SDG17: PARTNERSHIP FOR THE GOALS
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 global objectives designed to address a wide range of social, economic, and environmental challenges facing our world. SDG 17, "Partnership for the Goals," recognizes that achieving these ambitious targets requires collaborative efforts involving governments, businesses, civil society, and educational institutions like GUST Gulf University.
Gulf University's Commitment to SDGs and SDG 17:
GUST actively supports SDG 17, through various initiatives:
- Curriculum Integration: GUST integrates SDGs into its curriculum, ensuring that students across various disciplines are educated about the global challenges outlined in the goals. This empowers future leaders with the knowledge and awareness needed to drive change.
- Research and Innovation: GUST conducts research aligned with the SDGs, contributing to the development of solutions to global challenges. Faculty and students engage in projects that address specific SDGs, from environmental conservation to social justice.
- Community Engagement: The university collaborates with local organizations, government agencies, and businesses to support SDG-related initiatives. This includes participating in community service projects, sustainability programs, and advocacy efforts.
- Awareness Campaigns: GUST organizes awareness campaigns, seminars, and events that promote the SDGs and encourage active participation from students, faculty, and the wider community. These initiatives raise awareness about the importance of sustainable development and inspire action.
- International Partnerships: GUST establishes partnerships with international universities and organizations to share best practices, research findings, and innovative solutions related to the SDGs. These collaborations broaden the university's impact on a global scale.
GUST Appointed as the Host Institution for the Sustainable Development Solutions Network Kuwait
Gulf University for Science and Technology has achieved a major milestone in advancing sustainable development in Kuwait by being officially appointed as the host institution for the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) National Network under the umbrella of the United Nations SDSN Global Initiative in 2025. This prestigious designation places GUST at the center of national and regional efforts to promote sustainability, research, and policy innovation, further strengthening its position as a leader in sustainability education and collaboration in the Gulf region.
As the national host of SDSN Kuwait, GUST will play a pivotal role in identifying key sustainability priorities, fostering multi-sector dialogue, and connecting policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders to address the most pressing sustainable development challenges. This partnership underscores GUST’s long-standing commitment to aligning higher education with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and creating a platform for evidence-based policy and collaboration that drives real impact.
Hosting the SDSN National Network is not only a recognition of GUST’s academic excellence and research capacity but also a testament to its growing influence in shaping Kuwait’s sustainability agenda. Through this role, GUST will work closely with national and international partners to guide policy discussions, support SDG implementation, and promote innovation for a more sustainable and resilient future.
Internship Programs
The English Department Internship Program (ENGL 499) reflects GUST’s alignment with SDG 17.2.1, fostering meaningful collaboration between academia, government institutions, and international organizations. Through placements with partners such as the United Nations (UN), the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR), and Kuwait Television (KTV2), students actively contribute to initiatives that support sustainable policy communication, scientific research, and cultural awareness. These partnerships provide students with practical experience in environments directly engaged in policy development, public communication, and sustainable innovation, strengthening GUST’s role in supporting national and regional SDG strategies while preparing graduates to become informed contributors to sustainable development.
Visit to the State Audit Bureau
The Accounting Club’s visit to the State Audit Bureau exemplifies GUST’s engagement with national institutions in advancing transparency, accountability, and sustainable governance—key components of SDG 17.2.1. Through this educational trip, students gained first-hand insight into the Bureau’s vital role in ensuring financial integrity, auditing public funds, and promoting ethical practices across government sectors. This collaboration strengthened students’ understanding of how sound financial oversight and policy evaluation contribute to national development goals, while reinforcing GUST’s partnership with government entities in supporting responsible management and good governance aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Partnerships in Sports Governance and Student Well-Being
The Athletics Department at GUST actively contributes to SDG 17.2.1 through its partnerships with both governmental and non-governmental bodies, including the University Athletic Association of Kuwait (UAAK) and the Kuwait School Sports Federation and Higher Education (KWSP.E.HE). As a member of these key committees, GUST plays a role in organizing inter-university athletic tournaments and ensuring that fairness, inclusion, and student well-being remain central to sports governance. These collaborations reflect GUST’s commitment to building strong institutional partnerships that promote health, integrity, and sustainable development in higher education across Kuwait.
Collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) – Knowledge Journey in Kuwait
As part of GUST’s ongoing engagement with international organizations to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Dr. Omar Gibreel represented the University at the Knowledge Journey in Kuwait, an event organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Kuwait in 2025.
