Catalysts of Change: MENA Universities’ Journey Towards Sustainability and Climate Change Mitigation

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region faces escalating climate change, as evidenced by extreme temperatures, water scarcity, and climate-related disasters. The role of academic institutions in driving environmental sustainability and climate action has never been more crucial. This chapter examines the role of universities in the MENA region as catalysts of change in promoting sustainability and climate change mitigation. It highlights the importance of universities in driving innovation, conducting research, and fostering collaboration and community engagement to address the challenges of sustainability and climate change. The chapter begins with the main climate and sustainability challenges facing the MENA region. It proceeds to examine the diverse ways universities in the MENA region embed sustainability into their academic and operational frameworks through case studies from different countries in the region and analyze the successes, setbacks, challenges, and opportunities MENA universities face in driving meaningful change. The chapter concludes with insights into the potential of higher education institutions as powerful agents for environmental stewardship and climate action in a region severely impacted by global sustainability issues.