CETY University, Mexico

On April 29–30, 2025, the UI GreenMetric Türkiye Workshop was held at the Ground Floor Meeting Room of the Rectorate Building in Burdur, Türkiye. Hosted by Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, the event brought together representatives from universities across Türkiye who are united by a strong commitment to sustainability and building more resilient, environmentally conscious campuses. In 2024, Türkiye has demonstrated outstanding leadership in higher education sustainability, with 120 Turkish universities now participating in the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings. Türkiye now stands among the most engaged countries worldwide in the UI GreenMetric network, reflecting its strong, collaborative commitment to advancing sustainability in higher education. The workshop opened with a series of impactful remarks from distinguished sustainability leaders. Prof. Dr. Oğuz Gürsoy, Vice Rector of Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, welcomed the participants and emphasized the vital role universities play in fostering environmental responsibility. He was followed by Prof. Dr. Ir. Tommy Ilyas, M.Eng, Expert Member of the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings, who highlighted the global mission and progress of the UI GreenMetric network. The final keynote of the opening was delivered by Prof. Dr. Yılmaz Yıldırım, Professor of Environmental Sciences and Engineering at Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University and UI GreenMetric Türkiye National Coordinator, who shared Türkiye’s remarkable progress and roadmap within the global sustainability framework. The workshop continued with four sessions, each focused on advancing the implementation of UI GreenMetric indicators in campus operations. These sessions provided an opportunity for shared learning and practical dialogue among sustainability practitioners in Turkish higher education. The first session covered national and global strategies for sustainability. Prof. Dr. Yılmaz Yıldırım provided updates on the UI GreenMetric framework and gave a briefing on the development of the Turkish National Network. His presentation was followed by an introduction to UI GreenMetric and the UI GWURN (GreenMetric World University Ranking Network) by Prof. Ir. Gunawan Tjahjono, M.Arch., Ph.D. The session concluded with a symbolic moment—the UI GreenMetric Network Membership Declaration Signing Ceremony—further reinforcing Türkiye’s commitment to collaborative sustainability efforts. Eight universities signed the declaration, opening new opportunities for enhanced collaboration in higher education under the UI GreenMetric frameworks. The universities are: 1. Siirt University 2. Pamukkale University 3. Isparta University of Applied Sciences 4. Nevşehir Hacı Bektaş Veli University 5. Bingöl University 6. Amasya University 7. Konya Technical University 8. Ankara Hacı Bayram Veli University In the second session, which focused on managing setting and infrastructure, energy, climate change, and waste, attendees heard from Prof. Dr. Halime Ömür Paksoy, who presented Çukurova University’s best practices in campus sustainability. Asst. Prof. Dr. Ufuk Özkan also shared a compelling case study of İzmir Kâtip Çelebi University’s transformation, titled “From Industrial Memory to a Resilient Future.” The third session explored how campuses can effectively manage water, transportation, and sustainability in education and research. Research Asst. Dr. Tuğçe Kalkan shared real-life examples of water efficiency practices on university campuses. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ümit Güneş presented on developing sustainable transportation systems, while Asst. Prof. Dr. Kübra Ertan emphasized the importance of integrating sustainability into both education and research. Adding a hands-on dimension to the workshop, participants also took part in a Campus Tour hosted by Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University. The tour offered a closer look at the university’s sustainability practices in action—from green infrastructure and energy systems to waste management and eco-conscious campus planning. It allowed attendees to see firsthand how sustainability principles are being implemented at the institutional level. Over the course of two days, the UI GreenMetric Türkiye Workshop served not just as a platform for academic exchange but also as a symbol of Türkiye’s growing leadership in sustainability. The event reflected a shared passion and responsibility among Turkish universities to act collectively for a better future. The conversation around implementing sustainability as a foundational principle of universities will continue to take place, with Yildiz Technical University playing a pivotal role in hosting next year’s event. UI GreenMetric invites even more institutions to join this global initiative. Together, we can take meaningful steps that turn ideas into action—and create a greener, more resilient academic world. Written by Riska Putri Hariyadi - Communication Specialist of UI GreenMetric Galleries  

