Near East University Sustainability Awards
The Near East University Sustainability Awards, first presented in 2025, are a prestigious awards program established to recognize and encourage academic, social, and innovative initiatives that contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals. Presented in eight different categories, these awards aim to highlight and strengthen sustainability-focused efforts in environmental, economic, social, and cultural areas.
The awards were granted in the following eight categories: Outstanding Contribution to Sustainability Literature Award, Social Sustainability and Equity Award, Collaboration and Partnership Award, Innovation and Solution-Oriented Approach Award, Sustainability in Education Award, Environmental Sustainability Award, Lifelong Learning and Access Award, Cultural Heritage Preservation Award.
🏅 1. Outstanding Contribution to Sustainability Literature Award
Description and Scope:
This award is presented to publications that are directly linked to at least three SDGs and have a high number of citations or a strong Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI).
Purpose: To encourage interdisciplinary impact and systematic approaches to sustainability challenges.
🏅 2. Social Sustainability and Equity Award
Description and Scope:
This award recognizes initiatives that strengthen the social dimension of sustainable development by enhancing quality of life and contributing to the creation of inclusive and just societies. Projects may include volunteer activities, disaster relief efforts, initiatives for women, children, individuals with disabilities, equality policies, inclusion-based events, and social awareness campaigns.
Purpose: To promote justice, inclusion, and equal participation of all societal groups in sustainability processes, and to amplify the social vision of the university at both local and global levels.
🏅 3. Collaboration and Partnership Award
Description and Scope:
Awarded to sustainability-focused collaborative projects conducted with public institutions, the private sector, non governmental organisations or international organizations. This may include joint events, protocols, co-developed products, or social enterprises.
Purpose: To strengthen strategic partnerships and foster collaboration in sustainable development.
🏅 4. Innovation and Solution-Oriented Approach Award
Description and Scope:
Granted to creative ideas, products, or services that offer sustainable solutions in the fields of environment, society, or economy. This includes new technologies, software, devices, or method development.
Purpose: To support individuals, teams, or projects that develop innovative and applicable solutions to sustainability challenges and contribute to achieving the SDGs.
🏅 5. Sustainability in Education Award
Description and Scope:
This award encourages the integration of sustainability themes into educational activities such as courses, workshops, and seminars. It includes curriculum development, teaching content, and student projects.
Purpose: To foster a culture of sustainability in higher education by embedding it into course materials, learning content, and teaching methodologies.
🏅 6. Environmental Sustainability Award
Description and Scope:
Awarded to initiatives addressing environmental issues such as climate change, biodiversity conservation, sustainable resource management, and environmental awareness.
Key areas include:
- Climate Action and Carbon Footprint Reduction
- Biodiversity and Habitat Conservation
- Water Resources and Waste Management
- Environmental Education and Awareness Campaigns
Purpose: To support environmentally responsible practices and promote harmonious coexistence with nature.
🏅 7. Lifelong Learning and Access to Education Award
Description and Scope:
Presented to projects that enhance access to knowledge, education, and skill development for individuals of all ages. This includes open-access educational resources, certificate programs, and educational initiatives for the elderly, disadvantaged groups, or wider communities.
Purpose: To promote inclusive and equitable quality education as a cornerstone of sustainable development beyond the university campus, supporting lifelong learning for all.
🏅 8. Cultural Heritage Preservation Award
Description and Scope:
This award is granted to efforts aimed at documenting, preserving, revitalizing, and sustainably sharing cultural heritage at local or global scales.
Purpose: To encourage the safeguarding of cultural identity and historical values and to highlight approaches that preserve heritage within the framework of sustainability.