2025 PRME Global Students Sustainability Award

EcoReps are enthusiastic students with a desire to promote sustainable change on campus. EcoReps educate their student peers on issues such as waste reduction, energy conservation, diversity and tolerance. Through guest speakers, events and outings, EcoReps deepen their own understanding of their sustainable campus and become better advocates for environmental action.

1. The Higher Education Climate Dialogues (HECD) Conference is a collaborative initiative between the American University of Sharjah (AUS) and New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), bringing together students, educators, and industry leaders to engage in meaningful discussions on sustainability. The 5th edition, hosted primarily by AUS in Spring 2025, aimed to deepen the understanding of sustainability by exploring diverse perspectives and fostering actionable collaborations. At the heart of the conference is Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13: Climate Action, which calls for urgent efforts to combat climate change and its impacts. The theme, “Collaborating for Climate Resilience,” was chosen to build on the legacy of COP28 and align with the UAE Climate Agenda, emphasizing the role of higher education in advancing sustainable solutions. The HECD conference recognized the growing challenge of sustainability fatigue, particularly among younger generations. By creating a dynamic space for discussion and action, it sought to inspire and energize students, faculty, and professionals to make sustainability a natural and integral part of daily decision-making. The conference emphasized that sustainability is not just an obligation but an opportunity—one that requires collective effort, creative solutions, and unwavering commitment. By leveraging the power of education, innovation, and collaboration, HECD 2025 played a pivotal role in reshaping sustainability narratives within higher education and beyond, paving the way for a resilient and climate-conscious future.

2. The Green Living Challenge is a sustainability initiative led by the EcoReps at the American University of Sharjah (AUS) within the residential halls. The project aims to promote sustainable living habits among students by encouraging energy conservation, waste reduction, and responsible consumption practices. The initiative is implemented through a gamified system where residents earn points by participating in sustainability-related activities, such as reducing water and electricity consumption, recycling, and attending sustainability workshops. The initiative aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). EcoReps work closely with the Office of Sustainability to track participation and measure the impact of students' efforts. This initiative fosters student agency by integrating sustainability into daily life while engaging students through friendly competition and incentives. Promotional materials and engagement strategies, such as interactive challenges, QR code-based surveys, and reward systems, further drive participation and enthusiasm. In December 2024, the EcoReps team, along with the Office of Sustainability and Student Residential Life Department, convened to brainstorm and design the challenges for the 2025 Green Living Challenge. Through collaborative discussions, we identified key sustainability themes for each semester and structured engaging, action-oriented challenges that align with student lifestyles. Our goal was to ensure that these initiatives were not only educational but also accessible, fun, and impactful for residential students. This planning session laid the foundation for the Spring 2025 challenges, incorporating elements of competition, awareness-building, and long-term behavioral change.

Spring 2025 Challenges:

• Let the Guide Guide You (using the green living guide directly to move in to the halls mindfully and sustainably)

• Survey on the Go (submitting an awareness related survey to learn about smart travel options on campus and within the UAE)

• SustainaBites: Sustainable Diet Challenge (choosing sustainable food options and apps)

• Green Iftar Sustainable Move-Out (using the green living guide directly to move out of the halls mindfully and sustainably)

• Electricity Reduction Challenge (using the green living guide to reduce electricity consumption and tracking the numbers using meters installed in the halls)

3. Cook for Change is an initiative aimed at promoting healthier and more sustainable eating habits among dormitory students. By incorporating whole foods, greener ingredients, and locally sourced produce, the project encourages students to cook nutritious meals rather than relying on processed or fast food. The initiative introduces creative substitutions, such as using cauliflower instead of cheese and incorporating vegetables like carrots into muffins, to make healthy eating both accessible and enjoyable.

4. The Meet and Greet introduced students to the EcoRep team and the Office of Sustainability, emphasizing student agency in driving campus sustainability. Aligned with SDGs 11, 12, and 13, the event encouraged responsible consumption, climate action, and sustainable community engagement. It showcased responsible management through zero-waste practices and interactive discussions, empowering students to participate actively in environmental initiatives. Beyond campus, it fostered connections with local and regional communities, creating a broader impact. By blending education, engagement, and action, the event reinforced the university’s commitment to sustainability and student-driven change.

