As it is known, 2024 was declared the “Year of Solidarity for a Green World” in our country by the relevant decree of the President Ilham Aliyev. It is noted in the decree that one of the five national priorities for socio-economic development of Azerbaijan until 2030 is defined as “Country of clean environment and green growth”. In accordance with that priority, work is being done to improve the environment, restore and increase greenery, and ensure efficient use of water resources and sustainable energy sources. In addition, creation of green energy types and transportation of green energy to world markets is the priority of Azerbaijan’s energy policy. Immeasurable jobs – “smart city”, “smart village” and alternative energy projects are being implemented in the economic regions of Karabakh and East Zangazur, which have been liberated from the occupation. Undoubtedly, the declaration of 2024 in Azerbaijan as the “Year of Solidarity for a Green World” will give further impetus to our country’s work in this direction.

The” Year of solidarity for a Green World ” can also be accompanied by a wide range of activities for higher education institutions and members of their teaching and student staff. First of all, within the framework of the” Green University ” Project, environmental health care, targeted use of energy, minimization of waste and regular transportation from campuses should be provided in higher education institutions.   In most universities of the world, the concept of” Green University campus ” (green campus) is widespread, which involves the introduction, improvement of environmental practices at the University, raising the level of eco-culture of students and employees.

The “Green University” is a university with activities aimed at protecting the environment: it reduces carbon dioxide emissions, collects waste separately, saves water and electricity, and develops environmental infrastructure. For these purposes, positive ecoactions and ecofestivals are carried out, a separate garbage collection system is organized, energy efficiency is increased, the territory is improved, and educational work is carried out. These measures apply to environmental principles in the field of activity of the University; it serves to increase the overall level of environmental culture and a sense of responsibility among students and employees; to include the University in international environmental ratings, to form a new “green” image of the university; to promote international recognition of the higher education institution by organizing environmental actions.

In this regard, within the framework of the “Year of Solidarity for a Green World”, it is possible to promote the level of environmental education of students, improve environmental culture, and conduct scientific research in these areas.

At the same time, these events help to form students’ ecological worldview, moral attitude towards nature, cognitive competence through the study of natural resources, preparation of new forms of learning and research skills, involvement of schoolchildren in the environmental movement, ecologically oriented activities, various forms and methods of knowledge search, practical skills, can stimulate them to acquire organizational skills.

GreenMetric World University Ranking, one of the world’s leading rating companies, takes into account the efforts of higher education institutions in the direction of building a “green university”. The development of the “green university” concept in our universities within the framework of the “Year of Solidarity for a Green World” and their successful results can have a positive effect on the aforementioned ranking position of our higher education institutions.

It should be noted that the goal of the “GreenMetric” rating is to present a real view of the current application of “green” technologies and environmental policy in higher educational institutions around the world. The authors believe that with this rating, by attracting the attention of university leaders, it is possible to increase the responsible attitude of students around the world to the surrounding nature. More attention to global climate change, energy and water conservation, waste recycling and green transport are among the main goals of the rating. The organizers of the rating are trying to draw the attention of the academic community to the need to pursue a policy of sustainable development of the environment in order to solve some environmental problems.  The higher the position in the ranking, the more students, management, professors and teachers are somewhat concerned about the Sustainable Development and environmental situation of the planet. This means that the university knows the responsibility to the next generation for the protection of the environment, is ready to support the sustainable development of the region and the country not only through scientific research and student initiatives, but also as a personal example.

Target-renewal of environmental education

The modern complex environmental situation in the world, the growing scale of anthropogenic impacts on the environment have made the solution of a number of serious problems facing humanity inevitable. The environmental crisis is associated not only with the achievements of scientific and technological progress, but also with the loss of a number of values in relation to nature. In this regard, the field of education is undergoing radical changes. The formation of ecological culture, the renewal of environmental education today puts the formation of a modern citizen committed to environmental values as a serious task before the education system.

As we know, the 29th Session of the Conference of the parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change-COP29 will be held in our country this year. The holding of such a prestigious event in Azerbaijan is regarded by the international community as a clear example of great trust in Azerbaijan, as well as the appreciation of our country’s contribution to the protection of the environment and the Prevention of climate change at the national, regional and global levels. No doubt, hosting COP29 demonstrates Azerbaijan’s resolute position in terms of contributing to global efforts to cope with climate change.

In this regard, the organization of a number of environmental events in the education field of our country would be an invaluable contribution to the “Year of Solidarity for the Green World” where such a prestigious event was held.

Tahirova Aisha Fuad

T23.1 group student

Scientific supervisor Gular Azhdarzada