International Collaboration for SDG Best Practice
During the 2024/2025 academic year, Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST) collaborated with international universities, sustainability networks, research organizations, and professional bodies to review comparative approaches, exchange successful models, and develop or adapt best practices relevant to the Sustainable Development Goals.Through international benchmarking, joint research, conferences, knowledge-sharing networks, and institutional partnerships, GUST compares approaches used in different countries and organizations and considers how successful practices can be adapted to the Kuwaiti and regional context.These collaborations support the exchange and development of evidence-informed practices in areas including sustainable development, institutional performance, digital fabrication, education, innovation, and SDG implementation.
| Initiative | Relevant Parties |
|---|---|
| Hosting | Fab City Network, SDSN |
| Agreements | UBT Saudi Arabia, SAP University Competence Center, WASD, etc. |
| Other Collaborations | Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) |
| Initiative: | Hosting |
| Relevant Parties: | Fab City Network, SDSN |
| Initiative: | Agreements |
| Relevant Parties: | UBT Saudi Arabia, SAP University Competence Center, WASD, etc. |
| Initiative: | Other Collaborations |
| Relevant Parties: | Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) |
Hosting
Kuwait Fab City Symposium 2025 – Comparing Global Models for Sustainable Local Production
GUST hosted the Kuwait Fab City Symposium 2025 in collaboration with international academic and Fab City/Fab Lab partners to exchange and compare approaches to digital fabrication, local production, circular economies and sustainable urban development.Through presentations, workshops and knowledge exchange, participants reviewed international Fab City and Fab Lab models and explored how successful approaches used internationally could be adapted to Kuwait’s social, economic and urban context.The symposium enabled GUST and its partners to identify transferable practices in sustainable fabrication and innovation while contributing regional perspectives to the wider international Fab City community.
SDSN Kuwait – Reviewing and Adapting International SDG Best Practices
As the host institution for SDSN Kuwait, GUST participates in the international Sustainable Development Solutions Network, connecting Kuwait with universities, researchers and sustainability organizations worldwide.Through this network, GUST engages with international sustainability strategies, case studies, indicators and implementation approaches, enabling the University and its partners to compare international practices and identify models that can be adapted to Kuwait’s national context.GUST’s role provides a platform for translating international SDG knowledge into locally relevant approaches while also contributing Kuwait-specific experiences and evidence to the wider global network.
International Benchmarking and Best-Practice Exchange with the University of Business and Technology
Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST) entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Business and Technology (UBT) in Saudi Arabia to strengthen academic and institutional collaboration between the two universities. The agreement was formally established on 21 April 2025.
The partnership provides a framework for cooperation across several academic and institutional areas, including:
- faculty exchange between the two universities
- external benchmarking
- exchange of Key Performance Indicator (KPI) data, including methodologies, calculation approaches, institutional performance practices and relevant expertise
- student exchange opportunities
- collaboration on summer-school programs
- organization of joint workshops, conferences and training activities
- development of collaborative teaching and research projects.
Since the signing of the MOU, GUST has collaborated with UBT in exchange of knowledge, expertise, and approaches in different scopes.
Erasmus +
GUST participates in an Erasmus+ KA171 inter-institutional partnership with the University of Málaga, Spain, providing a structured framework for international student and staff mobility and the exchange of higher-education practices. Through the agreement, both institutions align their mobility processes with the Erasmus Charter for Higher Education and internationally recognized practices related to quality assurance, inclusion, diversity, equal opportunity, participant support and transparent selection. The partnership places particular emphasis on widening access to international education for participants with fewer opportunities, including individuals with disabilities, socioeconomic disadvantages, refugee or protected status, and other documented barriers to mobility. GUST and the University of Málaga also commit to fair and transparent selection procedures, targeted outreach, mentoring, language and intercultural preparation, and appropriate support for participating students and staff. By working within a common international framework and comparing institutional approaches to inclusive mobility and student support, the collaboration enables GUST to review, adopt and implement international best practices in equitable and inclusive higher education. Below image is a relevant clause extracted from the Erasmus + GUST agreement.