Dr. Gibreel’s presentation, “Fostering AI Literacy and Knowledge Management for Society 5.0: Skills for Sustainable, Smart, and Inclusive Communities,” emphasized the growing importance of AI literacy and technological competence in achieving sustainable and inclusive development. He also shared findings from his co-authored research, “Development and Validation of the Prompt Engineering Competence Scale (PECS),” with Prof. Ibrahim Arpaci—a validated framework for assessing prompt engineering skills critical in the era of generative AI.
This collaboration with the UNDP directly supports SDG 17.2.2 and 17.2.3, as it highlights GUST’s role in contributing to global knowledge exchange, capacity building, and policy dialogue related to sustainable innovation. By promoting AI literacy as a foundation for inclusive and future-ready education, Dr. Gibreel’s participation reinforces GUST’s commitment to fostering partnerships that strengthen the integration of technology, sustainability, and social responsibility in line with the UN’s global agenda.
Partnership with BGS Honors Society, IMA, and ACCA on Sustainability Initiatives
The College of Business Administration at GUST, partnered with the Beta Gamma Sigma (BGS) Honors Society, the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) in 2025 to strengthen education and professional engagement around sustainability, ethics, and accountability. These collaborations included joint conferences, workshops, and expert-led sessions that connected students and faculty with international industry professionals and sustainability advocates.
This initiative aligns with SDG 17.2.2 by fostering global and regional partnerships with leading professional and non-governmental organizations that contribute to sustainable economic practices and transparent governance. Through these collaborations, GUST promotes knowledge exchange, professional integrity, and the advancement of responsible business practices in line with the UN’s Agenda 2030 for sustainable development.
Participation in the 22nd Sustainability International Conference – United Nations Headquarters, Geneva
In 2024, representatives from Gulf University for Science and Technology participated in the 22nd Sustainability International Conference, organized by the World Association for Sustainable Development (WASD) in collaboration with the United Nations, held at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. The conference, themed “How to Accelerate the Pace of the Agenda 2030 Implementation at Half-Way to Its Finishing Line,” brought together global experts, academics, and policymakers to discuss strategies for advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This participation aligns with SDG 17.2.2, as it reflects GUST’s active engagement with international organizations and UN-led forums that shape sustainability policy and practice. By contributing to high-level discussions on accelerating SDG implementation, GUST strengthens its role as a regional academic partner in global sustainability dialogues, promoting knowledge exchange, collaboration, and policy innovation aimed at achieving the 2030 Agenda.
Seminar on Digital Transformation and Climate Strategies
The Center for Sustainable Development (CSD) at Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST) was honored to host Professor Effie Kesidou, Chair in Economics of Innovation and Sustainability at the University of Leeds Business School, for an insightful seminar in 2025 titled “Digital Capabilities for Firms’ Climate Mitigation and Adaptation Responses: Evidence from an International Study.”
This event directly supports SDG 17.2.3, as it represented an international academic collaboration focused on sharing and analyzing global data related to climate action and digital innovation. Professor Kesidou’s presentation drew on international datasets to explore how digital transformation enables firms to implement more effective climate-mitigation and adaptation strategies. The discussion fostered research dialogue on the intersection of technology, sustainability, and resilience, strengthening GUST’s role in the global exchange of knowledge and data for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
2nd International Conference on Sustainable Development, Social Responsibility & Business Ethics (ICSDRBE)
Gulf University for Science and Technology was proud to host the 2nd International Conference on Sustainable Development, Social Responsibility & Business Ethics (ICSDRBE) on April 9–10, 2025. This conference brought together global experts, academics, and policymakers to advance dialogue and research on sustainability and ethical business practices. The conference was organized in partnership with several distinguished institutions, including the Telfer School of Management at the University of Ottawa, Paris School of Business, Audencia Business School, University of Paris I: Panthéon-Sorbonne, University of Southampton, and the South Mediterranean University (MSB-MedTech-LCI).
During the two-day conference, participants engaged in panel discussions, research presentations, and data-sharing sessions that explored themes such as corporate sustainability reporting, business ethics, environmental accountability, and the integration of social responsibility into economic systems. Researchers from multiple continents shared empirical studies, global case analyses, and comparative data that helped identify emerging sustainability trends across different regions and sectors.
For GUST, the ICSDRBE served as a major milestone in strengthening its international academic network and expanding its visibility as a regional hub for sustainability research. The conference facilitated the exchange of data and policy insights relevant to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 17, which emphasizes building global partnerships for sustainable progress. By hosting this global platform, GUST not only contributed to international SDG data gathering and knowledge dissemination but also established itself as a key partner in collaborative research, policy modeling, and innovation for sustainable economic and social development.