5. Fireside chat with author Anthony Warner about his book “Ending Hunger: The Quest to Feed the world without destroying it”- With a focus on SDG 2, Zero Hunger, this chat aimed to address one of humanity’s greatest challenges- feeding a growing population sustainably. Multiple key points made in the book were discussed, ending with thought-provoking questions from the audience.

6. COP 29 initiative - along with universities under the UAE Universities Climate Network, our ecoreps designed a short workshop sharing efforts on sustainably organized conferences while the other institutions were focused on other aspects of reducing the carbon footprint. The goal was to share and provoke some thought through statistics and a short activity, shedding light on SDG 17- Partnerships For The Goals.

7. Media Initiatives - Our media team worked on showcasing senior design projects by seniors through short video summaries. The projects underscore the role of SDG 9- industry, innovation, and infrastructure. Intending to share and educate, these videos increased awareness of integrating sustainability into academic capstone projects.

1. Panel Discussion - With the topic of “Making Sustainability Accesible to the Youth”

The panel was carefully curated with specialists from each of the following sectors:

Food & Beverage: Mr Omar Chihab, award winning chef and owner of Boca; Business and consultancy: Ms. Maithili Madapati, Senior Manager- Climate Change & Sustainability at Ernst & Young; Social media: Elham Chehaimi, Educator and Founder and CEO of Bright Path

The panel discussion successfully bridged the gap between technical sustainability concepts and youth-friendly, actionable insights, making climate resilience and sustainable living feel more accessible rather than overwhelming. By engaging experts from diverse sectors, it provided practical strategies and real-world examples, equipping young attendees with the knowledge and motivation to integrate sustainability into their education, careers, and daily lives.

The workshops targeted various aspects through which climate action is enabled including:

• Business and consulting (SDG 8 & SDG 9, Decent Work and Economic Growth & Industry Innovation and Infrastructure) - “Climate Ideation Clinic Competition” by Ernst & Young

• Culture (SDG 15, Life on Land)- “Heritage and Sustainability: Trees and Bees” by Goumbook

• Recycling (SDG 12, Responsible Consumption and Production)- “Reboot and Recycle- sustainability behind the screens”( e-waste recycling)by Ecyclex

• Photography (SDG 15, Life on Land)- capturing nature through the “Let your vision unfold workshop” by Canon

• Diplomacy (SDG 16, Peace Justice and Strong Institutions)- international negotiations and youth’s role at COP28 by the Youth Climate Champion Team

Each workshop catered to different areas of interests of the attendees, thus impacting a wide range of audience. The goal here was to show that sustainability is an inherent and integral aspect of all human activity. It can be applied to and approached through any lens or perspective. The practical nature of each workshop was an expectation met by all the companies, giving the attendees an experience to remember and carry.

• Networking Majlis (SDG 13, Climate Action)- involved booths by multiple small companies that create spaces for climate conversations in their own ways. This, like the workshops, enhanced the local context that the conference was set in. The idea of the “majlis” pattern was borrowed from the negotiation majlis that was initiated at COP28 as part of the local emirati culture. This was intentionally organized in order to add some cultural element to educate the attendees.

• Catering (SDG 12, Responsible Consumption and Production)- offered by Healthy Farm Eatery which makes its dishes sustainably from seasonal and local produce. Catering at large conferences is a trending issue that must be addressed given the frequency and importance of such events in building communities and raising awareness. By inviting a local caterer with sustainability at the core of its operations, we aimed to demonstrate the importance of ensuring environmentally sound practices in organizing conferences.

