SDG10: REDUCED INEQUALITIES
Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 10, "Reduced Inequalities," underscores the importance of promoting social, economic, and political inclusion and reducing inequalities within and among countries. In Kuwait, a nation with a diverse population, there are efforts to address inequalities and promote inclusivity. GUST actively contributes to these efforts within its campus and the broader community.
Reducing Inequalities in Kuwait:
Kuwait has implemented various strategies to reduce inequalities and promote social inclusion:
1. Education: Kuwait has invested in its education system, offering equal access to quality education for all citizens. Initiatives have been launched to support students from underprivileged backgrounds.
2. Employment Opportunities: The government promotes fair employment practices and enforces anti-discrimination policies to ensure equal access to job opportunities regardless of gender, nationality, or other factors.
3. Healthcare: Kuwait provides universal healthcare access, ensuring that all residents can access medical services regardless of their socioeconomic status.
4. Social Welfare Programs: Kuwait has established social welfare programs and initiatives to support vulnerable populations, including low-income families and individuals with disabilities.
GUST's Contribution:
GUST actively promotes reduced inequalities through various initiatives:
1. Scholarships and Financial Aid: GUST offers scholarships and financial aid programs to support students who may face financial barriers to higher education. These programs aim to ensure that talented individuals have equal access to quality education.
2. Inclusive Campus: The university fosters an inclusive campus environment that celebrates diversity. It promotes a culture of respect and tolerance, ensuring that all students and staff feel valued and included.
3. Community Engagement: GUST collaborates with local organizations and NGOs on projects aimed at addressing inequalities in the broader Kuwaiti community. This includes initiatives related to education, healthcare, and social support.
4. Research and Awareness: The university conducts research that addresses societal inequalities and raises awareness through seminars, conferences, and educational campaigns.
Kuwait's commitment to SDG 10 is reflected in its efforts to reduce inequalities and promote inclusivity in various aspects of society. GUST contributes to these efforts by providing equal educational opportunities, fostering an inclusive campus culture, and engaging in initiatives that address inequalities in the broader community. Together, Kuwait and institutions like GUST work towards a more equitable and inclusive society, aligning with the principles of SDG 10.
Admission Requirements
Gulf University for Science and Technology is committed to providing equal access to higher education for all qualified applicants. The University’s admissions process is non-discriminatory, ensuring that every student is evaluated based solely on academic merit, qualifications, and readiness for university study (SDG 10.6.1). GUST does not tolerate any bias or discrimination at any stage of the admissions process.
GUST welcomes applications from students from all types of schools and backgrounds. We provide our students with the best educational resources and services to promote intellectual growth and career advancement. From the academic challenges encountered when adjusting to university life to the various campus activities offered for students, GUST has a diverse collection of resources available to help our students succeed both academically and personally.
In addition, GUST actively works to create an environment that values diversity and inclusion across its student body. Admissions policies and practices are transparent and consistent, and are designed to promote fairness while maintaining academic standards. Through this approach, GUST reaffirms its commitment to reducing inequalities and fostering a welcoming campus for all students.
Tracking Underrepresented groups:
Recruitment of Underrepresented Groups
GUST is committed to building a diverse and inclusive academic community by actively encouraging applications from underrepresented groups in both student admissions and staff recruitment (SDG 10.6.3). The University recognizes that diversity strengthens innovation, learning, and collaboration across all areas of campus life.
Through the efforts of the Human Resources Department, GUST takes planned and structured actions to ensure that recruitment and hiring processes are fair, transparent, and inclusive. The HR team promotes equal opportunities by reaching out to qualified candidates from varied backgrounds while ensuring that selection decisions are based solely on skills, qualifications, and merit. These recruitment practices are complemented by awareness initiatives and professional development programs that foster a welcoming and equitable work environment for all employees.
By combining inclusive outreach with merit-based evaluation, GUST reaffirms its dedication to reducing inequalities and ensuring fair representation across its faculty, staff, and student body.
Ensuring Equality and Non-Discrimination Across the University
At Gulf University for Science and Technology, equality and respect are fundamental values that guide every aspect of the institution’s operations. Through its Equal Employment Opportunity Policy, GUST guarantees that recruitment, promotion, and employment decisions are based solely on merit—specifically an individual’s skills, qualifications, and abilities required for the role. No form of discrimination is tolerated on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, nationality, social status, or physical or mental disability (indicator 10.6.4).
