Cross-Sectoral Dialogue on the Sustainable Development Goals
During academic year 2024-2025, Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST) initiated and participated in cross-sectoral dialogue bringing together academia, government and public institutions, international organizations, professional bodies, industry, and civil society to exchange knowledge and perspectives on sustainable development and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.Through conferences, forums, seminars, professional dialogues and collaborative events, GUST provides platforms where representatives from different sectors discuss sustainability challenges, share expertise and explore approaches to areas including sustainable innovation, responsible business, inclusive education, digital transformation, ethical leadership and sustainable development.
| Action | Summary |
|---|---|
| Partnerships and Collaborations | Such as official conferences, competitions, etc. |
| Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) | Agreements between GUST and other insitutions outlining terms and conditions, as well as initiatives to be exchanged and collaborated on. |
| Action: | Partnerships and Collaborations |
| Summary: | Such as official conferences, competitions, etc. |
| Action: | Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) |
| Summary: | Agreements between GUST and other insitutions outlining terms and conditions, as well as initiatives to be exchanged and collaborated on. |
Memorandums of Understanding
Supporting Entrepreneurship and Experiential Learning through the GUST–GFH Capital Kuwait Partnership
Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST) entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with GFH Capital Kuwait to establish a framework for collaboration in entrepreneurship, innovation, education and student development. The partnership is designed to support future talent in Kuwait through academic collaboration, industry engagement and experiential learning opportunities.
The partnership provides for cooperation in several areas, including:
- Support for the GUST Startup Lab: GFH Kuwait will work with GUST’s Startup Lab to support selected programs, bootcamps, mentorship initiatives and annual events focused on creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship.
- Student internships: GFH Kuwait will provide internship and learning opportunities that allow GUST students to develop practical experience in finance, investment and business management.
- “Live Your Major” initiative: GUST and GFH Kuwait will jointly develop a program that connects students’ academic disciplines with career-oriented, real-world projects.
- Mentorship and industry engagement: GFH Kuwait may provide mentors, executives and industry speakers to participate in GUST academic and entrepreneurship programs, offering students professional insight and career guidance.
Strategic Partnership with Gulf Bank for Employability, Internships and Continuing Education
Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST) entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with Gulf Bank to establish a structured collaboration focused on internships, employment opportunities, talent acquisition activities and continuing education. The agreement was entered into on 9 February 2025.
The partnership supports several areas of student and professional development, including:
- Internship opportunities: Gulf Bank may provide internships for GUST students in areas related to its business operations, offering practical training aligned with students’ academic programs and the Bank’s operational needs.
- Graduate employment opportunities: GUST graduates may receive priority consideration for relevant entry-level positions, subject to Gulf Bank’s recruitment and eligibility requirements.
- Talent acquisition activities: Gulf Bank may participate in GUST career fairs, orientation sessions and other recruitment-related events, providing students and graduates with information on career opportunities and recruitment processes.
- Continuing education: Gulf Bank employees are eligible for a 25% tuition discount on selected GUST academic programs offered through the University’s continuing education initiatives.
Strategic Partnership with Kuwait International Bank (KIB) for Innovation and Student Development
Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST) entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Kuwait International Bank (KIB) to establish a collaborative partnership focused on innovation, incubation, student development, and employability. The agreement brings together GUST's academic resources and student talent with KIB's expertise in digital innovation and the banking sector.
Under the partnership, GUST and KIB agreed to collaborate innovation bootcamps, internship and Co-op opportunities, future employment opportunities.
Contribution to Sustainable development:
- enhancing students' practical and professional skills
- promoting innovation and entrepreneurship
- expanding experiential-learning opportunities
- improving graduate employability and career readiness
- strengthening university–industry knowledge exchange
- developing human capital relevant to Kuwait's evolving digital and financial sectors
Partnerships and Collaborations
Collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) – Knowledge Journey in Kuwait
In 2025, GUST participated in the Knowledge Journey in Kuwait, organized by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). The event brought together representatives from academia, international organizations, policymakers and other stakeholders to exchange perspectives on sustainable innovation, digital transformation, inclusive education and the development of sustainable and inclusive communities. Representing GUST, Dr. Omar Gibreel presented “Fostering AI Literacy and Knowledge Management for Society 5.0: Skills for Sustainable, Smart, and Inclusive Communities.” The session contributed an academic perspective to cross-sector discussion around the skills, knowledge and digital competencies required to support inclusive and sustainable development.
