Ajman University Faculty and Student Voice the Call to "Be Bold on Buildings" in EmiratesGBC Advocacy Video

Ajman University continues to amplify its voice in the global push for sustainable urban development. Dr. Muna Salameh from the College of Architecture, Art, and Design (CAAD) and student Aysha Nimra Nimara recently joined forces with the Emirates Green Building Council (EmiratesGBC) to take part in a powerful advocacy video spotlighting their shared commitment to a sustainable, low-carbon future.

The initiative was launched as the EmiratesGBC wrapped up an inspiring week of events dedicated to advancing green building practices. The video campaign posed a critical question to industry leaders, academics, and emerging professionals: “How should we be bold on buildings?”

Answering the Call for Urgent Climate Action

By participating in the advocacy campaign, Dr. Salameh and Aysha Nimra Nimara added their unique perspectives to a collective narrative reflecting the passion, innovation, and urgency driving the transition toward a climate-resilient, sustainable built environment.

Their participation highlights the critical need for bold, decisive action in the architecture and construction sectors, which account for nearly 40% of global energy-related carbon emissions. The advocacy video serves as a testament to the fact that achieving the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 goals requires a unified effort across generations—from seasoned academic experts to the passionate student leaders of tomorrow.

A Dynamic Student-Faculty Collaboration

The joint participation of a distinguished faculty member and an ambitious student is a hallmark of Ajman University’s educational philosophy. It demonstrates that sustainability at AU is not confined to the classroom; rather, it is a lived experience where faculty and students collaborate as co-creators of a greener future.

Aysha Nimra Nimara’s involvement underscores the vital role of youth in climate advocacy, showing that students are not just passive learners but active contributors to the national and regional sustainability agenda.

A Continued Legacy of Partnership with EmiratesGBC

This advocacy video is the latest milestone in the highly active and fruitful Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Ajman University and EmiratesGBC. Over the past year, this partnership has continuously yielded impactful results, including:

• Serving as a distinguished judge for the 13th Annual MENA Green Building Awards.

• Participating as an expert in the World Cities Day Roundtable Discussion.

• Co-authoring the EGBC Women’s Network White Paper on advancing equity in the UAE built environment.

• Speaking at World Green Building Week’s "One Region, Many Pathways" event.

• Attending the 14th Annual Congress under the theme "Mission to 1.5°C: Be Bold on Buildings."

Aligning with Ajman University’s Global Rankings and SDGs

This initiative directly supports Ajman University’s strategic commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

These efforts are reflected in the university's outstanding performance in the Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Rankings 2026, where Ajman University was ranked among the world's top 300 institutions overall and achieved the #1 position in the UAE for both SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

As the UAE and the global community continue to raise the bar for environmental stewardship, Ajman University remains steadfast in its mission to champion bold, innovative solutions. Through the active engagement of experts like Dr. Muna Salameh and the inspiring advocacy of students like Aysha Nimra Nimara, the university is helping to build a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient future for all.