The Student Code of Conduct further strengthens this culture by fostering a positive, respectful, and supportive learning environment. It emphasizes that intimidation, harassment, and discrimination have no place in the University community. All interactions among students, faculty, and staff are expected to reflect professionalism, courtesy, and mutual respect—creating a campus atmosphere conducive to both learning and personal development.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee
Gulf University for Science and Technology reinforces its dedication to fairness and equal opportunity through the establishment of its Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Committee. This committee aligns with SDG 10.6.5 and serves as the official body designated by GUST’s administration to oversee and advance initiatives that promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and human rights on campus.
In direct alignment with SDG 10.6.5, the EDI Committee plays a central role in advising on and implementing policies, programs, and training related to equity and inclusion for students, faculty, and staff. The committee works collaboratively across departments to address systemic inequities, ensure balanced representation, and foster a culture where every individual is valued and respected.
Through advocacy, education, and policy development, the EDI Committee strengthens GUST’s commitment to cultivating a safe and inclusive learning and working environment. Its mission and vision reflect the principles of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by embedding diversity, equality, and inclusion into all aspects of university life.
Support for Underrepresented Groups
GUST is committed to creating an inclusive academic environment where every student, regardless of background or circumstance, has equal access to success. The University provides a range of mentoring, counseling, and peer support programs designed to empower students, promote diversity, and ensure equal opportunities for personal and academic development (SDG 10.6.6).
Academic Advising
Through the One-Stop Student Services Center (OSC), GUST offers individual academic advising for students. Academic specialists are assigned to each student to guide them in educational planning, course selection, and meeting graduation requirements. This personalized support helps students from diverse academic and cultural backgrounds make informed decisions about their academic paths, contributing to equal access to quality education and reduced inequalities in academic achievement.
Student Employment Programs
i) Peer Tutoring Program
The Peer Tutoring Program allows academically strong students to support peers in specific courses where they have achieved high proficiency (GPA of 3.00 or above). Tutors provide one-on-one or small-group sessions to reinforce course material and build study skills.
As part of GUST’s inclusive education efforts, tutors receive specialized training to effectively assist students with diverse learning needs and disabilities. This ensures that all students, including those who require additional support, receive individualized attention and access to equal learning opportunities. In some cases, special classes and adapted instructional approaches are provided to meet the unique requirements of students with different abilities.
This initiative not only strengthens academic performance for students facing learning challenges but also develops leadership, communication, and empathy among the tutors. By promoting collaboration and personalized support, the program fosters an inclusive learning community where every student can thrive and reach their full academic potential.
ii) Note Takers Program
Offered through Disability Services, this program supports students with documented disabilities who require classroom accommodations. Approved note-takers attend lectures, prepare clear and detailed class notes, and provide them to students with special needs in a confidential manner.
This service ensures that students with physical or learning disabilities receive equitable academic access, aligning with GUST’s mission to provide inclusive education and remove barriers to participation.
Counselling Services
GUST provides counseling services to all students, faculty, and staff, facilitated by professional counselor Ms. Nauf N. Al Habsi. The Counseling Center offers confidential individual and group sessions to help address personal, social, and academic challenges such as anxiety, stress, depression, relationship concerns, or adjustment issues.
In addition to supporting students, the Counseling Services also assist faculty and staff members who may face workplace stress, communication barriers, or cultural adjustment challenges, ensuring a healthy and balanced campus environment for all. Regular mental-health workshops, awareness campaigns, and training sessions are organized to build empathy and understanding across the community.
By providing accessible, professional, and inclusive guidance, GUST ensures that individuals from underrepresented groups, including those experiencing social, emotional, or cultural difficulties, receive the mentorship and support they need to succeed academically and personally. These services reinforce GUST’s commitment to reducing inequalities and promoting well-being across its entire community.
Disability Services
Administered by the OSL, the Disability Services Program provides personalized academic support and accommodations for students with documented disabilities. After professional evaluation, students receive tailored services to ensure equitable participation in their courses.
This initiative demonstrates GUST’s dedication to equal opportunity and accessibility, helping students overcome physical or learning challenges and achieve academic and personal success.
