Ajman University reaffirmed its commitment to advancing sustainable development and environmental responsibility by participating in the “Sustainability in Higher Education” workshop, organized by the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) under the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. Held on 21 November 2024 at the University of Sharjah’s Men’s Forum, the event brought together leaders, academics, and sustainability experts from across the UAE’s higher education sector.
The workshop aimed to enhance understanding of the newly developed Green Education (GreenEd) Framework, a national roadmap designed to integrate sustainability into higher education and technical vocational institutions. The framework aligns with the UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategy and global climate goals, guiding universities toward environmentally responsible operations, socially inclusive communities, and effective governance models.
The program opened with welcoming remarks by Prof. Hamid Al-Naimiy, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah, followed by Dr. Sameera Almulla, Director of the CAA, who highlighted the ministry’s commitment to embedding sustainability as a core principle in higher education. Keynote speakers shared impactful case studies, including Julia Carlow, Associate Head of Sustainability at the American University of Sharjah, who presented “Sustainability Excellence in Higher Education”, and Dr. Eesa Al Bastaki, President of the University of Dubai, who showcased his university’s success as the world’s second and the region’s first Net Zero Energy Campus.
Subsequent sessions focused on youth engagement and institutional collaboration. Majed Bin Saad, President of the UAE Green Youth Majlis, inspired participants with a talk on empowering youth to become sustainability advocates, while Dr. Rasha Bayoumi, Co-Chair of the Universities Climate Network (UCN), discussed how 35 UAE-based universities, including Ajman University, are working collectively to achieve campus carbon neutrality and strengthen climate action initiatives.
The workshop featured a presentation by Prof. Mufeed Batarseh, Policy Development and Quality Expert at the CAA, who introduced the GreenEd Framework Draft Guidance Manual. The framework is structured around five sustainability pillars: Academics and Research, Community Engagement, Operations and Resources, Planning and Administration, and Innovation and Leadership. These pillars serve as benchmarks for institutions to align their strategies with the UAE’s sustainability vision.
Interactive group sessions followed, providing participants an opportunity to exchange insights and develop practical action plans for integrating sustainability into teaching, research, and campus operations.
Ajman University’s active participation in the workshop underscores its role as a member of the national GreenEd Taskforce Committee and the Universities Climate Network, contributing to the UAE’s vision of building climate-resilient and knowledge-driven education systems.
The event concluded with a collective call to action, encouraging all higher education institutions to implement the GreenEd Framework and continue strengthening the UAE’s leadership in sustainability-focused education.
Ajman University’s participation reflects its unwavering commitment to aligning education with the nation’s sustainability agenda, preparing future leaders who will drive climate action and sustainable innovation across the region.
To view the presentations given during the workshop, please click here.
To view the GreenEd framework, please click here. This document was introduced by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHSER), which is designed to serve as a roadmap for higher education and TVET institutions to operationalize sustainability initiatives. By outlining clear frameworks and actionable steps, this Framework aligns with the UAE’s commitment to climate neutrality (NZE) and empowers institutions to contribute to the UAE’s sustainability strategies and Net Zero 2050 goals. Ajman University was part of the taskforce committee, commissioners, experts, and the higher education institutions that contributed in developing the GreenEd Framework.