On Friday, April 25th, UI GreenMetric celebrated the spirit of Kartini—Indonesia’s pioneering advocate for women’s rights—by holding a special Instagram Live Discussion titled “Jejak Kartini Masa Kini: Kepemimpinan Perempuan di Dunia yang Berkelanjutan.” This event honored Kartini’s enduring legacy by amplifying the voices of modern-day Indonesian women who are shaping a more sustainable and equitable future through education, advocacy, and innovation. Moderated by Sabrina Hikmah, Coordinator of Program, Communication, and Partnership at UI GreenMetric, the session brought together three remarkable speakers: Prof. Dr. Sumarmi, M.Pd, Professor of Environmental Geography and Head of UM Green Campus; Dr. Susi Agustina Wilujeng, S.T., M.T., Head of the Environmental Engineering Department at the Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) and member of ITS’s PPKS Task Force; and Ranitya Nurlita, an environmental consultant and Managing Director of WasteHub.id. The discussion centered on the evolving role of women in sustainability leadership, focusing on progress, persistent challenges, and the untapped potential of young women across sectors. All speakers acknowledged that while gender inclusion in sustainability has improved, significant work remains to ensure lasting structural change. Prof. Sumarmi shared that women’s innate strengths—such as humanism, empathy, and collaboration—are key assets in shaping future educators and building inclusive academic environments. She shared, “Our university is centered around education where students are positioned as future educators. The quality of women, which includes a nurturing sense of humanism and collaboration, can bridge the future generation toward a more just and sustainability-focused future.” This is reflected in various programs she leads that extend beyond the campus and engage society at large—such as Saber Pungli Kota Malang, Sahabat Mata Air, and climate change mitigation programs that involve communities outside the university. Ranitya Nurlita built on this perspective by highlighting the role of empathy and multitasking—qualities often associated with women—in designing effective environmental interventions. Using the example of domestic waste management, she stressed that policies need to reflect real-world struggles faced by women in their everyday lives. By acknowledging and integrating women’s experiences, solutions are appropriately targeted instead of being approached in a generalized manner. Dr. Susi Agustina Wilujeng offered an institutional view, illustrating how UI GreenMetric has supported universities like ITS in identifying areas for improvement. She noted that UI GreenMetric’s indicators provide a helpful framework for internal evaluation and strategic planning in sustainability. She further explained how ITS integrates social justice into its sustainability agenda, particularly through its Gender VOCAL Point initiative—an internal program ensuring that both women and men have equal access to leadership roles and decision-making opportunities. This reflects the university’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality, showing how institutional structures can be designed to support equity and sustainability together. As the discussion progressed, more ways for women to engage in sustainability became evident. Representing an NGO perspective, Ranitya shared how her organization WasteHub.id actively creates pathways for women to pursue green careers. She runs a WhatsApp community that circulates updates on green jobs, workshops, and professional development opportunities. For those looking to explore this path, she invited the audience to visit bit.ly/JoinGreenJobs. Throughout the event, what emerged was a clear and consistent message: women are already playing a central role in sustainability, but their leadership must continue to be recognized, supported, and expanded. Each speaker embodied the enduring spirit of Kartini—not only by advocating for gender equality but also by demonstrating that a sustainable future is best built through empathy, collaboration, and a sustained collective effort. UI GreenMetric remains committed to fostering ongoing dialogue and enriching discussions around sustainability, particularly within the context of higher education. Written by Riska Putri Hariyadi – Communication Specialist

The 3rd International Student Leaders Meeting on Sustainability (ISLMS 2025), held from 10–12 April 2025 in Szeged, Hungary, was a vibrant and inspiring gathering that united student-delegates, academics, and sustainability experts from across the globe. Hosted by the University of Szeged in collaboration with UI GreenMetric, the event brought together delegates from 27 countries and 57 universities, reflecting the shared global commitment to advancing sustainability in higher education and empowering the next generation of changemakers. Throughout the three-day agenda, ISLMS 2025 not only provided a platform for academic and policy exchange but also served as a space to unite brilliant minds from around the world while fostering mutual cultural understanding. The presence of student-delegates from diverse backgrounds enabled the sharing of unique perspectives and enriched dialogue—not only about sustainability practices but also about the value of cultural diversity and the importance of peace-driven global collaboration. The event offered a meaningful opportunity for participants to connect with Hungarian culture, strengthening cross-cultural ties and mutual appreciation—key elements in building lasting international partnerships. The meeting opened with inspiring remarks from key academic and institutional leaders. Prof. Zoltán Kónya, Vice-Rector for Scientific Affairs & Innovation, and Prof. Dr. Gábor Szabó, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at the University of Szeged, delivered welcoming addresses highlighting the role of universities as drivers of change in the sustainability movement. They were joined by Prof. Dr. Ir. Riri Fitri Sari, Chairperson of UI GreenMetric, who emphasized the importance of international collaboration and student engagement in shaping a sustainable future. Keynote speeches throughout the day offered powerful insights into pressing global issues. Dr. Csaba Janáky, Director of the National Laboratory for Renewable Energy, challenged popular assumptions in his talk “Renewable Energy: Myth, Hype, and Reality,” offering a balanced and science-driven view on the future of clean energy. Dr. Junaidi, Vice-Chair of Program, Communication, and Partnership at UI GreenMetric, followed with “Building a Greener Future: The Role of Students in Sustainability,” inspiring the audience to recognize their potential and responsibility in creating change. Prof. Dr. Ildikó Csóka, Director-General for Strategy at the University of Szeged, concluded the keynote session with “Responses to Global Challenges at the University of Szeged,” highlighting the university’s institutional strategy and long-term vision for sustainability. The afternoon program featured two in-depth panel discussions. The first, “Advancing Sustainability Competencies in Research and Education,” was moderated by Dr. Dénes Mátyás, Deputy Director for Sustainability at the University of Szeged. This session brought together interdisciplinary researchers from the host university—Prof. Zoltán Bajmócy, Dr. Tamás Gál, Dr. Csaba Janáky, Dr. József Maléth, and Dr. István Sisák—who shared how their work in economics, geospatial science, chemistry, medicine, and agriculture contributes to the sustainability agenda. The second panel, “Sustainability in Higher Education: Efforts, Challenges, Activities, and Best Practices,” also moderated by Dr. Mátyás, showcased innovative practices and institutional strategies from other Hungarian universities. Speakers included Dr. Katalin Ásványi from Corvinus University of Budapest, Dr. Levente Horváth from the Budapest University of Economics and Business, Brigitta Molnár-Ferenczik from the University of Pannonia, and Dr. Zsuzsa Piskóti-Kovács from Eszterházy Károly Catholic University, each highlighting their efforts in embedding sustainability into academic and administrative frameworks. ISLMS 2025 was more than a conference—it was a global platform for dialogue, learning, and action. It brought together diverse voices, forged new academic partnerships, and most importantly, empowered student-delegates as active contributors to sustainability leadership. The strong collaboration between the University of Szeged and UI GreenMetric laid the foundation for an inspiring and impactful event that will continue to resonate across campuses worldwide. A heartfelt thank you to the University of Szeged for their generous hospitality and outstanding efforts in hosting this meaningful event. Their leadership and dedication made ISLMS 2025 a truly memorable and impactful experience for all participants. Written by Riska P. Hariyadi - Communication Specialist Galleries