On Tuesday, June 4, 2024, the 8th Steering Committee Meeting of the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings Network (UIGWURN) took place at Casa Rosarista, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota, Colombia. The National Coordinators of UI GreenMetric World University Rankings gathered to present reports and future plans regarding their sustainability efforts. This meeting was attended by the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings Secretariat, Prof. Riri Fitri Sari (Chairperson of UI GreenMetrc), Dr. Junaidi (Vice-Chair of IO GreenMetric), and Sabrina Hikmah Ramadianti, S.Si. (Coordinator for Program, Communication and Partnership of UI GreenMetric) and national coordinators from Colombia, Italy, Brazil, Indonesia, the United Emirates Arab, Russia, Ecuador, Hungary, Kazakhstan and Nigeria.
The purpose of this meeting was to report and discuss activities in each country, agree on the 2024 activities, and address other matters related to the network. The participants presented their reports in person in Bogota and via online/pdf/recording formats.
In-person Participants:
1. Colombia (El Bosque University): Dra. Maria Clara Rangel, Rector & Prof. Jaime Alberto Romero Infante, Director of the Environmental Management Unit
2. Italy (Universita degli Studi dell'Aquila): Prof. Anna Tozzi, Rector's Consultant for Internationalisation Policies & Dr. Massimiliano, University representative in the Energy working group of the University Network for Sustainable Development
3. Brazil (University of São Paulo): Prof. Tadeu Malheiros, Environmental Superintendency Advisor
4. Indonesia (Universitas Diponegoro): Prof. Dr. Denny Nugroho Sugianto, S.T., M.Si, Coordinator of SDGs Center & Dessy Ariyanti, S.T., M.T., Ph.D., Deputy Head of University Reputation Office
5. United Arab Emirates (University of Sharjah): Prof. Dr. Tevhide Serra Gorpe, Co-chair Sustainability Curriculum Circle and Professor of Communication
Online/PDF/Recording Participants:
1. United Arab Emirates (University of Sharjah): Prof. Abdelaziz Soufyane, Director of the Office of International Relations
2. Ecuador (Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo): Byron Ernesto Vaca Barahona, Rector & Ing. Rafael Cordova, Person in Charge for UI GreenMetric
3. Russia (RUDN University):Prof. Vladimir M. Filippov, President & Prof. Margarita Redina, Professor
4. Hungary (University of Pécs): Tünde Kulcsár, Program Coordinator, Green University Program
5. Hungary (University of Szeged): Dr. Dénes Mátyás, Deputy Director for Sustainability
6. Nigeria (Lagos State University): Prof. Adejuwon Adewale Adeneye, Person in Charge of UI GreenMetric
7. Kazakhstan (Kazakh National Agrarian Research University):Prof. Rafis F. Abazov, Ph.D., Director of the Institute for Green and Sustainable Development
Observers:
1. Saeed Zolfaghari, Ph.D., PEng, FEIC, Professor and Vice-President, Administration and Operations, Toronto Metropolitan University, Canada
2. Savo Markovic, Full Professor, Rector, University Mediterranean, Montenegro
3. Marija Jankovic, Vice-Rector of International Cooperation, University Mediterranean, Montenegro
4. Marina Bulatovic, Financial Director, University Mediterranean, Montenegro
5. Dr. Yasser MAGHRBI, Director of Research Operations, University of Côte d'Azur, France
6. MSc. Enibeth Madueño, Directora de Relaciones Institucionales e Información, Universidad Privada Dr. Rafael Belloso Chacín, Venezuela
7. Dra. Cruz Barreto Teran, Coordinadora de Desarrollo Sustentable, Universidad Privada Dr. Rafael Belloso Chacín, Venezuela
8. Dr. Nathaniel S. Golla, Vice Chancellor for Administrative Services, De La Salle University-Dasmariñas, Philippines
9. Dr. Geraldine Campos Zamora, Assistant Professor, De La Salle University-Dasmarinas, Philippines
The presence of national coordinators provided an opportunity to address crucial inquiries regarding the responsibilities of universities in global sustainability challenges. The primary objective was to promote collaboration and knowledge sharing among universities worldwide in addressing sustainability issues. Distinguished experts, rectors, deans, senior representatives, academics, and members of the UI GreenMetric secretariat attended the meeting. The discussions, which were smooth and fruitful, revolved around key areas including:
1. Ongoing efforts in establishing a strategic network within each member country
2. Necessary actions to implement strategic frameworks effectively
3. Exploring avenues for collective collaboration within the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings Network
UI GreenMetric envisions this meeting as a dynamic platform for National Coordinators to generate innovative ideas, engage in meaningful discussions, and collaborate on addressing future environmental challenges. The goal is to foster more active engagement within the UI GreenMetric green campus and sustainable agenda.
From this meeting, we aim to establish future collaborations, including the Sustainable Entrepreneur Bootcamp, a joint initiative by UI GreenMetric in partnership with the University of Sharjah, UAE, Università degli Studi dell'Aquila, Italy, and Universidad El Bosque, Colombia.
Additionally, we plan to embark on a joint research project focused on sustainability, specifically in the field of circular economy. This research will be led by Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil, with Universitas Diponegoro, Indonesia, as the co-leader. The project will also involve collaboration with the University of Montenegro, Montenegro, the University of Sharjah, UAE, Toronto Metropolitan University, Canada, Universidad El Bosque, Colombia, Università degli Studi dell'Aquila, Italy, ESPOCH, Ecuador, and RUDN University, Russia.
Gallery:
Written by: Sabrina Hikmah Ramadianti and Yovita Y. Yamin
