In line with its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and participation in the QS Sustainability Ranking, Azerbaijan University of Languages (AUL) hosted a dedicated workshop entitled "Institutional Leadership for Sustainability," aimed at strengthening the university’s governance capacity in advancing sustainable development.

Organized by the Research Center on Environmental Sustainability under the Strategic Development and Planning Department, the workshop brought together university administrators, faculty, and key staff members to explore the role of a dedicated staff member or team whose sole responsibility is to advance sustainable development within the institution.

Key discussions focused on the institutionalization of sustainable development through the assignment of a dedicated staff member or sustainability officer whose sole responsibility is to lead, coordinate, and promote sustainability strategies. Participants examined the need for clearly defined responsibilities, institutional support mechanisms, and cross-departmental collaboration to effectively advance sustainable development.

The workshop addressed international best practices for establishing sustainability-focused positions, showcasing how institutions benefit from having a staff member or team solely dedicated to sustainability governance, project implementation, and reporting. Through expert presentations and collaborative sessions, participants reviewed successful models of embedding sustainable development within institutional leadership structures.

This initiative introduced and reinforced the idea of formally appointing a dedicated staff member at AUL whose sole responsibility is to advance sustainable development. It reflects AUL’s proactive stance toward embedding sustainability into the university's strategic vision, leadership, and administrative practices.

The Research Center on Environmental Sustainability will continue organizing capacity-building events to ensure that sustainable development remains a core element of AUL’s institutional mission and governance framework.