Ajman University Engages in UNESCO ESD-Net 2030 Dialogue on Social and Emotional Learning for Sustainability

Ajman University reinforced its commitment to transformative education and sustainable development through the participation of its Office of Sustainability in the UNESCO ESD-Net 2030 Learning Webinar on Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) for Sustainability, held online on 10 December 2025. Organized by UNESCO, the webinar convened global education stakeholders to explore how social and emotional learning can strengthen education systems’ contributions to lasting peace and sustainability.

The webinar was situated within UNESCO’s Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) for 2030 framework and aligned with the UNESCO Recommendation on Education for Peace, Human Rights and Sustainable Development (2023). Discussions emphasized the importance of expanding education beyond cognitive learning to include social, emotional, and relational dimensions that support holistic learner development and responsible global citizenship.

The session highlighted the dual role of SEL in enriching educational approaches while equipping learners with essential competencies to navigate complex social and environmental challenges. Through a lifelong and life-wide learning perspective, the webinar demonstrated how SEL can be embedded across all stages of education and throughout different phases of life, both within and beyond formal learning environments.

A central component of the webinar was the exchange of global good practices and country case studies, illustrating how SEL contributes to learner resilience, empathy, ethical decision-making, and collective civic responsibility. Panel discussions and interactive breakout sessions explored both policy and practice, offering participants practical tools and insights to integrate SEL into education systems, sustainability initiatives, and peace-building efforts.

Ajman University was represented at the webinar by Rami Elhadi, Administrative Coordinator at the Office of Sustainability, and Moza Alsuwaidi, Intern at the Office of Sustainability from the College of Business. Their participation reflects the University’s emphasis on inclusive institutional engagement and capacity building across both professional and student communities.

Ajman University’s engagement in this UNESCO learning webinar underscores its ongoing dedication to advancing Education for Sustainable Development, student well-being, and inclusive, future-oriented education. Through the active involvement of its Office of Sustainability, the University continues to align its academic and sustainability initiatives with global frameworks and the UAE’s broader vision for sustainable development and social cohesion.