International Comparative Research and Best-Practice Development
In addition to institutional partnerships and international benchmarking, GUST faculty collaborate with researchers and universities around the world to compare approaches to sustainability challenges, evaluate different models and practices, and develop evidence-based recommendations and frameworks relevant to the Sustainable Development Goals.
International Collaboration on Aquatic Invasive Species Best Practice
As an outcome of GUST’s Memorandum of Understanding with Queen’s University Belfast, GUST faculty member Dr. Danish Ahmed contributed to the preparation of the 24th International Conference on Aquatic Invasive Species (ICAIS 2026) as a member of its International Scientific Committee. The scientific preparation and committee work began during Academic Year 2024/2025, with the conference subsequently held at Queen’s University Belfast during Academic Year 2025/2026. Through his role on the International Scientific Committee, Dr. Danish Ahmed contributed to the scientific development of an international forum focused on aquatic invasive species, biodiversity protection, ecosystem management, prevention and control strategies, and the exchange of international approaches to managing environmental risks. The committee’s work supported the review and development of conference themes, scientific contributions, and knowledge exchange among international researchers and practitioners. This enabled comparative discussion of approaches used across different regions and supported the identification and dissemination of effective practices for addressing aquatic invasive species and protecting ecosystems. Through this collaboration, GUST contributes to the international review, exchange, and development of best practices addressing sustainability and biodiversity challenges.
Comparative Research on Sustainable Investment Agreements – Dr. Ahmet Cemil Yildirim
In 2025, Dr. Ahmet Cemil Yildirim collaborated with Marie & Louis Pasteur University and the University of Rouen in France on research examining sustainability and environmental protection provisions in Kuwait’s Bilateral Investment Treaties. The collaboration involves reviewing international legal and policy approaches to sustainability within investment agreements and comparing different regulatory models and treaty provisions. The findings are being used to support the development of a new-generation model Bilateral Investment Treaty for Kuwait incorporating stronger sustainability and environmental protection provisions. This research demonstrates how international comparative analysis can be translated into locally relevant policy models and contributes to the development of improved practices for sustainable investment and responsible economic development.
International Research on Environmental Innovation Best Practice – Dr. Naser Abughazaleh
In 2025, Dr. Naser Abughazaleh collaborated with researchers from Cork University Business School, University College Cork, Ireland, on research examining how investment in research and development influences future environmental innovation among European firms. The study, “Enhancing Sustainability: The Impact of Research and Development Expenditure on Future Environmental Innovation in European Firms,” evaluates the relationship between corporate R&D investment and environmental innovation across firms operating in different European contexts. By examining comparative evidence from European companies, the research identifies approaches that support environmental innovation and more sustainable business practices, contributing internationally relevant evidence on how investment in research can accelerate sustainable technological development.
International Research on SDG-Aligned Business Innovation – Dr. Fida Karam
In 2025, Dr. Fida Karam collaborated with researchers from the University of Orléans, France, and Missouri University of Science and Technology, United States, on research examining how SDG-aligned strategies can support business innovation. The study, “Solutions for Unleashing Business Innovations: The Role of SDG-Aligned Strategies,” evaluates how organizations can integrate Sustainable Development Goal priorities into business strategies and innovation processes. Through international research collaboration and comparative analysis, the study identifies approaches that can support firms in aligning innovation with sustainable-development objectives and contributes to the development and dissemination of evidence-based practices for sustainable business.
Comparative Research on Gender-Friendly Trade Agreements
GUST faculty member Dr. Fida Karam, in collaboration with the University of Orléans, France, contributed to international research examining how gender provisions in international trade agreements can influence women’s empowerment. The study, “When Trade Agreements Are Gender-Friendly: Impact on Women Empowerment Using Firm Data,” compares trade-policy approaches and examines how gender-responsive provisions can influence economic participation and opportunities for women. The research contributes international evidence on how trade agreements can incorporate gender considerations and helps identify policy approaches that support more inclusive and equitable economic development.