Cross-sector participants: Academia | UNDP / international organization | Policymakers and stakeholders
Dialogue themes: AI literacy | Inclusive education | Digital transformation | Sustainable communities
Relevant SDGs: SDG 4, SDG 9, SDG 10, SDG 11, SDG 17
Partnership with BGS Honors Society, IMA, and ACCA on Sustainability Initiatives
During 2025, GUST's College of Business Administration engaged with the Beta Gamma Sigma (BGS) Honors Society, Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), and Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) through professional and educational activities addressing responsible business practice, ethics and sustainability.These engagements brought together academia and international professional organizations to exchange knowledge on themes including ethical leadership, accountability, sustainable management, corporate responsibility and the evolving role of business professionals in sustainable development.
Participation in the 22nd Sustainability International Conference – United Nations Headquarters, Geneva
In 2024, representatives from Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST) participated in the 22nd Sustainability International Conference, organized by the World Association for Sustainable Development (WASD) in collaboration with the United Nations, at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. The event, themed “How to Accelerate the Pace of the Agenda 2030 Implementation at Half-Way to Its Finishing Line,” convened international experts, policymakers, academics, and industry leaders to explore strategies for advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
GUST’s participation in this global forum demonstrates its active role in cross-sectoral dialogue and policy-driven collaboration on sustainability. By engaging with government representatives, NGOs, and international institutions, GUST contributed academic insight and research perspectives to high-level discussions on accelerating SDG implementation. This involvement reinforces the University’s position as a regional academic partner in global sustainability governance, fostering knowledge exchange, innovation, and cooperative action toward achieving the UN 2030 Agenda.
GUST Library Contributes to Cross-Sectoral Dialogue on the SDGs through the French Language Teachers’ Pedagogical Forum
GUST Library participated in the 3rd French Language Teachers’ Pedagogical Forum, bringing together representatives from Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST), the Ministry of Education, Institut français, and Sorbonne Paris. The forum provided a cross-sector educational platform for sharing knowledge, pedagogical practices, and approaches connected to sustainable development and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
As part of the forum, GUST Library delivered a presentation exploring how the Sustainable Development Goals can support educators and students in understanding and responding to global challenges. The session focused on emotional intelligence in the age of artificial intelligence, highlighting the importance of empathy, self-awareness, social responsibility, and the human dimension of learning. It demonstrated how these competencies can support sustainable development while connecting literature and language education with wider social and global sustainability objectives.
GUST collaborates with London School of Economics & Political Science
Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST) is collaborating with the London School of Economics & Political Science (LSE) on several ongoing projects among them the DiSTO Project and the creation of the DiSTO-Kuwait Chapter with a group of GUST professors, as well as a research collaboration with GUST professor, Dr. Rania Al-Nakib to explore how democratic citizenship is shaped by education in Kuwait.
The first collaboration is with LSE Professor, Dr. Ellen Helsper, who leads the global project “from digital skills to tangible outcomes” (DiSTO). The project aims to develop and improve global measures of people’s digital skills and engagement, as well as the types of outcomes they derive from these. It has been run in numerous countries around the world and its scales have also been incorporated into such projects as the World Internet Project, the International Telecommunications Union, the Global Kids Online, the UK Nominet Trust project, Benessere Digitale (Italy), and many others.
Cross-Sector Partnership through Higher-Education Sport
GUST’s participation in the Warba Bank League for Higher Education in March 2024 demonstrates collaboration between higher-education institutions, the private sector and the wider sports community. The league brings together universities and external partners, including Warba Bank, to support student participation, physical activity and university sport.Through such initiatives, GUST strengthens partnerships beyond the University and contributes to collaborative efforts that promote student well-being, engagement and healthy lifestyles across the higher-education community.
