Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi Mother Earth Day 2026 — Highlights from 2025 to 2026

To mark Mother Earth Day 2026, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi celebrates a year of sustained action across research, education, and community engagement. Since April 2025, we have advanced our work on sustainability through projects, partnerships, and initiatives that connect environmental responsibility with academic expertise and local impact.

Our 2025–2026 Sustainability Progress

Across our operations, in 2025 we made a substantial shift away from plastic dependency toward more sustainable alternatives. Despite a 30% increase in student numbers, we significantly reduced single-plastic use, increased eco-friendly alternatives, and the amount of composted food waste. Below is a selection of milestones and achievements since last year’s Earth Day that we are proud of.

April 2025

In April 2025, SUAD marked Earth Day in collaboration with Alkalime café, bringing together students, faculty, and partners around sustainable living and ethical food choices.

June 2025

In June 2025, SUAD contributed to the Third United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice through its presentation on bio-robotics for biodiversity monitoring. The University’s participation in UNOC 3 reflected its growing role in international dialogue on ocean sustainability and technological innovation. Read here for more info and visit UNOC Nice 2025.

August 2025

In August 2025, SUAD delivered the final stage of the Household Waste Management research project in Abu Dhabi commissioned by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD). The project combined a global review of waste strategies with sociological research, producing an interactive map of 1,500 recycling and donation sites and a science-based behavioural intervention plan. The work also received national media attention through articles such as EAD redefines waste management in Abu Dhabi. Click here to read more.

In August 2025, SUAD also took part in the launch of the Abu Dhabi Waste Habits Campaign, supported by research conducted with EAD. The campaign translated scientific findings into public awareness and showed how research can inform environmental behaviour at scale. Read here for more info.

October 2025

In October 2025, SUAD students won a national award at the Universities Challenge in Food Security and Sustainability during Global Food Week in Abu Dhabi, with their project Hayat Garden, endorsed by Emerge Energy, a joint venture between EDF Energy and Masdar. The project linked food security, urban agriculture, and experiential learning, turning sustainability into a lived educational model. Click here to lean more.

The same month, SUAD also co-organised the research conference Ocean Futures: Advancing Decarbonisation and Innovation in Shipping and Marine Biodiversity through Law, Policy, and AI with APCEL at the National University of Singapore. Read here for more information.

We also participated at Maritime Decarbonisation Roundtable at Ideas to Impact – 25 to 2050 Forum held by Frontier25, in a discussions focused on accelerating the adoption of alternative fuels, sustainable technologies and integrating low-emission solutions into maritime logistics. Click here for more information.

Also in October 2025, SUAD launched its first Sustainability Strategy 2030, setting out a focused institutional framework for sustainability across campus operations, education, research, partnerships, and community engagement. The strategy reflects SUAD’s commitment to practical action with measurable impact. Click here for more information.

November 2025

In November 2025, SUAD participated in COP30 Youth COP in Belém, Brazil, contributing to international climate dialogue and youth engagement. The University’s presence at COP30 underlined its commitment to climate action and global responsibility. Read here for more information.

January 2026

In January, SUAD hosted the symposium Marine AI and Robotics for Innovation and Sustainability: Advancing Intelligence to Preserve Marine Biodiversity, bringing together research, technology, and environmental stewardship. Read here for more information.

SUAD also participated at the I Congreso de Comunicación Medioambiental, Alfabetización y Activismo Climático hosted by Faculty of Information Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, with our research on root causes and diverse manifestations of greenwashing, one of the most pressing challenges in modern sustainability communication. Click here for more information.

February 2026

In February 2026, SUAD won first place in the Environmental Research Institute category of the Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Environmental Award. Launched by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), the award recognizes exceptional initiatives across the UAE that advance environmental protection and sustainable resource management. The award recognises the University’s sustained contribution to environmental research, innovation, governance, and community engagement. Read here for more information.

SUAD also hosted the 7th MENA Environmental Law and Policy Scholars’ Conference on environmental law in the digital age. This was the first time the conference was held in the UAE. Read here for more information.

The same month, SUAD continued to explore sustainability at the intersection of poetry and sustainability by incorporating aeroponic farming in language education and demonstrating how environmental awareness can be expressed through both science and culture. Click here for more information.

March 2026

In March 2026, SUAD successfully participated in Earth Hour, saving 637 kWh of energy in one hour. The result offered a clear reminder that collective action, even in a single hour, can have measurable environmental impact.

These milestones demonstrate Sorbonne Abu Dhabi’s ongoing commitment to sustainability across the University. Stay tuned for more sustainability initiatives from Sorbonne Abu Dhabi.