Developing International Best Practice for Health Information Exchange
GUST faculty member Ashraf Jaradat collaborated with the University of Southern Queensland, Australia, and other research partners on the study “Epidemiological Passport System Requirements: A Roadmap for International Travel and Tourism Recovery. ”The international research examined how countries and organizations could securely exchange and verify health information to support safe international travel. The study used 32 in-depth interviews with executive leaders from different sectors to compare requirements, challenges and approaches to health-information exchange. Based on this comparative analysis, the research proposed a framework for an Epidemiological Passport System designed to support secure information sharing, harmonized travel requirements, improved border-control efficiency and public-health protection. The project provides a clear example of international research being used to compare approaches and develop a transferable framework that can inform international best practice.
International Research on ESG Performance and Sustainable Financial Decision-Making
In 2025, Dr. Mohammed Hossain collaborated with international research partners on an empirical study examining the relationship between Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) performance and dividend policy among Egyptian-listed companies during periods of instability. The research analyses corporate sustainability and financial-governance practices in an emerging-market context and provides evidence on how ESG performance can influence financial decision-making and organizational resilience. By comparing corporate practices and outcomes across firms, the study contributes evidence that can support the development of more sustainable and transparent governance and financial-management practices.
ACRL Book Chapter Contribution
In academic year 2024-2025, GUST Library contributed the chapter “Implementing UNSDGs Beyond the Borders of the Library” to the international ACRL publication Academic Libraries and Sustainable Development. The chapter documents GUST’s approach to embedding the SDGs into library operations, educational outreach and community engagement, providing practical strategies that other universities and academic libraries can review and adapt. Through this international publication, GUST contributes its own institutional experience to the development and dissemination of best practices for integrating the SDGs within higher education.
Other Supporting International Collaborations
GUST Summer Scholarship Program with Partner Universities
Every Academic year, the University supports international academic collaboration through its annual GUST Summer Scholarship Program. This initiative enables outstanding students to study abroad at leading global universities, where they engage in advanced coursework, research exposure, and cross-cultural learning aligned with international SDG priorities. By funding tuition, travel, and living costs, GUST empowers students to participate in global learning environments that strengthen research skills, expand academic networks, and contribute to the development of internationally informed educational resources. These scholarships serve as an important channel for academic cooperation and student development.
Below are a list of students who were awarded the scholarship in the academic year:
|
# |
Name |
College |
Department |
University |
Location |
Course(s) |
| 1 | Noor Luay Tahat | CAS | Computer Science | Missouri S&T | USA |
CSC 290: Data Science ECON 101: Principles of Microeconomics |
| 2 | Munah Ezzat Boresli | CBA | Business Administration — International Business | Autonomous Univ. of Madrid (UAM) | Spain |
MRKT 460: International Marketing MGMT 383: Principles of Entrepreneurship |
| 3 | Ramy Mahmoud Aly | CAS | Computer Science | University of Leeds (UOL) | UK |
Under Humanities (Arab Heritage & Cultural Diverse Offering) MCM 103: Introduction to Mass Communication (University Offerings) |
| 4 | Khadija Salim Abu Lehyah | CBA | Accounting & MIS — MIS | Autonomous Univ. of Madrid (UAM) | Spain |
ECON 495: Special Topics in Economics (MIS elective; major sheet exception) MGMT 383: Principles of Entrepreneurship (University Offering) |
| 5 | Mohammad Hashem Kamali | CAS | Computer Science | University of Leeds (UOL) | UK |
Under Humanities (Humanities & Fine Arts or University Offerings) MCM 495: Special Topics in Mass Communication (University Offerings) |
