The Academy of the State Customs Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ASCCA) is a public higher education institution established by presidential decree in 2012 and operational since 2014. As Azerbaijan’s only higher education and professional training institution dedicated to customs, ASCCA uniquely combines academic education, vocational excellence, public sector training, and international cooperation under one structure. It offers accredited undergraduate and graduate programs in disciplines such as International Trade and Logistics, Law, Economics, Customs Administration, and Information Security, while also functioning as the World Customs Organization (WCO) Regional Training Center in Baku and the Regional Office of the International Network of Customs Universities (INCU). ASCCA is a member of the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) and a signatory to the United Nations Principles for Responsible Management Education (UN PRME), reaffirming its commitment to global values and sustainability. In 2025, the Academy earned the European Training Foundation’s “Commitment to Vocational Excellence” certificate after completing the ISATCOVE self-assessment, which laid the foundation for its Strategic Development Plan 2025–2030. As a forward-looking institution, ASCCA’s academic and institutional strategies are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDGs 4, 9, 16, and 17. Our focus on higher education for sustainable development is both curricular and institutional. Academically, we integrate sustainability, ethical governance, and green trade facilitation into degree programs and professional training, especially in fields like customs modernization and digital transformation. ASCCA actively promotes knowledge and practices related to environmentally responsible border management, green logistics, and the digitalization of customs processes—critical areas for reducing the environmental and procedural footprint of global trade. Institutionally, we apply sustainability frameworks such as the P5 Standard for Green Project Management to guide project-based learning and policy design. Internationally, ASCCA participates in Erasmus+, ETF ENE, and Skillman Voice networks to advance inclusive and responsible customs education across borders. Through these commitments, ASCCA serves as a national and regional driver of sustainable development in the public service sector, preparing learners not only to be skilled professionals, but also ethical leaders in line with the 2030 Agenda. As a specialized public higher education institution, the Academy of the State Customs Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ASCCA) currently serves approximately 600 students enrolled in full-time undergraduate and graduate programs, alongside several hundred customs officers and public sector professionals engaged annually in vocational training, executive education, and lifelong learning programs. Our membership comprises: Undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in fields such as International Trade and Logistics, Law, Economics, Customs Administration, and Information Security; Customs professionals and public officials attending in-service, pre-service, and executive-level training, primarily from the State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan; Academic and administrative staff involved in teaching, research, international cooperation, and capacity building. ASCCA’s institutional focus lies at the intersection of customs education, public governance, trade facilitation, and sustainable development. As the World Customs Organization Regional Training Center (WCO RTC) and the Regional Office of the International Network of Customs Universities (INCU), we prioritize responsible governance, institutional innovation, green trade systems, and international collaboration. In line with our commitment to the UN PRME and UNAI principles, we embed sustainability, ethics, and global engagement into all dimensions of our work.

Corporate Sustainability, Sustainability Reporting and Auditing IFRS S1 and S2 Under the umbrella of the Council of Higher Education of Türkiye, our university provides education to approximately 50,000 students.

AURAK’s sustainability plan strategically focuses on three critical areas of environmental sustainability. First, it addresses our energy consumption and carbon footprint, promoting the use of clean energy within the AURAK community. Second, it outlines strategies for creating a sustainable built environment, enhancing our efforts for a green and healthy campus. Third, it directs our sustainability initiatives towards operational excellence, focusing on sustainable travel, water efficiency, waste management, and sustainable procurement. Further, AURAK’s commitment to social sustainability is unwavering. It encompasses education, research, governance and equality, health and well-being, community engagement, and partnerships. In an educational environment, AURAK’s sustainability action plan positions its aspirations with realistic goals. It has carefully crafted a sustainable action plan that balances the social and planetary priorities in a way that is both ecologically safe and socially just—a space in which AURAK and the broader community can thrive.

The American University of Sharjah (AUS) promotes higher education for sustainable development through an integrated approach that combines education, research, campus operations, and community engagement. Sustainability principles are embedded across academic programs, with strong emphasis on renewable energy, smart infrastructure, climate resilience, and responsible innovation, while interdisciplinary research aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals addresses challenges such as energy transition, smart cities, and environmental sustainability. AUS also advances sustainability through partnerships with government and industry, sustainability-focused campus initiatives, and student-led projects that foster leadership, innovation, and real-world impact.

Our institution is committed to integrating sustainable development principles across all dimensions of higher education, guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our areas of focus include: 1. Curriculum Integration We strive to embed sustainability concepts across most of academic disciplines, promoting interdisciplinary learning and critical thinking on environmental and social issues. New programs and courses are being developed to equip students with the skills and knowledge required to address global sustainability challenges. 2. Research and Innovation Our research agenda actively supports sustainable development, with an emphasis on climate change mitigation, renewable energy, sustainable urban development, responsible consumption, and social equity. We encourage collaborative research that connects academia with industry, government, and civil society. 3. Campus Sustainability We are working to model sustainable practices within our own operations. Initiatives include energy-efficient infrastructure, waste reduction programs, green procurement policies, and sustainable transportation strategies, all of which align with our long-term environmental goals. 4. Community Engagement and Outreach Our university engages with local, national, and international partners to advance sustainability education and impact. We promote service learning, community-based research, and knowledge transfer activities that support sustainable development at all levels. 5. Capacity Building and Professional Development We offer continuous learning opportunities for educators, administrators, and stakeholders, focusing on sustainability literacy, leadership, and innovation. This includes workshops, training programs, and international exchanges to build institutional and individual capacity. 6. Policy Advocacy and Governance We are involved in policy dialogues and networks that advocate for sustainable development in education. Internally, we are working toward governance models that reflect sustainability values and promote inclusive, transparent decision-making. Our institution represents a large and diverse academic community, comprising approximately 19000 students, 1500 academic staff, and a growing network of researchers and partner institutions. Our membership spans across multiple faculties and disciplines, reflecting a strong commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and inclusive educational development. Our primary areas of focus include: • Advancing quality education through innovative teaching practices, digital transformation, and lifelong learning strategies; • Promoting sustainability and social responsibility by integrating environmental, economic, and social goals across curricula and campus operations; • Fostering research excellence with a focus on solving global and regional challenges related to climate change, energy transition, health, and inclusive economic growth; • Building international partnerships and academic mobility to strengthen knowledge exchange and cross-cultural collaboration; • Enhancing professional development and capacity building for educators, with special emphasis on equity, digital competence, and leadership for sustainable development. Through our wide-reaching membership and shared vision, we aim to contribute meaningfully to the global higher education landscape and support the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.