Kuwait Fab City Symposium 2025
Gulf University for Science and Technology proudly hosted the Kuwait Fab City Symposium 2025, a major international event organized by the Computer Science Department in partnership with the GUST FabLab. The symposium convened global experts, innovators, and researchers to exchange ideas on digital fabrication, sustainable technology, and localized production models— key themes that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).
This event directly supports SDG 17.2.4, as it served as a platform for international collaboration, research exchange, and comparative analysis of best practices in sustainability and digital innovation. Through keynote presentations, workshops, and the guided FabLab tour, participants explored how global and local fabrication models can be adapted to Kuwait’s context to promote sustainable urban development and circular economies. The Capstone Project Showcase further demonstrated how GUST’s students apply research-based learning to create scalable, SDG-driven technological solutions for real-world challenges.
By facilitating cross-sector dialogue among academia, industry, and policymakers, the Kuwait Fab City Symposium positioned GUST as a regional hub for developing and sharing international best practices in sustainable innovation, reinforcing its role in advancing research, collaboration, and practical strategies for achieving the SDGs.
Strategic Partnership between GUST and the World Association for Sustainable Development (WASD)
In 2025, Gulf University for Science and Technology signed a strategic agreement with the World Association for Sustainable Development (WASD) at the Royal Society of Medicine in London, marking a major milestone in advancing global collaboration for sustainability and innovation. This partnership directly supports SDG 17.2.4, as it establishes a framework for international research cooperation, comparative analysis, and the development of best practices in addressing global sustainability challenges.
Under this agreement, GUST and WASD will jointly organize the 23rd Sustainability International Conference, to be held for the first time in Kuwait in November 2025, bringing together leading global experts, policymakers, and researchers to exchange data, review successful sustainability models, and design innovative solutions for the future. Beyond the conference, the collaboration aims to explore cutting-edge areas such as the role of Artificial Intelligence in education, sustainable innovation, and knowledge management, all of which contribute to research-driven advancement of the SDGs.
ACRL Book Chapter Contribution
The GUST Library team, represented by J’Amy McCracken and Wadhhah Ahmed, contributed a chapter to the forthcoming international publication Academic Libraries and Sustainable Development, published by the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL). Their chapter, titled “Implementing UNSDGs Beyond the Borders of the Library”, was accepted for publication in 2024 and showcases GUST’s innovative approach to embedding the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into academic library operations, outreach, and community engagement.
This contribution directly supports SDG 17.2.4, highlighting GUST’s active role in international collaboration and the exchange of best practices within higher education. By sharing the GUST Library’s experience in integrating the SDGs into academic life, the chapter offers practical strategies that other universities and libraries around the world can adopt. It not only showcases GUST’s innovative work in sustainability and education but also helps build a global dialogue on how libraries can serve as catalysts for social impact, lifelong learning, and community engagement. Through this collaboration, the GUST Library contributes to shaping a more connected and sustainable academic community worldwide.
Sustainability Club Beach Clean Up
In 2024, the Sustainability Club at Gulf University for Science and Technology organized a large-scale desert and beach cleanup in collaboration with several local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and community partners. The event brought together students, staff, and volunteers to help protect Kuwait’s natural environment while raising awareness about the importance of conservation and responsible waste management. It was more than just a cleanup—it was an opportunity for students to connect with their community, learn about sustainability challenges firsthand, and take practical action to support the environment. This initiative reflects GUST’s commitment to SDG 17.2.5: Collaboration with NGOs for SDGs, by strengthening partnerships with local organizations and encouraging youth participation in projects that advance climate action and environmental sustainability across the country.
Kiswa Donation Drive – Ramadan 2025
In Ramadan 2025, GUST partnered with the Kiswa Organization to host a university-wide donation drive supporting families and individuals in need across Kuwait. Students, faculty, and staff contributed clothing, food, and essential supplies, fostering a strong sense of community and social responsibility on campus. The initiative aligns with SDG 17.2.5 under the student volunteering programmes category, as it reflects meaningful collaboration between the University and a local NGO to promote compassion, reduce inequalities, and advance sustainable community support during the holy month of Ramadan.
