Ajman University’s Maya Haddad Speaks on “Higher Education as a Catalyst for the SDGs” at UN HESI Forum
Ajman, UAE – Maya Haddad, Senior Sustainability Manager at Ajman University, participated as a speaker at the annual United Nations Higher Education Sustainability Initiative (HESI) Forum, held virtually on Wednesday, 21 May 2025. Haddad delivered a session titled “Higher Education as a Catalyst for the SDGs: Ajman University in Action,” highlighting the university’s efforts to advance the Sustainable Development Goals through academic leadership, campus operations, and community partnerships.
The HESI Networking Forum brought together the higher education and sustainable development community to foster collaboration and showcase innovative member-led initiatives. The programme featured opening remarks by HESI Co-Chairs, interactive networking sessions, introductions to HESI’s UN partners and thematic Action Groups, an exhibition hall of member contributions, and the presentation of the new HESI Partnership Framework.
In her session, Haddad shared Ajman University’s experience in embedding sustainability across its operations and academic mission, demonstrating how higher education institutions can serve as drivers of climate action and partnerships for the goals. Her participation underscored the university’s growing role in global sustainability dialogues and its commitment to translating academic leadership into practical impact.
The event concluded with next steps and a preview of the 2025 HESI Global Forum. Ajman University’s participation reflects its continued commitment to international collaboration on sustainable development and to supporting the UAE’s Net Zero targets through higher education leadership.
