Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Turkey

Universidad de Santander, Colombia

Universidad Tecnica Particular de Loja (UTPL), Ecuador

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. Adding a broader international perspective, a special video message from H.E. A.H. Dimas Wahab, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Hungary, was presented during the opening session. In his address, he reaffirmed the importance of youth leadership in sustainability and praised the strong collaboration between institutions, particularly between UI GreenMetric and the University of Szeged. 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

On 9 April 2025, the Second International Innovation X.0 Forum, hosted by the University of Sharjah, brought together global thought leaders, educators, and innovators to explore the future of sustainability and innovation. With the theme "Towards a Sustainable and Innovative Future: From Education and Research Perspective," the forum emphasized the crucial role of education and research in driving sustainable change. One of the highlights of the forum was the keynote address delivered by the Chairperson of UI GreenMetric, titled "Sustainable Innovation with Blockchain: Reshaping Global Development for a Greener Economy." In her address, the Chairperson discussed how blockchain technology can contribute to sustainability efforts by improving transparency, reducing inefficiencies, and enabling more sustainable economic practices. She also highlighted the potential of blockchain to support a greener, more sustainable economy. In addition to the Chairperson's enriching keynote, the forum featured several other prominent speakers, including Dr. H.E. Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Prof. Hany Moustapha, Prof. Tommaso Di Noia, and Prof. Qassim Nasir, who shared their insights on how education and research can foster sustainable development. Yousuf Alazizi, Abdelrahman Yousif Ahmed Alrousi Alhammadi, Walid AlRahmani, Eng. Mohamed Yousef Abdulla Mohamed Hasan, and Saleh Atatreh also provided valuable perspectives on innovation and sustainability, exploring emerging trends and solutions to the global environmental challenges we face today. The forum served as an invaluable platform for thought leaders, educators, and innovators to exchange ideas and explore creative solutions to address the pressing environmental challenges of today, paving the way for a more sustainable future. UI GreenMetric, dedicated to promoting sustainability within universities worldwide, continues to empower academic institutions to lead the way in integrating sustainable practices and innovations. The Chairperson’s participation underscored the organization's ongoing commitment to supporting global sustainability through collaboration, education, and research. Written by Riska P. Hariyadi - Communication Specialist of UI GreenMetric

On March 13th, UI GreenMetric IG Live took the stage again to strengthen the discourse around sustainability in higher education. This time, in collaboration with Abu Dhabi University and Adam Mickiewicz University, we discussed the topic of “Women’s Leadership in the Future of Sustainable Campuses.” This discussion aligns with the recent celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8th. Showcasing real examples of women’s leadership in higher education and sustainability, the event featured Prof. Sherine Farouk, Associate Provost and Member of the Sustainability Strategic Committee at Abu Dhabi University (ADU), UAE, and Lead of the Communal Activation Pillar in the UAE Universities Climate Network (UCN), as well as Anna Schmidt-Fiedler, Head of the Social Innovations and Sustainability Office at Adam Mickiewicz University, Poland. The session was moderated by Riska Hariyadi, Communication Specialist at UI GreenMetric. The talk provided valuable insights into the incredible impact women’s leadership is having on sustainability efforts in educational institutions, including how women leaders are uniquely positioned to foster inclusivity and diversity, overcome challenges, and drive environmental action. “The ability of women to address sensitive social issues that often disproportionately affect them can foster a culture of change in society that is more inclusive. Adam Mickiewicz University understands this challenge and has therefore initiated many programs to incorporate a gender-balanced approach through participatory research, as well as the use of feminine language that diminishes the centrality of masculine terms in professional settings,” shared Anna Schmidt-Fiedler when asked about the unique qualities women bring to leadership. She also noted that Adam Mickiewicz University has been a front-runner in implementing women’s leadership, as it is one of the few universities that has appointed a woman to the rector position. In addition to the qualities of women that foster an inclusive working environment, Prof. Sherine Farouk shared that many strategic positions in Abu Dhabi have been filled by women. Women have also become pillars of decision-making in areas such as teaching, sustainability, and community engagement at her respective university. However, she acknowledged that challenges for women still exist. “Collaboration is key to positioning women in strategic roles. The absence of sufficient mentorship programs is one challenge, but maybe if we allow competition, it could benefit women by providing equal opportunities to showcase their leadership skills, excel, and break down barriers to top positions,” she explained. In her closing statement, she also recommended the creation of female-focused sustainability fairs or workshops to strengthen women’s role in leadership. This recommendation resonated deeply, as it directly addresses the lack of mentorship that often hinders women’s growth. Such events could serve as valuable platforms for women to connect, gain direct mentorship, and find role models to inspire and guide their own leadership journeys. UI GreenMetric has taken many aspects related to women into account, including the conscious decision to add indicator that support women’s natural needs while enabling them to function professionally in universities. This initiative aims to encourage universities around the world to adopt behavior changes that are both more sustainable and inclusive. This commitment to equity fosters leadership opportunities for women, driving sustainability efforts and promoting a more inclusive and thriving academic community. UI GreenMetric is dedicated to sustaining these crucial conversations and actions to advance sustainability in higher education. This IG Live discussion is one of many initiatives that UI GreenMetric is carrying out to encourage sustainable practices across universities globally. To keep up with upcoming events and sustainability efforts, make sure to follow UI GreenMetric on its social media channels. • Instagram: @ui.greenmetric • Facebook: UI GreenMetric World University Rankings • YouTube: @UIGreenMetricWUR • LinkedIn: UI GreenMetric World University Rankings Written by Riska P. Hariyadi - Communication Specialist