrove Planting Project," exemplifies the kind of innovative practice the GEP webinar seeks to spotlight. The project, which won the prestigious QS Reimagine Education Award 2024 in the "Sustainability Education Action" category, engages students, faculty, school students, and community members in restoring mangrove ecosystems .

The initiative aligns with the UAE's goal of planting 100 million mangrove trees by 2030 and supports multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals, including Quality Education, Climate Action, Life on Land, and Partnerships for the Goals . In May 2025, the university resumed the mangrove planting initiative in collaboration with Al Zorah Golf Club and Quest for Adventure, bringing together students from private schools, students of determination, and members of the Ajman University community .

The project also received national recognition as Best University-Led Project at the MAJRA Sustainable Impact Challenge 2025, standing out from more than 228 entries across the UAE .

Institutional Commitment to Climate Action

Ajman University's engagement with the GEP is part of a broader institutional strategy that has earned global recognition. In the Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026, Ajman University ranked among the world's top 300 institutions overall and achieved #1 in the UAE for both SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) .

Speaking on the university's sustainability achievements, Dr. Karim Seghir, Chancellor of Ajman University, stated: "Sustainability is embedded in how we teach, how we conduct research, how we serve our community, and how we build partnerships that contribute to the UAE and the wider world" .

Looking Ahead

As World Environment Day 2025 calls for collective action on climate change, Ajman University remains committed to the GEP's vision of transforming education systems worldwide. Through active participation in global forums, innovative campus initiatives, and community-driven projects, the university continues to demonstrate that higher education institutions can be powerful catalysts for climate action and sustainable development.

The GEP Capacity Building Webinar Series, launched in 2024, facilitates peer-to-peer learning and fosters collaboration across the partnership. Ajman University's ongoing engagement with these sessions reflects its dedication to staying at the forefront of greening education and contributing to the global movement for climate-ready learners