GUST Partners with Dar Al Shifa Hospital
Gulf University for Science and Technology signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dar Al Shifa Hospital in February 2025, marking the beginning of a new era of collaboration between academia and the healthcare sector in Kuwait. This partnership aims to promote joint research, innovation, and professional development while providing GUST faculty with opportunities to engage in applied research that directly contributes to improving community health outcomes. The agreement also creates pathways for students to gain hands-on experience through internships and training programs within the hospital, bridging academic learning with real-world healthcare practice.
This collaboration aligns closely with SDG 17.2.5, particularly under the research programmes category. By working with a major healthcare institution, GUST is contributing to the development of sustainable healthcare research and fostering interdisciplinary cooperation that connects education, health, and technology. The partnership encourages the sharing of expertise, data, and resources to address pressing societal challenges, reinforcing GUST’s role as a hub for innovation and applied research.
Expanding Access to SDG-Focused Educational Resources
The GUST Library, in partnership with Taylor & Francis Group, launched a trial access to the Sustainable Development Goals Online (SDGO) platform in 2024, an extensive multimedia collection designed to help universities integrate sustainability into teaching and research. SDGO offers curated book chapters, journal articles, videos, and teaching materials that connect directly to the 17 UN SDGs. During the trial, GUST students and faculty were able to explore how sustainability topics could be incorporated across disciplines using digital-first learning tools. The platform’s flexibility allows institutions to customize collections by goal or faculty, helping educators prepare students to engage with sustainability challenges in their future careers. Through this initiative, that supports SDG 17.2.5, the GUST Library provided its community with an opportunity to experience one of the world’s leading academic resources on sustainability education.
Additionally, through its SpringerLink subscription, the Library offers a unique SDG Filter that enables users to locate research, journal articles, and book chapters directly tied to specific Sustainable Development Goals. This feature connects academic research to real-world sustainability priorities, empowering faculty and students to pursue interdisciplinary, impact-driven work. Together, these initiatives enhance GUST’s role in advancing sustainability education and fostering a culture of research aligned with the UN 2030 Agenda.
Education for Sustainable Development
Gulf University for Science and Technology demonstrates a strong commitment to meaningful education around the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across all its colleges and programs. In alignment with SDG 17.4.1, the University ensures that sustainability principles and global awareness are integrated throughout the full curriculum, making education for the SDGs relevant and accessible to all students.
Each of the 3 colleges at GUST embeds SDG-related content into its courses, linking learning outcomes with real-world global challenges. This approach allows students to understand how their fields contribute to advancing sustainability—from environmental protection and gender equality to innovation, responsible consumption, and ethical governance.
- College of Arts and Sciences: Courses in English, Computer Science, Humanities, and Math connect classroom learning to SDGs such as Quality Education (SDG 4), Gender Equality (SDG 5), and Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10).
- College of Business Administration: Programs highlight SDGs like Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8) and Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12) through projects, case studies, and ethics-based coursework.
- College of Engineering and Architecture: Courses integrate SDGs including Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9) and Climate Action (SDG 13) by linking technological solutions with sustainable development.
This integration of SDG education across the curriculum ensures that every GUST student, regardless of major, encounters sustainability learning outcomes that build critical thinking, ethical awareness, and global citizenship. Some courses offer mandatory SDG-linked modules, while others provide optional opportunities for deeper exploration, encouraging lifelong engagement with sustainable development.
Live Your Major Program
In addition to SDG learning integrated throughout the core curriculum, GUST offers an optional university-wide initiative called “Live Your Major (LYM)”, designed to help students apply their classroom knowledge to real-world, sustainability-driven projects. These elective courses invite students from various disciplines to collaborate with external organizations and interpret their academic major through the lens of the SDGs.
Each LYM course links academic theory with hands-on community engagement and practical problem-solving. For example, courses in Computer Science, Education, Linguistics, Literature, and Media & Communication address SDGs ranging from Quality Education (SDG 4) and Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8) to Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9) and Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10).
A notable example includes the Modern Poetry LYM course led by Dr. Shahd Alshammari, in collaboration with the GUST Library. Students explored how literature and emotional intelligence contribute to the SDGs, particularly in nurturing empathy, creativity, and global citizenship. The Library supported the project through an interactive discussion and a newly created Reflection Zone, featuring curated books and resources to aid students’ sustainability-related research.
Showcase Event 2025
GUST students from the College of Business Administration demonstrated their ideas in the campus center on December 17, 2025.
They've spent a semester coming up with an idea that solves a local problem, validated it by checking gaps in the industry and proceeded to build a business model around it. Taking what they've learned into practice, they then prepared presentations and prototypes to pitch their ideas to oncoming visitors, which included faculty, heads of departments, and other students.
