On May 21, 2025, the Higher Education Sustainability Initiative (HESI) hosted its annual Networking Forum virtually, uniting over 1,200 global stakeholders from higher education institutions, student organizations, and United Nations bodies to enhance dialogue and collaboration for sustainable development. Representing BUITEMS, Prof. Dr. Bilal Sarwar, Director of Quality Enhancement & Accreditation, actively participated in the forum and delivered a presentation highlighting BUITEMS’ efforts in integrating Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into its curriculum.
The objectives of the Networking Forum included:
• Facilitating dialogue and collaboration among members of the HESI community.
• Providing a platform for HESI members, UN partners, HESI Action Groups, and related
initiatives to share updates and promote active engagement.
• Identifying synergies, fostering new partnerships, and exploring common areas of interest.
• Encouraging broader and more inclusive participation in the annual HESI Global Forum by serving as an accessible entry point for both new and returning stakeholders.
The two-hour event commenced with welcoming remarks from Mr. Ola Goransson (UN DESA) and Mr. Francesc Pedro (UNESCO IESALC), who emphasized the vital role of higher education in driving sustainability through innovation, research, and community-based initiatives. Mr. Pedro also advocated for stronger partnerships among universities to accelerate progress in areas such as renewable energy and community engagement.
Interactive networking sessions followed, where participants engaged in small-group discussions centered on personal and institutional approaches to sustainable development. Despite some technical glitches during the breakout sessions, the atmosphere remained collegial and optimistic, with participants sharing experiences and proposing improvements for future engagements.
A major highlight of the forum was the Exhibition Hall of Member Contributions, where BUITEMS was prominently featured. Prof. Dr. Bilal Sarwar presented on "Integrating Sustainable Development Goals into the Curriculum: The BUITEMS Experience." His presentation showcased the institution’s strategic alignment with SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) through curriculum redesign, faculty capacity building, and cross-sectoral collaborations. The presentation received appreciation for its clarity, depth, and practical orientation, reinforcing BUITEMS’ leadership in sustainability education in the region.
Other sessions included insights from HESI’s UN partners (UNESCO, UN Global Compact PRME, UN University, and UNEP) and breakout presentations from HESI Action Groups on key topics like Education for Green Jobs, AI in higher education, and global citizenship.
The forum concluded with the presentation of the HESI Partnership Framework by Mr. Goransson, outlining strategic directions in teaching, research, and stakeholder engagement. Ms. Jonghwi Park (UN University) closed the event by introducing the upcoming HESI Global Forum 2025, themed "Breaking Barriers in Sustainable Development Through Scientific, Inclusive, and Equitable Solutions."
Takeaways for BUITEMS:
• Enhanced global visibility through participation and presentation.
• Opportunities for collaboration with global HEIs and UN bodies.
• Continued integration of SDGs into institutional practices as a model for others.
BUITEMS remains committed to advancing the SDG agenda in higher education and looks forward to contributing further at the HESI Global Forum 2025 in Istanbul.