College of Mass Communication, in Collaboration with the Office of Sustainability, Organizes Workshop for Graphic Design Students on Integrating Sustainability into Graduation Projects

The College of Mass Communication, in collaboration with the Office of Sustainability, organized an introductory workshop for graphic design students to support them in developing graduation projects that reflect social responsibility and align with national sustainability priorities. The session highlighted the growing role of design in addressing environmental and social challenges.

The College hosted Maya Haddad, Senior Sustainability Manager, who delivered a presentation on the importance of integrating sustainability principles into project design and communication campaigns. She explained how students can transform their creative ideas into practical initiatives that respond to real-world challenges and align with the UAE’s Sustainable Development Goals by selecting relevant topics and crafting clear, effective messages.

She outlined methods for linking visual communication to environmental and social issues and emphasized the designer’s role in influencing public behavior through research-based campaigns. She also shared practical examples to demonstrate how design can raise awareness, shape attitudes, and encourage meaningful community engagement.

Haddad stressed that sustainability is not a temporary trend but a guiding framework that should shape the design process from concept to final execution. She encouraged students to evaluate the societal impact of their projects and to develop solutions that extend beyond academic requirements. She also highlighted the importance of professional and ethical responsibility when addressing public issues.

The workshop strengthened students’ understanding of how to apply their creative skills to priority issues and reinforced their role as designers capable of contributing to positive and lasting change.