SLB Field Visit
On 24 November 2025, engineering students from GUST visited SLB (Schlumberger), one of the world’s leading energy technology companies, for an immersive field experience focused on innovation and sustainability. During the visit, students engaged directly with SLB engineers and industry specialists, gaining insight into modern energy solutions, environmental impact monitoring, responsible resource management, and the technologies driving the global shift toward low-carbon systems. By creating a space where students, faculty, and industry professionals could exchange ideas and discuss real-world sustainability challenges, this visit serves as a clear example of SDG 17.2.2. Through partnerships like this, GUST strengthens its role as a connector between academia and industry, helping future engineers understand the practical pathways toward achieving national and global sustainability goals.
PIC Future Leads Academy Seminar
In November 2025, GUST hosted a seminar led by the Petrochemical Industries Company (PIC) that focused on bridging the gap between industry and academia. The session brought together PIC representatives, faculty, and students for an in-depth discussion on real-world industry challenges, evolving workforce needs, and the role of academic institutions in preparing future professionals. By creating a platform where national industry leaders can engage directly with the university community, GUST supports SDG 17.2.2, which emphasizes cross-sectoral dialogue for sustainable development. This seminar not only enriched students’ understanding of Kuwait’s energy and industrial landscape but also strengthened ongoing cooperation that contributes to the country’s broader innovation and sustainability goals.
NBK Headquarters Visit
On 1 December 2025, GUST students visited the National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) Headquarters for an immersive educational experience that connected the academic community with one of the country’s most influential financial institutions. During the visit, students gained firsthand insight into NBK’s operations, innovation strategies, and emerging sustainability practices within the banking sector. NBK representatives engaged students in discussions about financial technology, economic development, and the skills needed for future careers in finance and business.
By facilitating direct interaction between students and national industry leaders, this visit aligns with SDG 17.2.2, as it fosters collaboration, knowledge exchange, and partnership between the university and key local institutions. Through experiences like this, GUST helps students understand how national organizations contribute to Kuwait’s economic and sustainable development goals while strengthening long-term institutional relationships.
GUST Hosts UNESCO School Awards Closing Ceremony
Under the Patronage of the Ministry of Education Dr. Hamed Al-Azmi, and in a joint effort between GUST’s Center for Teaching, Learning and Research, the National Commission of Culture and Education representing UNESCO, GUST hosted the closing ceremony of the UNESCO accredited schools in Kuwait.
The event welcomed many leading educators and administrators, including GUST President, Professor Walid Bouhamra, Dean of the College of Business Administration, Professor Antonis Simintiras, Al-Sheikha Sheikha Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah, patron of the event and schools, a representative from the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates, and Nadia Al-Wazzan, Director of the Kuwait National Commission for Education - UNESCO, Science and Culture,as well as students from all the accredited UNESCO schools. During the event, students from each school gave short performances ranging from poetry to plays to shadow shows.
GUST is always happy to support the local educational committee and encourage the youth to excel in both their education and honing their talents.
Strategic Partnership with Commercial Bank of Kuwait (Al-Tijari) for Lifelong Learning, Employability and Professional Development
Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST) entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Commercial Bank of Kuwait (Al-Tijari) in 2025 to strengthen collaboration in career development, lifelong learning, professional education, student recruitment, and knowledge exchange. The agreement establishes a structured relationship between the University and the banking sector to support both GUST students and CBK employees.
Scope of collaboration includes:
- Career development and recruitment
- Internships
- Professional development
- Workshops and knowledge exchange
- Industry exposure
- Career engagement
- Testing and assessment
Advancing Industry Engagement and Student Development through the GUST–GE Vernova Partnership
Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST) entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with GE Vernova Technology Centre Kuwait (GEKTC) to establish a collaborative framework focused on student development, industry exposure, academic engagement and technology-related learning opportunities. The agreement was entered into on 21 November 2024. A joint Steering Committee, composed of representatives from both GUST and GEKTC, is established under the agreement to guide and monitor the collaboration. The committee is expected to meet quarterly and oversee the implementation of activities arising from the partnership.
The partnership provides for cooperation in several areas of mutual interest, including:
- internship and mentorship opportunities for GUST undergraduate students across departments at GE Vernova Technology Centre Kuwait
- encouraging students to undertake academic projects related to GEKTC’s areas of expertise
- organizing site visits for GUST students to GEKTC facilities in Kuwait
- involving GEKTC’s corporate social responsibility initiatives in GUST student activities.