Accessible Facilities
GUST is dedicated to maintaining a fully inclusive campus environment that ensures equal access and mobility for all members of its community. In alignment with SDG 10.6.7, GUST’s facilities are designed to accommodate individuals with physical, sensory, and learning disabilities, ensuring that every student, staff member, and visitor can navigate the campus safely and comfortably. From accessible entrances and elevators to specialized classroom seating, GUST continuously enhances its infrastructure to meet accessibility standards and promote independence. These efforts reflect the University’s ongoing commitment to equity, inclusion, and the removal of physical barriers to education and participation.
Campus hallways, corridors and classrooms are spacious and are suitable for all types of wheelchairs and other needed aids. The campus buildings have escalators located near entrances that reach collages and departments with ease. All escalators have sensors allowing them to stop when no one is near for energy saving.
Elevators are accessible near all campus stairways. Wide elevators are distributed around the campus buildings and near all entrances and exits. All elevators are wide enough for all standard types of wheelchairs, walker rollators and folding walkers. Elevators access buttons are all within reach from sitting/standing positions.
Every toilet has a disability compartment equipped with all accessories and an emergency calling phone. Emergency phones are accessible all-around campus. All phones are within sitting positions.
Parking areas for special needs are located nearest to
the campus entrances. All disables parking areas are wide and have extra area
for convenience and ramps for all types of wheeled aids.
The campus main entrances have loading areas with ramps
for those driving the disabled person. Security personnel are always ready for
aiding services. Ramps are located everywhere in the campus buildings and their facilities whenever there are steps (theaters, halls, meeting rooms etc.)
Library Designated Area for Accessibility
The Library ensures equal access for all users by maintaining a designated accessibility zone equipped with computers specifically designed for students with disabilities. This area, located on the Ground Floor, provides spacious workstations that accommodate wheelchair access and allow for comfortable movement. These physical adjustments reflect the library’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity and equitable access to information and learning spaces.
GUST Library integrates accessibility support features across its subscribed electronic databases. All premier online research platforms adhere to recognized accessibility standards, such as WCAG 2.1 AA, offering features like screen-reader compatibility, adjustable text size, and text-to-speech options to enhance usability for all learners.
For instance, Taylor & Francis provides a comprehensive accessibility statement ensuring that its e-books support structured navigation, font reflow, and screen-reader compatibility, with many journal articles available in EPUB3 format for enhanced accessibility. Similarly, the Alexander Street streaming platform (which hosts the Theatre, Performance & Design Collection) complies with WCAG 2.2, supporting screen-reader navigation, and includes transcripts and subtitles for most video content.
DISABILITY SERVICES UNIT
Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST) supports inclusivity and accessibility through its dedicated Disability Services Unit, which operates under the OSC. This unit serves as the first point of contact for students with disabilities—from the time they are admitted to GUST until graduation—ensuring that each student receives consistent guidance and individualized support throughout their academic journey (SDG 10.6.8).
The Disability Services Unit provides assistance in academic advising, course registration, and communication with faculty members to ensure that all students’ needs are properly addressed. It is also responsible for coordinating reasonable accommodations, such as extended exam time, classroom accessibility adjustments, and specialized learning tools. Beyond academic support, the unit offers day-to-day assistance and continuous follow-up to help students overcome challenges and fully participate in university life.
Through this comprehensive approach, the Disability Services Unit reflects GUST’s ongoing commitment to creating an equitable, inclusive, and supportive learning environment for all students.
Disability Accommodations
GUST empowers students with disabilities to realize their academic and personal potential through offering equal access to university programs. Services include coordinating reasonable accommodations and other support services for eligible students.
Reasonable accommodations are provided for students with disabilities to ensure equal access to all GUST programs, services, and activities. Accommodation plans and support services are customized to match each student’s documented needs and are determined based on the nature of the disability and the specific requirements of their academic program.
The Disability Services Unit at GUST plays a central role in implementing these accommodations and manages a dedicated budget that can be utilized whenever specialized support or resources are needed. This ensures that financial constraints never hinder accessibility or the provision of appropriate learning tools (SDG 10.6.10).
Registration for accommodations requires the submission of a Disclosure Form (provided with the student’s application to the university) along with official disability documentation. Students must also complete the Disability Accommodation Request Form through the One Stop Student Services Center, where requests are reviewed and approved to provide the most effective academic support possible.