2. The Green Living Challenge has significantly contributed to fostering a culture of sustainability in the AUS residential halls. The initiative has led to measurable reductions in energy and water consumption among participating dormitories, supported by quantitative data collected through utility reports. Additionally, qualitative feedback from students highlights increased awareness and commitment to sustainable practices. Through workshops and awareness campaigns, residents have reported changes in their consumption habits, such as reducing single-use plastics and being more mindful of their carbon footprint. Beyond the university, the initiative has inspired students to adopt long-term sustainable habits, influencing their broader communities and networks. The project has also strengthened student engagement with sustainability efforts, leading to increased participation in related programs such as the Can Collection Drive in collaboration with the Emirates Environmental Group (EEG). Events and social media outreach, as seen in the Green Living Challenge promotional posts, have further amplified the project's visibility and impact.

3. The cook for change initiative has significantly impacted students by increasing their awareness of healthy eating habits and sustainable food choices. By providing hands-on cooking sessions and demonstrations, Cook for Change has empowered students to take control of their nutrition, leading to better overall well-being. Additionally, sourcing ingredients locally supports sustainability efforts, reducing the carbon footprint associated with food transportation. The initiative also fosters a sense of community among students as they engage in shared cooking experiences and learn from one another.

4. Meet and Greet with the EcoRep Team and Office of Sustainability: Strengthened student agency in sustainability efforts, reinforcing student-led action as a core driver of campus environmental progress. Encouraged responsible waste management by demonstrating zero-waste practices at events. Facilitated networking between students and sustainability professionals, sparking collaboration beyond campus initiatives. Strengthened partnerships with local sustainability organizations, embedding the university in broader climate action efforts.

5. Fireside Chat with Anthony Warner on “Ending Hunger”: Provided students with a critical understanding of global food sustainability challenges, equipping them with knowledge to address these issues academically and personally. Encouraged research and discussions on sustainable food systems, potentially influencing future capstone projects or student-led sustainability solutions. The discussion contributed to broader community awareness about sustainable agriculture and food systems, potentially influencing personal and institutional food choices. Strengthened relationships with sustainability advocates and food security organizations, creating opportunities for future partnerships.

6. COP29 Initiative on Sustainable Conferences: Positioned the university as a leader in sustainability-driven event planning, showcasing best practices in sustainable conferencing. Inspired students to integrate sustainability principles into future university-led events, reducing campus-wide carbon footprints. Through collaboration with the UAE Universities Climate Network, the initiative strengthened the regional academic community's commitment to sustainability, setting a precedent for more eco-friendly conferences across institutions. Encouraged knowledge-sharing and thought leadership in sustainable event management, influencing local businesses and organizations planning large-scale events.

7. Media Initiatives Showcasing Senior Design Projects: Elevated student research and innovation, highlighting how sustainability can be integrated into academic work and future careers. Created a knowledge-sharing platform that encouraged underclassmen to consider sustainability-focused capstone projects. Showcased student-led sustainability innovations to industry professionals, policymakers, and the general public, strengthening connections between academia and industry. Encouraged local and regional companies to collaborate with students and implement sustainable solutions developed in these projects.

1. From the perspective of the students who organized the Higher Education Climate Dialogues (HECD) Conference, the experience was a transformative journey in leadership, problem-solving, and sustainability-driven innovation. We had specific positions handling various aspects of the conference and volunteers working under each department based on need:

• Head of Content and Scheduling

• Head of Sponsors and Partnerships

• Head of Marketing and Communications

• Head of Volunteer Management and Catering

Our engagement in planning and executing the event allowed us to develop essential skills that go beyond academics, shaping them into future thought leaders in climate action.

Strategic Planning & Execution: Organizing a conference of this scale required students to plan, coordinate, and adapt to challenges in real-time. From curating speaker panels to ensuring smooth logistics, we learned how to translate vision into action effectively.

Stakeholder Engagement & Professional Networking: Working closely with industry leaders, sustainability experts, and local businesses, we gained firsthand experience in professional communication and collaboration.Engaging with partners like Ernst & Young, Canon, and Healthy Farm Eatery helped us as members also understand how different sectors approach sustainability.

Public Speaking & Facilitation: We took on roles as moderators, facilitators, and hosts, refining their ability to lead discussions and communicate sustainability concepts to diverse audiences.

