Abu Dhabi University in collaboration with UI GreenMetric is organizing
The 2nd International Sustainability Leaders Meeting
The event will also be broadcast online
Theme
From Commitment to Measurable Impact: Leading Sustainable Universities in the AI Era – Universities Accelerating Climate Action, Digital Transformation, and Global Collaboration
Date & Venue
15 January 2027
Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Background and Program Overview
The 1st International Sustainability Leaders Meeting (ISLM 2025), organized by UI GreenMetric and Abu Dhabi University, gathered global sustainability leaders and experts to discuss the most pressing sustainability challenges in higher education. The inaugural edition focused on institutional experiences, sustainability offices, implementation challenges, knowledge sharing, and best practices for integrating sustainability across universities worldwide.
Building upon the success of ISLM 2025, the 2nd International Sustainability Leaders Meeting (ISLM 2027) advances the conversation from sharing institutional experiences toward measuring, scaling, and accelerating sustainability impact. The meeting will focus on how universities can translate sustainability commitments into measurable actions through climate leadership, artificial intelligence (AI) and data-driven solutions, campus transformation, student engagement, sustainability rankings, and global partnerships.
As universities navigate rapid advances in artificial intelligence, climate change, digital transformation, and evolving societal expectations, institutional leaders are challenged to embed sustainability across governance, operations, education, research, and international collaboration.
Building upon the ongoing commitment of UI GreenMetric and Abu Dhabi University to advancing the global sustainability agenda, ISLM 2027 will serve as a high-level forum bringing together university presidents, rectors, vice chancellors, sustainability leaders, sustainability offices, policymakers, industry representatives, ranking experts, researchers, student voices, and international organizations to exchange strategic insights and develop collaborative actions for accelerating sustainable higher education.
Hosted by Abu Dhabi University, the meeting will provide a focused platform for dialogue on climate action, sustainable campus operations, AI-enabled sustainability monitoring, institutional governance, rankings, regional collaboration, and partnerships for implementation.
Program Objectives
- Showcase how universities are turning sustainability commitments into measurable outcomes.
- Strengthen the role of higher education institutions as climate & environment action leaders and living laboratories for sustainable transformation.
- Explore how AI, data, rankings, and digital tools can support sustainability performance and institutional decision-making.
- Promote collaboration among universities, governments, industry, and international networks to scale sustainability solutions.
- Highlight the role of students, faculty, and sustainability offices in embedding sustainability across operations, education, research, and community engagement.
- Develop shared priorities and practical recommendations for universities to advance sustainability by 2030.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Alignment
ISLM 2027 is designed to foster discussions, knowledge exchange, and collaborative initiatives aligned with the following Sustainable Development Goals. The meeting will particularly focus on the SDGs identified as core values of ISLM 2027, while remaining open to broader sustainability goals and related initiatives: SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
This SDG synergy presents a strategic pathway for universities to accelerate sustainable transformation. The pathway begins with Quality Education (SDG 4) and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17) as the foundation for knowledge creation, capacity building, and collaboration. This foundation is translated into institutional actions through Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7), Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9), Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), and Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), promoting sustainable campus development, innovation, and responsible practices. Ultimately, these initiatives converge toward Climate Action (SDG 13), positioning universities as key actors in advancing climate resilience through the pathway of knowledge and collaboration → institutional transformation → measurable climate impact.
Expected Outcome
ISLM 2027 is positioned as a high-level strategic forum that brings together university leaders, sustainability experts, and global partners to shape the future direction of sustainable university transformation. Unlike regular UI GreenMetric activities that focus on benchmarking, assessment, and knowledge exchange, ISLM 2027 emphasizes leadership dialogue, strategic alignment, and collective commitment to accelerating sustainability action in higher education. The expected deliverables of the meeting include:
- Policy Brief featuring an executive summary, a shared understanding of global sustainability challenges, and strategic recommendations derived from ISLM 2027, highlighting the forum's role in advancing sustainable university transformation.
- Leadership Statement as a platform to capture and highlight planned collaborations and sustainability commitments emerging from ISLM 2027, including bilateral, multilateral, and other forms of partnerships among UI GreenMetric member universities, institutions, and stakeholders in areas such as AI, climate action, and sustainability innovation.
Important Dates
Date | Activities |
|---|---|
| 13-14 January 2027 | ICASF 2027 Conference Dates |
| 30 August 2026 | Abstract Submission Deadline (ICASF 2027) Registration Link: https://eforms.adu.ac.ae/icasf |
| 15 September 2026 | ISLM Deadline for Registration |
Forum Fee:
- ISLM-only Participation Fee (no paper): $200 + VAT
- ISLM + ICASF 2027 Registration Fee (with GEP waiver): $350 + VAT
Why Attend?
- Gain insights from global university leaders, policymakers, researchers, industry experts, and sustainability professionals.
- Explore practical strategies for achieving measurable sustainability impact across education, research, operations, governance, and community engagement.
- Learn how artificial intelligence, digital technologies, and smart-campus solutions can support institutional transformation.
- Present your research to an international audience and receive valuable interdisciplinary feedback.
- Access potential publication opportunities through journals and conference proceedings associated with ICASF 2027, subject to peer-review and publication requirements.
- Build partnerships with universities, governments, industry, publishers, international organizations, and global research networks.
- Attend ICASF 2027 keynote sessions, policy dialogues, leadership panels, research presentations, and the Abu Dhabi University Sustainability Campus Tour.
Contact Us
For more information, please contact:
Email: partnership@uigreenmetric.com, sakshi.sharma@adu.ac.ae
JOIN US IN SHAPING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR HIGHER EDUCATION AND BEYOND!