Accommodations Include:
- Proctoring exams: This is usually arranged by faculty and done at the One Stop Student Services Center. The exam/quiz is proctored at the OSC in the presence of one of the Disability Service Coordinators.
- Extended time during exams and/or quizzes: This is usually arranged by faculty and done at the One Stop Student Services Center. An alternative is to have the student take the exam/quiz in the faculty member’s office.
- Orally administered exams: The student has the option of hearing the questions spoken and to orally provide his responses or to record their answers via a tape recorder. If the student would like to use a tape recorder, this specific accommodation needs to be confirmed, and the student must provide the tape recorder to use during the test.
- Note-taking services: If this is requested by the student, a note taker will be hired to assist student in class.
- Use of a tape recorder during class: The student should confirm this specific accommodation, and provide a tape recorder for class use.
Disability Access Scheme
Gulf University for Science and Technology ensures equal access and opportunity for students with disabilities through a structured Disability Access Scheme. The University does not discriminate against any individual based on disability status and is committed to providing an inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive. Upon admission, each student with a disability is assigned an academic advisor who acts as a mentor, guiding them through course selection, academic planning, and the use of campus resources to support their success (SDG 10.6.9).
Beyond mentoring, GUST offers a wide range of targeted support services coordinated by the Disability Services Unit. These include accessible learning materials, specialized academic advising, assistive technologies, and physical modifications to classrooms and facilities to meet diverse needs. To ensure inclusive teaching, faculty members receive a confidential list of students who require additional support in their classes, allowing them to be more attentive and considerate to individual learning needs. For privacy reasons, the specific nature of each student’s disability is not disclosed, ensuring sensitivity and confidentiality while maintaining a supportive academic environment. Together, these initiatives ensure that all students, regardless of physical, sensory, or learning differences, can fully participate in the academic and social life of the University, reinforcing GUST’s dedication to reducing inequalities and promoting inclusion.
Promoting a Harassment-Free Environment
Gulf University for Science and Technology is deeply committed to maintaining a respectful, inclusive, and safe environment for all members of its community. In accordance with its Anti-Harassment Policy, the University strictly prohibits any form of harassment or discrimination in the workplace or in any of its operations, thus aligning with SDG 10.6.11.
GUST ensures that all employees, faculty, students, and affiliates are protected from harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, social status, or physical or mental disability, as well as any other personal characteristic. The policy explicitly defines harassment to include verbal, physical, visual, and sexual harassment, emphasizing that such behaviors are inconsistent with the University’s values of integrity, mutual respect, and equality.
Through ongoing awareness, training, and accountability measures, GUST reinforces a culture where every individual is treated with dignity and fairness. This policy reflects the University’s active role in reducing inequalities and fostering a diverse, equitable, and harassment-free learning and working environment.
GUST Hosts KISR
Kuwait City, 6 May 2021: The Computer Science Department at GUST hosted the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research’s (KISR) webinar titled “Technical Support for People with Disabilities”. Guest Speaker, Software Development Department Manager, Eng. Noura Alghurair, spoke about KISR’s achievements in projects that benefited people with disabilities but also of KISR’s long term goals with such projects.
The virtual webinar series, presented by the Computer Science Department at GUST, is a set of talks and seminars targeted at students and faculty members, in which representatives from local institutions and companies are invited to give a seminar talk about their research groups and business projects in the area of information, science, and technology. Recently the Computer Science Department held a webinar with Mr. Bashar Alostad of Zyda, an E-commerce platform. These webinars are the pillars of GUSTs culture of education beyond the classroom.
Alghurair's talk shed light on KISR's main achievements that are tailored to people with disabilities and the projects' teams that worked hard to develop several solutions to overcome the challenges that hinder the disabled. Among the projects included the 122 emergency mobile application for the disabled in collaboration with Ministry of Interior and the Arabic augmented and alternative communication application for iPads. KISR also developed and provided a braille printing facility for Kuwait Association for the Blind (KAB) and computer facilities for Kuwait special school as well as improving rehabilitation skills and working environment for the disabled in Kuwait. They also produce and provide braille daily newspapers for the KAB and are providing braille printing software for free to GCC countries, Libya, Lebanon and Morocco.
