The Institute of Environmental Management and Sustainability (IEMS) Academy, in partnership with the College of Business Administration at Ajman University, launched the 2nd edition of its annual competition for universities dedicated to sustainability.

The competition aims to encourage innovative solutions by students that have the potential to reshape the sustainability landscape in the nation. IEMS Academy is a BEEAH venture dedicated to providing training and development programs that drive sustainability.

Themed 'Pathway to Net Zero: Innovating for a Sustainable Future', the competition’s registration period runs from 2nd September to 30th September 2024.

Over the course of the competition, which runs until early November, students will gain a unique opportunity to share their ideas, develop and refine them into innovations, and gain practical insights into achieving net-zero ambitions and environmental sustainability.

The joint initiative between the College of Business Administration at Ajman University and IEMS Academy is inviting participants to be part of a transformative journey, aimed at driving innovations in sustainability and the net-zero transition, while spotlighting the wider education sector within the Emirate of Ajman as well as the UAE.

This year, entry eligibility is extended to university students from the UAE and group registrations are invited. In case of individual registrations, the student may be added into a group considering similar backgrounds and educational experiences by the competition committee at Ajman University.

Students who register will undergo an experiential journey and training program on “Net-zero transition” and “Sustainability & Innovation”, to gain insights into the viability of net-zero ambitions across business sectors.

Participants will receive training from experts at IEMS Academy, learning about the practical implications and outcomes of their ideas.

Student groups will also have the chance to hone in on their ideas through workshops with university faculty and mentors at Ajman University.

Hind Al Huwaidi, Chief Executive Development Officer at BEEAH, encouraged participation saying: “At BEEAH, we want to inspire the next generation of sustainability leaders to act as a positive force in tackling contemporary net-zero integration challenges.

"In partnership with Ajman University, this competition not only provides students with valuable knowledge and skills but also empowers them to make a tangible impact on our journey towards a net-zero future and accelerate sustainable development."

"Participants will cultivate innovative thinking capabilities, develop problem-solving skills, and increase their understanding of net-zero and sustainability. Aligning with the UAE’s Green Agenda 2030, our focus remains on fostering a sustainable, competitive and knowledge-driven economy, and this competition provides a platform to students to engage with real-world issues and become active participants in environmental stewardship."

Akinola Fadahunsi, Professor and Dean of the College of Business Administration, Ajman University, said: “We are excited to launch this second edition of our competition with BEEAH and IEMS Academy.

"This competition is a way to encourage students to put their knowledge and ideas into actionable solutions that have the potential to turn net-zero challenges into opportunities that can benefit societies in Ajman, the UAE and beyond."

The competition is not solely a student affair, but rather a collaborative effort with a diverse panel of judges. Bringing a wealth of expertise and perspective, a panel of esteemed judges, including experts from BEEAH and the management from Ajman University, will collaborate to meticulously review and assess the projects.

This approach will ensure a well-rounded assessment that considered both academic rigor and real-world applicability, aligning with the competition's core focus on fostering sustainable solutions.

Students interested in participating can email muhammad.khan@ajman.ac.ae to register for the event between 2nd September and 30th September 2024. After completing registration, student groups will be assigned into groups to brainstorm solutions for net-zero challenges before developing their own innovative concepts.

After each group arrives at their finalised concept, they will have three weeks to complete their final pitch and present it during the finale ceremony at the BEEAH Headquarters on 2nd November 2024, where the top three winning ideas will be awarded a cash prize.