A thought-provoking session titled “Universities Powering Sustainability” took place at the Times Higher Education (THE) World Academic Summit 2025, bringing together distinguished leaders from higher education, industry, and global policy to discuss the critical role of universities in promoting climate resilience and sustainable development. The session was held on Wednesday, 8 October 2025 at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Saudi Arabia, moderated by Jane Robinson, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Engagement and Place at Newcastle University.

Among the respected attendees was Dr. Carmen Z. Lamagna, Member of the Board of Trustees and former Vice Chancellor of the American International University–Bangladesh (AIUB). Her participation reflected AIUB’s continued commitment to advancing sustainability in higher education, particularly from the perspective of climate-vulnerable nations like Bangladesh.

The panel featured influential voices including Faye Bowser of Siemens, Hicham El Habti, President of University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P), and Alan Shepard, President of Western University, Canada. Discussions centered on practical and scalable solutions to integrate sustainability across university ecosystems. Key focus areas included:

• Decarbonizing campuses through renewable energy, green infrastructure, and sustainable operations
• Driving climate innovation through interdisciplinary research and industry collaboration
• Embedding sustainability in curricula to foster climate literacy among all students
• Empowering student-led initiatives that translate ideas into community impact
• Strengthening university-community partnerships to develop local solutions with global relevance

Although attending in a listening capacity, Dr. Lamagna was acknowledged for her pioneering leadership in higher education and her advocacy for sustainability as a matter of survival—especially in regions on the frontline of climate change. Her vision aligns with AIUB’s ongoing initiatives that promote environmental responsibility through student engagement and innovation. These include tree plantation drives, waste recycling campaigns, renewable energy advocacy, and low-cost community-based solutions that support climate adaptation.

Speakers emphasized that universities must go beyond traditional teaching and research to become active agents of transformation. Measuring sustainability outcomes, influencing public policy, and fostering behavioral change were highlighted as essential steps toward achieving long-term global impact. The session also recognized that institutions in the Global South, despite resource limitations, offer valuable lessons in resilience and innovation that deserve greater global visibility.

The session concluded with a powerful reminder: universities are uniquely positioned to lead the journey toward a sustainable planet—by educating future leaders, pioneering solutions, and inspiring societal change.