Problem-Solving & Crisis Management: Handling last-minute logistical challenges, speaker coordination, and audience engagement required quick thinking and adaptability. The ability to stay composed under pressure and troubleshoot issues became a key takeaway.

Collaboration & Team Leadership: Bringing together multiple moving parts—from workshops to panel discussions—taught them teamwork, delegation, and leadership. Managing fellow students while collaborating with external organizations honed our interpersonal and project management skills.

Cultural & Contextual Understanding: Introducing elements like the Networking Majlis, inspired by Emirati traditions, helped them blend sustainability with cultural relevance, making the event more impactful and inclusive.

Creative & Critical Thinking in Sustainability: Organizing workshops that showcased sustainability while staying on theme across fields like agriculture, business, media, and diplomacy expanded our understanding of sustainability’s multifaceted applications. Engaging in interactive, hands-on experiences (e.g., e-waste recycling, climate innovation competitions) demonstrated the practical side of sustainability.

Legacy & Thought Leadership: We set a precedent for future HECD conferences, proving that young leaders can drive meaningful sustainability dialogues. By turning sustainability from an abstract concept into an immersive experience, they equipped themselves and their peers with the skills and motivation to carry the momentum forward in their careers and communities. Through hands-on involvement, collaboration, and leadership, we gained invaluable skills that empowered us as the next generation of climate-conscious professionals and changemakers.

2. Participation in the Green Living Challenge has provided student organization members, particularly EcoReps, with invaluable leadership, organizational, and advocacy experience. Through planning and executing sustainability events, EcoReps have honed skills in event coordination, data collection, and community engagement. EcoReps have also had the opportunity to collaborate with university departments and external sustainability organizations, enhancing their professional development. Additionally, the initiative fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, allowing students from diverse academic backgrounds to contribute their skills and perspectives. Residential Assistants (RAs) were also involved to help engage residents more effectively, ensuring widespread participation and fostering collaboration between student leaders. Their involvement helped create a stronger sense of community and encouraged more students to take part in sustainability efforts.

3. Cook for Change contributes to student development in multiple ways. First, it enhances essential life skills, such as meal planning, budgeting, and cooking, which are crucial for independence beyond university life. Second, it encourages mindfulness about health and sustainability, shaping long-term habits that students can carry into their future careers and lifestyles. Lastly, the project builds a collaborative environment, strengthening communication and teamwork as students participate in cooking workshops together. Through these experiences, students develop a greater appreciation for nutritious eating while also reinforcing valuable social and practical skills.

4. The Meet and Greet with the EcoRep Team and Office of Sustainability enhanced our networking and public engagement abilities, allowing us to foster connections between students, faculty, and sustainability professionals.

5. Through the Fireside Chat with Anthony Warner, we strengthened our communication and facilitation skills, learning how to lead meaningful discussions and engage audiences in thought-provoking conversations.

6. The COP29 initiative provided experience in workshop development and strategic collaboration, as we worked alongside other universities to design and present solutions for sustainable conferencing.

7. Finally, the Media Initiatives on senior design projects improved our content creation and digital communication skills, as we crafted compelling narratives to showcase sustainability-focused research. Collectively, these initiatives gave us hands-on experience in leadership, advocacy, and problem-solving, equipping them with essential skills for future careers in sustainability and beyond.

1. Cook For Change - Residential halls

2. Activities for highschool students - Food, nutrition and gut health

3. Ghaf tree planting workshop

4. manbat farmers market in AUS

5. Higher education climate dialogue

6. meet and greet the EcoReps

7. shajar nursery trip

8. green living challenge - residential halls

9. masterchef competition

10. movie and quiz night for soil sustainability

11. can collection drive

12. reading and fire-side chat - Anthony Warner

13. ecyclex workshop - sustainable e-waste

Student Representative

Nethanya Saji

g00091060@aus.edu

+971508933654

Academic Supervisor

Omar Al Nuaimi

oalnuaimi@aus.edu