Instructor of Computer Science, Dr. Noura Al-Jeri, said “This seminar was an excellent opportunity to expose the students and faculty members to the current scientific research trends in various fields of science and technology. In particular, the support that can be given by Computer Science graduates to Kuwait's handicaps community. This will also help our students to broad their knowledge on the recent projects and research achievements within KISR's teams and what potential career market is available for them after graduation. Hopefully this will open more opportunities for research collaborations between our faculty and the institution.”
KISR is one of the leading institutions in Kuwait that attracts researchers and scientists from various fields to a collaborative environment in order to produce timely and efficient solutions to current and future problems. KISR has been providing technical support for people with disabilities since 1985, which include several pioneering projects targeting different kind of disabilities such as: blindness, deafness, autism, motor ability, and learning disabilities.
GUST & AFAQ hold 3rd lecture in ‘Gad’ha W’Gdoud’ Series
Under the patronage of the Public Authority of the Disabled, the Gulf University for Science and Technology and AFAQ Educational Company launched the third lecture in its ‘Gadha W’Gdoud’ series in collaboration with the Kuwaiti Association for Learning Differences. The lecture was led by Dr. Hoda Shaaban, Educational Consultant specializing in educational and pedagogicalmatters, and covered educational merging as a solution to those who require a special needs education, how to harness the positives of its outputs, and how to face its challenges.
Dr. Hoda Shaaban explained that the first step of any decision begins with a diagnosis brought by a specialist, followed by registering students at local merging programs suitable for their needs, and that provides a comprehensive educational style to build students’ skills, enhances their capabilities, and turns fosters their strengths and creativity.
Educational Director, Amani Al-Amad, said: “Inclusion is an "inclusive" method not only for the integration of students and their teachers, but a comprehensive educational, administrative and societal integration approach to ensure a smooth transition from the beginning of their educational journey until they graduate.”
This was the third lecture in the “Gad’ha W’Gdoud” series, the first was with Dr. Suad Al-Thuwaikh, CEO of That Center for Social and Education Consultations, and focused on solving the different obstacles that come with ADHD. And the second,led by renowned Psychologist and Educational Counselor, Dr. Mustafa Abo Saad, who discussed how to strengthen relationships between parents and their special needs children.
GUST & AFAQ Launch Talk Show Series Focusing on Special Needs Students
Under the patronage of Dr. Shafiqa Al-Awadhi, Director General of the Public Authority of the Disabled, GUST organized in collaboration with AFAQ Educational Co. a lecture in the newly launched series “Gad’ha W’Gdoud” (More than Capable) on its Mishref campus this week. The lecture, led by renowned Psychologist and Educational Counselor, Dr. Mustafa Abo Saad, who discussed how to strengthen relationships between parents and their special needs children. The series, targeted especially for parents and educators, is due to host more lectures under the same umbrella in the next year.
The series aims to spread the ideal of community service, to align with Kuwait’s Vision for 2035, strengthen the bonds between different groups of society, establish common value, and develop skills that help to encourage & support people with special needs.
The lecture touched on a variety of topics including how to understand the psychological and educational needs of our children with differences, how we interpret these needs as only a reflection of the caregivers’ characteristics and competencies, the different obstacles both the children and caregivers face, and how we can use them to develop capabilities, how to motivate them to learn & enrich their skills, as well as how to prepare those responsible to deal with them and accept them as productive and effective members of society.
AFAQ Educational Director, Amani Al-Amad, said “The development of any society begins with our understanding of the individuals’ needs within it. We have to invest our time and energy and care into everyone that is a part of our society. At the end, we all have roles to play in its growth.”
The lecture was attended by AFAQ’s executive leadership, including Mr. Anas Al-Asousi, Dean of Student Affairs at GUST, Dr. Raghad Al-Kazemi, leaders and educators from the Public Authority of the Disabled, representatives from the Department of Special Education of the Ministry of Education, local educators, parents, and students.
This was the second lecture in the “Gad’ha W’Gdoud” series, the first was held last month, led by Dr. Suad Al-Thuwaikh, CEO of That Center for Social and Education Consultations, and focused on solving the different obstacles that come with ADHD. The lecture was geared towards parents and educators with children dealing from learning mental or learning disabilities.
Since its establishment in 2002, GUST has supported all its students with special needs by providing customized and free educational services and tools through the One Stop Student Services Center. All of which contribute to smooth educational experience for them, and ensuring that they receive the same well-rounded, quality education as their peers.