| 6 | Albatool Bader Alqallaf | CBA | Accounting & MIS — Accounting | Autonomous Univ. of Madrid (UAM) | Spain |
ECON 495: Special Topics in Economics (University Offering) MGMT 383: Principles of Entrepreneurship (University Offering) |
| 7 | Nada Ghazi Alothman | CAS | English — English Literature | University of Leeds (UOL) | UK | N/A |
| 8 | Jana Yousef Hadwan | CBA | Business Administration — International Business | Autonomous Univ. of Madrid (UAM) | Spain |
MRKT 460: International Marketing MGMT 383: Principles of Entrepreneurship |
| 9 | Noor Jamal Alkhasawneh | CBA | Accounting & MIS — Accounting | Autonomous Univ. of Madrid (UAM) | Spain |
FIN 380: International Finance (University Offering) MGMT 383: Principles of Entrepreneurship (University Offering) |
| 10 | Yossef Yasser Elnagar | CAS | Computer Science | Missouri S&T | USA |
CSC 290: Data Science ECON 101: Principles of Microeconomics |
| 11 | Hussein Reda Haissam | CAS | Computer Science | Missouri S&T | USA |
CSC 290: Data Science ECON 101: Principles of Microeconomics |
| 12 | Ali Khalaf AlAnizi | CBA | Business Administration — Marketing | Autonomous Univ. of Madrid (UAM) | Spain |
MRKT 460: International Marketing MGMT 383: Principles of Entrepreneurship |
| 13 | Hessah A F A Alhendi | CAS | English — Linguistics & Translation | Missouri S&T | USA |
MCM 205: International Communication ECON 101: Principles of Microeconomics |
| 14 | Abdulwahab Mohammad Alqenaei | CBA | Computer Science | Missouri S&T | USA |
CSC 290: Data Science ECON 101: Principles of Microeconomics |
| 15 | Abbas Ahmad Farman | CBA | Business Administration — Management (Organizational Behaviour) | Autonomous Univ. of Madrid (UAM) | Spain |
MRKT 460: International Marketing MGMT 383: Principles of Entrepreneurship |
| 16 | Hisham Mazen Ghannam | CAS | Computer Science | Missouri S&T | USA |
CSC 290: Data Science ECON 101: Principles of Microeconomics |
| 17 | Rahaf Mamdouh Yousef | CAS | English — English Literature | University of Leeds (UOL) | UK |
Under Humanities MCM 101: Introduction to Mass Communication (University Offerings) |
| 18 | Dana Meshal Alabdulghani | CAS | Mass Communication — Visual Communication | University of Leeds (UOL) | UK |
Under Humanities (University Offerings) MCM 495: Special Topics in Mass Communication (University Offerings) |
| 19 | Ayat Ali Alraqum | CAS | Mass Communication — Digital Media Production | Missouri S&T | USA |
MCM 402: Mass Media Criticism ECON 101: Principles of Microeconomics |
Advancing Digital Education through International Collaboration with SAP UCC Magdeburg
Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST) entered into a framework agreement with the SAP University Competence Center at Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Germany, to strengthen teaching, learning, and academic engagement with enterprise technology.
Through the agreement, GUST is able to access SAP-supported teaching and learning environments and selected SAP technologies for academic teaching and research purposes. The SAP UCC model is designed to provide universities with hands-on access to SAP technologies, supporting practical education, training, and research while enabling students and faculty to engage with enterprise software and real-world business processes. 20241001 SAP Framework Agreement.
The collaboration supports GUST's commitment to:
- strengthening technology-enabled and practice-oriented education
- developing students’ digital and enterprise-systems skills
- supporting faculty teaching and research using industry-standard technologies
- connecting academic learning with real-world business processes
- promoting international academic knowledge exchange and technology collaboration.
The agreement establishes a formal institutional relationship between GUST and Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg’s SAP University Competence Center. 20241001 SAP Framework Agreement
Strategic Partnership between GUST and the World Association for Sustainable Development
In 2025, GUST established a strategic partnership with the World Association for Sustainable Development (WASD) to strengthen international research cooperation and knowledge exchange around sustainable development.The collaboration provides a framework for comparing sustainability approaches, sharing international research and practices, and developing collaborative initiatives addressing sustainability, innovation, education and knowledge management.
