Developing Strategy for Integrating Sustainability in UAE Higher Education Institutions towards UAE Strategic Initiative Net Zero 2050

Abstract

Sustainability is a major concern for many governments and corporations today. As UAE declared 2023 to be the "Year of Sustainability," the UAE's development goals are centered on the concept of sustainability. UAE National Climate Change Plan (2017–2050) of the United Arab Emirates, with an emphasis on air quality, water resources, clean energy infrastructure, and green growth initiatives (SDGs) is framed by the United Nations' SDG 2030 Goals. The Ministry of Education's strategy plan for 2017–2021 intends to develop a cutting-edge educational system for a knowledge-based and globally competitive society, in addition to UAE Vision 2031, which was followed by UAE 2021 Vision. To prepare pupils for the future work market, this educational system will include representatives from all age groups. Sustainability is a major issue for the world as the climate change and environmental degradation are becoming worse. HEI have an important contribution developing ways for integrating sustainability into campus activities, teaching and research. Incorporation sustainability in HEI is still in its early stages. To reach a sustainable university, HEI must re-evaluate and re-position themselves in society as revolutionary change agents and drivers. It necessitates intentional, purposeful engagement with societal issues. The only way for the planet's soon-to-be 10 billion inhabitants to have a sustainable future. This paper propose framework for a transition applied approach to enhance the sustainability culture in HEI. In UAE as "holistic" implementation of sustainability into its operations, curriculum integration, and research including KPI’s and also study the benefits and challenges of doing so.