Future17 at American University of Sharjah

Putting sustainability into practice

Future17 is a global SDG Challenge program developed by QS Quacquarelli Symonds and the University of Exeter. It brings together students from leading universities worldwide to work collaboratively on real-world sustainability challenges aligned with the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Since joining the initiative in 2023, American University of Sharjah has proudly participated in multiple cohorts, strengthening its commitment to experiential sustainability education and global collaboration.

Through Future17, AUS students work directly with international organizations, develop SDG literacy and design actionable solutions to complex global challenges, preparing them to become the next generation of sustainability leaders.

Why join Future17 at AUS?

Gain practical experience aligned with the UN SDGs
Strengthen leadership, research and professional skills
Work on real-world sustainability challenges set by global partners
Collaborate with international students across disciplines and cultures
Present solutions to expert panels and industry partners

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Information for Students

Ready to make an impact?

Are you passionate about sustainability?
Do you want to collaborate internationally and strengthen your CV?
Are you interested in hands-on learning that goes beyond the classroom?

Future17 is open to junior, senior and master’s students from all majors at AUS.

How does Future17 work?

Future17 is delivered fully online and structured in three phases:

Phase 1: Induction and skills development (4 weeks)

Students complete an online induction focused on:

design thinking for global challenges
intercultural collaboration
professional engagement with external organizations
collaborative and challenge-based learning

Students are assigned to international teams before the induction begins.

Phase 2: Group collaboration on a sustainability challenge (8 weeks)

Students work in interdisciplinary teams with:

an academic mentor from a partner university
a mentor from the SDG Challenge Partner organization

Teams:

diagnose real sustainability problems
conduct research and systems analysis
develop evidence-based solution pathways
meet weekly and receive structured mentor guidance

Phase 3: Solutions showcase

Teams present their final solution to an expert panel that includes:

representatives of the SDG Challenge Partner
QS representatives
academic staff from partner universities

Students submit a final written output following the showcase.

How will students benefit?

Future17 develops:

design thinking and creative problem-solving
interdisciplinary and intercultural collaboration skills
critical thinking around sustainable development
professional presentation and report writing skills
experience working with international organizations
real-world impact beyond academic coursework

Students gain practical sustainability experience that strengthens employability and prepares them for SDG-focused careers.

What is experiential learning?

Experiential learning in sustainability means learning by doing.

Rather than studying sustainability only through theory, students work directly on live environmental and social challenges. Future17 embodies this model by connecting students with global organizations tackling real SDG issues.

This approach builds practical skills, systems thinking, professional confidence and industry exposure, making graduates more competitive in sustainability-focused careers.

How to apply

The AUS Office of Sustainability launches a call for applications at the beginning of each fall and spring semester.

Applicants must:

submit their interest through a dedicated registration form
undergo a review by the Future17 selection committee

Accepted students will receive confirmation via email if selected.

For inquiries:
[email protected]

Indicative timeline

Fall Semester

Recruitment: Mid-August to Mid-September
Induction: Mid-September to Mid-October
Collaboration: Mid-October to Mid-December
Final Pitch: Mid-December

Spring Semester

Recruitment: Mid-January to Mid-February
Induction: Mid-February onward
Collaboration: Mid-March to Mid-May

Final Pitch: Mid-May

Timelines may vary.

Information for Faculty and Staff Mentors

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Interested in mentoring global changemakers?

Future17 mentors support student teams working on sustainability challenges with international partners.

Mentoring is not traditional teaching. It involves:

encouraging structured teamwork
guiding problem diagnosis and research
challenging assumptions
supporting solution pathway development
assessing presentations and final outputs

Estimated commitment: approximately 24 hours over 12 weeks (fully online).

How are mentors assigned?

Projects span environmental, social and economic sustainability, including climate resilience, biodiversity, circular economy, human rights, healthcare access and technology for sustainability. Students and mentors are matched based on SDG interests and challenge alignment through the QS system.

Interested or have questions?

To express interest, contact [email protected]

For academic mentor inquiries, contact Dr. James Griffin ([email protected]), Vice Provost for Undergraduate Affairs and Instruction.

Voices from Future17

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Dr. James Griffin | Vice Provost for Undergraduate Affairs and Instruction: Academic Lead for Future17

“AUS' participation in Future 17 reflects our commitment to providing our students with opportunities to engage internationally and across disciplines, where they can learn invaluable skills that help them grow as individuals and future contributors to the global economy. Furthermore, it provides an opportunity for them to apply their skills in critical thinking and communication and bring their unique perspectives to one of the main challenges of our time: sustainable development.”

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Julia Carlow | Associate Head of Sustainability: Future17 Mentor

“As a sustainability leader and a Future17 mentor, I’ve seen how the program builds important bridges between universities, industries and local communities. It connects our students and faculty to a global ecosystem of sustainability learning and practice. This kind of collaboration reflects AUS’ commitment to building multi-sector, international partnerships that advance sustainability education, research and innovation.”

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Kristina Katsos | Senior Instructor of International Studies: Future 17 Mentor

“Mentoring the next generation of changemakers through Future17 has been a privilege. I have been profoundly impressed by the students' eagerness to wrestle with complex global issues, turning abstract SDGs into concrete, actionable strategies for a sustainable future.”

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Sameera Khan | Sustainability Specialist: Future17 Mentor

“Having experienced the Future17 program as both a mentor and a mentee, I can confidently say it offers a learning experience that is unlike any other. The opportunity to collaborate with students and co-mentors from select universities around the world, while getting to work with a partner organization that could be based anywhere globally, really creates an incredibly dynamic and enriching environment.

What makes the program especially powerful is its direct alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, allowing students to apply their knowledge to real-world challenges that support global sustainability goals. Participating in this program reaffirms AUS’ commitment to equipping the next generation with practical sustainability skills, regardless of their field of study. Serving as a mentor in Future17 feels empowering because of the meaningful impact you are able to have on both the students and the partner organization you end up working with.”

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Dareen Alowais | Student: Future17 Student Participant

“Being part of the Future 17 program gave me the privilege of working on SDG 14: Life Below Water with Shark Safe Barrier, the world’s first scientifically tested, shark-specific, eco-friendly barrier designed to protect both humans and sharks. Collaborating with six students from around the world was an incredibly rewarding experience, as we worked together to expand the company’s research focus and strengthen its brand image. Presenting our work directly to the founder and receiving her feedback was especially meaningful and reinforced the real-world impact of the program.”

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Laiba Maqbool | Student: Future17 Student Participant

“My biggest take away from my participation in Future 17 is that it is time to move beyond awareness and start taking action. The Future17 program allowed me to work hands-on with peers around the world to deliver sustainable solutions in real life.”