Sultan bin Ahmed commends UOS for earning "Platinum Rating"
First University in the Middle East to Achieve Platinum
This came on the occasion of the UOS becoming the first university in the Middle East to achieve Platinum Rating under the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS) administered by AASHE. The university received a full 100% score in the category of sustainable education and research, reflecting its strong commitment to sustainability across operations and planning, as well as its role in preparing a generation conscious of sustainable practices. This achievement aligns with the UAE's and Sharjah's strategic agendas on sustainability and carbon neutrality through education, research, innovation, and sustainable management and planning.
The UOS now joins an elite group of only 15 universities worldwide to have received this top-tier Platinum rating — including 8 universities from the United States, 6 from Canada, and now 1 from the Middle East.
A Milestone Achievement for the University Community
His Highness, President of the UOS, congratulated the Board of Trustees, university leadership, academic, administrative, and technical staff, as well as students, on this new milestone, which adds to the university's impressive record of accomplishments over the years. These successes are the result of a well-defined strategy, vision, and the concerted efforts of the UOS community in providing every possible support to students, who remain at the heart of the university's educational mission.
Sustainability as a Core Pillar of Higher Education
His Highness emphasised the university's commitment to offering students the best possible experiences by continuously enhancing the academic and research environment — from curriculum development, research opportunities, student activities, and innovation support, to the quality of faculty and staff. This is all done through the lens of sustainability in higher education, a global trend that is reshaping the future of universities and colleges. As such, the UOS continues to advance in global rankings across a range of academic and scientific fields.
Transparent and Rigorous Global Evaluation Process
The University's award came following its assessment under the STARS rating programme, a transparent and comprehensive system for measuring and tracking sustainability performance in higher education institutions worldwide. The programme encourages institutions to pursue long-term sustainability goals, fosters continuous improvement, and builds more diverse and high-performing university communities committed to excellence in education.
The UOS joined the STARS programme in 2021, earning the Silver rating in its first year, then becoming the first Arab university to receive a Gold rating in 2022, and now achieving the Platinum rating, the highest possible level — a clear affirmation of the university's leadership in sustainability.
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