18 July 2023 | EAUC – The Alliance for Sustainability Leadership in Education (EAUC) and Allianz Global Investors, one of the world’s leading active investment managers, announced today that Oxford College of Business was adjudged a finalist in the category of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Sustainability for its two projects, Inclusive and Safe Schools and Out of Darkness projects. Oxford College of Business was also declared a finalist in the category Nature Positive for its One Million Trees Project.

Oxford College of Business stands proudly among 93 finalists from 25 countries worldwide. The finalists were first revealed at the International Green Gown Awards Ceremony on 17 July 2023, held as part of the United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development.

Endorsed by the United Nations Environment Programme and supported by The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), L’Agence universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF), the International Association of Universities (IAU), and the Higher Education Sustainability Initiative (HESI), the International Green Gown Awards recognize and celebrate the exceptional sustainability initiatives being undertaken by universities and colleges across the globe. Allianz Global Investors, now in the second year of its three-year partnership with the International Green Gown Awards, is delighted to witness increased engagement and participation.

Matt Christensen, Global Head of Sustainable & Impact Investing at Allianz Global Investors, says: “It’s encouraging to witness another successful year for the International Green Gown Awards since our partnership began last year, with very clear examples of ideas and projects from so many universities and colleges. We will continue to support and encourage more brilliant minds to innovate groundbreaking ideas, inspire each other, and motivate others to focus efforts on a more sustainable future.”

Charlotte Bonner, CEO of EAUC and Green Gown Awards Secretariat, says: “We are delighted to announce our 2023 winners! Their stories demonstrate considerable impact, showing how institutions are taking sustainability action, equipping learners for their futures, and shaping society for the better. We can all take inspiration from their work to progress and accelerate sustainability action. Our winners have demonstrated impactful, innovative practice and have provided an honest narrative about what’s worked well, but also recognized the ‘bumps in the road’ and the lessons learned along the way. That takes bravery, confidence, and humility. From India to Colombia to Malaysia and Canada, and many more, our winners show how important it is for higher, further, and technical and vocational education and training institutions to tackle the climate and biodiversity crises. With such fantastic projects, we are already looking forward to hearing from many more institutions in 2024!”

The International Green Gown Awards recognize exceptional sustainability initiatives undertaken by universities and colleges worldwide, setting the bar and placing every learning institution at the heart of delivering the UN Global Goals.

Corporate Communications
Oxford College of Business