ADU Hosts Second International Conference on Global Sustainable Development Uniting

Abu Dhabi University (ADU) successfully hosted the second edition of the International Conference on Global Sustainable Development (ICGSD 2025) on May 23–24 at its Dubai campus. Marking the conference’s first edition in the region, the event convened leading academic scientists, researchers, policymakers, and industry experts from ten countries to exchange ideas and explore innovative solutions to today’s most pressing sustainability challenges.

Hosted in collaboration with Digambarrao Bindu College and Acadivate, the premier interdisciplinary conference brought together more than 130 global experts for high-impact discussions and cross-sector collaboration spanning health, business, environment, technology, and social sciences. Through a dynamic agenda of plenary sessions, panel debates, and over 100 research presentations, ICGSD 2025 explored critical themes including climate change, renewable energy, social justice, AI in education, and sustainable development practices. The two-day event reinforced the importance of international cooperation and actionable strategies aligned with the UAE’s national agenda and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Professor Ghassan Aouad, Chancellor of Abu Dhabi University, said: “We recognize that meaningful progress toward sustainability requires collaboration across disciplines, sectors, and borders. At ADU, we are committed to fostering this kind of innovation-led dialogue through initiatives like ICGSD 2025. The conference served as a powerful platform for engaging thought leaders and changemakers committed to co-creating solutions that serve both people and the planet. As the UAE accelerates its sustainability agenda, ADU remains at the forefront of driving dialogue research, and innovation that advance long-term impact locally and globally.”

Maryam Rashd Bunfour, Sustainable and Renewable Energy Engineer at the General Headquarters of Dubai Police, said: “Police entities play a critical role in advancing sustainability by integrating comprehensive environmental frameworks into their core operations. This allows us to align efforts in maintaining society's safety and security with long-term environmental goals, ultimately contributing to shaping the UAE’s future policies and building a resilient and sustainable society.”

Karim Houni, Head of Digital Innovation at Emirates Global Aluminum, said: “ICGSD 2025 provided an exceptional platform to explore forward-thinking solutions and engage with leading researchers and students from around the world. My session on ‘Digital EcoDesign in a Sust-AI-nable World’ sparked meaningful dialogue and opened doors for potential collaborations. I look forward to contributing to future editions of this impactful conference.”

Professor Fauzia Jabeen, Director of Research Institute for Sustainable Futures at Abu Dhabi University added: “We’re proud to host such conferences that offer a powerful platform to highlight cutting-edge innovations like ‘Metaverse Adoption as a Pillar of Sustainable Healthcare in Industry 5.0.’ This keynote showcased the transformative potential of metaverse technologies to advance sustainability in the UAE’s healthcare sector.”

Following its successful inaugural edition in Thailand, the second ICGSD marked a major step forward in expanding global participation and impact. ADU continues to host high-caliber platforms that empower students, faculty, and global partners to contribute to sustainable solutions aligned with both national priorities and global development goals. The university also integrates climate action across education, research, operations, and community engagement. Through its Climate Action Plan and Sustainable Research Centre, ADU fosters innovation in areas such as renewable energy, pollution monitoring, and environmental management, reinforcing its leadership in advancing the UAE’s sustainability agenda.