Ajman University Makes a Mark at the Global Sustainable Development Congress 2025

ISTANBUL, June 16-19, 2025 ,  The Global Sustainable Development Congress (GSDC) 2025, one of the world’s most influential gatherings dedicated to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), is taking place this week at the Istanbul Congress Centre. Ajman University has secured a prominent presence at the four-day event, led by the university’s sustainability team.

Co-hosted by Türkiye's Council of Higher Education and convened by Times Higher Education (THE), the congress has brought together over 5,000 representatives from more than 110 countries to drive urgent action toward a more sustainable future. This marks the first time Türkiye has hosted the prestigious event, which runs from 16 to 19 June.

Representing Ajman University at the congress is a dedicated team including Nancy Bercaw (Executive Director for Strategic Partnerships), Maya Haddad (Senior Sustainability Manager), alongside Diocel Ortega (Manager, Quality Assurance). The university’s presence at the congress is two-fold: the team is actively exhibiting to showcase Ajman University’s pioneering sustainability initiatives, while also engaging in high-level sessions and forging new partnerships with global leaders in sustainability and higher education.

An Exhibition of Excellence: Ajman University’s Sustainability Showcase

At the heart of the congress, Ajman University’s exhibition stand has attracted significant interest from delegates, rectors, policymakers, researchers, and students from around the world. The theme of this year’s congress, "Convening the global sustainability and higher education community," aligns closely with the university’s strategic vision. Visitors to the stand are learning about Ajman University’s award-winning approach to embedding sustainability across education, operations, and research.

The university’s recent performance in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2025 has been a key point of interest. Ajman University delivered an exceptional performance across several SDGs, ranking #16 globally and #1 in the UAE for SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, the only mandatory SDG for all participating institutions in the Impact Rankings. Additionally, the university advanced from the Top 400 to the Top 200 globally in SDG 3: Good Health and Wellbeing, securing the top position nationally, while maintaining its #1 in the UAE for SDG 13: Climate Action and Top 200 global standing, continuing to lead among UAE universities in this critical area.

These achievements underscore Ajman University’s role as a regional leader in integrating the SDGs into higher education.

Maya Haddad Moderates Influential Panel on Gender Parity

Beyond the exhibition floor, Maya Haddad took on a pivotal role as moderator of a key panel session titled “Achieving Gender Parity in Global Higher Education.” The session, which fell under the congress’s “Education, Gender, and Inequalities” track, featured an impressive lineup of speakers from around the world, including Natalia Molina Calavita (Girls Go Circular), Kiran Kaur (Girl Dreamer), Jennifer Lowe (University of Newcastle), and Assistant Professor Ayşe Didem Sezgin (Boğaziçi University).

Drawing on her extensive experience in sustainability and institutional leadership at Ajman University, Maya guided a candid and insightful discussion on the structural, cultural, and legal barriers that continue to impede gender equality in academia. The panel explored what is working, from grassroots digital skills programmes in Europe to institutional policy shifts, and what still needs urgent attention, including the often-overlooked financial and cultural hurdles faced by women from the Global South.

Engaging with Global Leaders and Strengthening Partnerships

The Ajman University team has been fully immersed in the congress’s packed agenda, which features over 180 sessions across six core tracks: Cities and Communities, Digital Innovation, Education/Gender/Inequalities, Energy and Industry, Food/Land/Water/Oceans, and Health and Wellbeing. Representatives have participated in sessions on topics ranging from AI for environmental conservation to sustainable campuses, climate-resilient institutions, and equitable education.

The congress also provided a vital platform for networking. Ajman University’s team connected with other higher education leaders, business chiefs, and government officials to explore research collaborations, student exchange programmes, and shared infrastructure initiatives. The university’s strong presence reflects its commitment to the UN’s Higher Education Sustainability Initiative, the Race to Zero campaign, the Greening Education Partnership with UNESCO, and the Nature Positive Pledge.

Diocel Ortega and Nancy Bercaw, attending alongside Maya, have supported these engagements while gaining valuable insights from the diverse range of sessions and workshops on offer.

A Shared Commitment to the SDGs

The Global Sustainable Development Congress 2025 is more than just a conference, it is a global call to action. The discussions in Istanbul have focused on critical issues such as climate change, socio-economic equality, the role of artificial intelligence in sustainability, and the economics of sustainable development. The results of the 2025 THE Impact Rankings were also announced during the event, further focusing attention on the measurable contributions of universities worldwide.

For Ajman University, participation in GSDC 2025 represents a natural extension of its long-standing dedication to sustainability. By exhibiting on the global stage and actively contributing to the dialogue, the university continues to live up to its mission of fostering environmental responsibility, social consciousness, and academic excellence.

As the congress continues through 19 June, the Ajman University team remains committed to sharing knowledge, forging alliances, and bringing home new ideas and partnerships that will further accelerate the university’s journey toward a sustainable and equitable future.