Their ideas not only tried to find solutions to local problems, but they touched upon issues raised by the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals. Enhancing Kuwait farming practices, for example, would mean to lessen the amount of waste in the process, hitting SDGs 12 and 15 at once. Other projects highlighted different SDGs, ensuring that the attendants of this showcase were exposed to the variety of problems the students were trying to address.
This not only bolstered their confidence in public speaking, but allowed the students to put the skills they've been taught into practical use.
Specific Courses Sustainability Education
Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST) demonstrates a strong institutional commitment to sustainability education through dedicated courses and projects that directly address the SDGs. This initiative aligns with SDG Indicator 17.4.2, which calls for universities to provide specific and meaningful education on sustainability and the SDGs across all disciplines.
College of Business Administration
The Practicum and MGMT 488: Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Sustainability courses introduces students to the relationship between business and sustainability, exploring how organizations can create value while addressing environmental and social challenges. The course highlights responsible leadership, sustainable business practices, and ethical decision-making, directly advancing SDGs such as Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), and Climate Action (SDG 13).
College of Arts and Sciences
In the Department of Computer Science, senior students complete a mandatory Capstone Course - CSC 451, where they design and implement innovative projects that apply technology to real-world sustainability challenges. Each project is uniquely aligned with one or more SDGs, reflecting the connection between technological innovation and global development.
Some notable projects from 2025 semester include:
- Masar (SDG 9, 11) – An AI-powered traffic management system reducing congestion and pollution.
- Smart Pot (SDG 9, 15) – A self-sustaining smart gardening system that promotes environmental care through automated technology.
- Smart Cane (SDG 9, 10) – A mobility aid enhancing independence and safety for visually impaired individuals.
College of Engineering and Architecture
Courses such as ENGG 101 and ENGG 102 encourage students to become creative, innovative, and collaborative engineers by engaging them in design-based learning. Students apply sustainability principles to engineering problems and present their outcomes during the First-Year Annual Engineering Design Exhibition, which showcases sustainable engineering solutions and encourages peer collaboration.
This annual event reflects the college’s ongoing dedication to integrating sustainability, creativity, and real-world problem-solving into early engineering education.
Education for SDGs in the Wider Community
Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST) extends its commitment to sustainability and lifelong learning beyond the classroom through outreach initiatives that engage alumni, local communities, and underrepresented groups. In line with SDG 17.4.3, these programs ensure that education for sustainable development benefits not only students but also the wider society—strengthening partnerships and advancing collective progress toward the UN 2030 Agenda.
Alumni Engagement
GUST maintains an active relationship with its graduates through the Alumni Office, which organizes educational events, mentorship opportunities, and career development programs rooted in the values of sustainability and social responsibility. A key initiative is the GUST Alumni Board Meeting, where alumni and university representatives come together to discuss new strategies for community involvement, lifelong learning, and sustainable career development. Through these gatherings, alumni are encouraged to share industry insights, promote ethical leadership, and act as ambassadors for the SDGs in their respective fields.
Local Community Outreach
GUST’s dedication to community engagement is reflected in several outreach activities that connect academic learning to social impact. The Computer Science Department’s Industrial Advisory Board Meeting serves as a platform for collaboration between academia and industry, ensuring that students’ learning outcomes align with sustainable and ethical professional practices. In addition, GUST faculty and students hosted workshops in communication skills for young school students in 2025, equipping youth with essential personal and academic skills while promoting inclusive education (SDG 4) and reduced inequalities (SDG 10). These initiatives highlight how GUSTS’s partnerships strengthen both education and community development.
Support for Displaced People and Refugees
In partnership with humanitarian and local organizations, GUST supports educational outreach for displaced individuals and refugees, providing digital literacy training, and awareness initiatives that emphasize education as a pathway to empowerment. GUST community also participates in donation drives and advocacy campaigns annually that promote inclusivity and dignity for all, reinforcing GUST’s role as a socially responsible institution.
Sustainability Literacy at GUST
Gulf University for Science and Technology is committed to evaluating and enhancing students’ sustainability literacy as part of its wider effort to integrate the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across teaching, research, and community engagement. Each academic year, sustainability concepts are embedded into courses, projects, and campus initiatives, allowing students to explore real-world issues such as environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and ethical innovation.
To measure student understanding, GUST uses course-based assessments, capstone projects, and surveys that evaluate how well students grasp and apply sustainability principles. Departments across the University collect data on student learning outcomes related to the SDGs, while the Center for Sustainable Development is working toward introducing a university-wide sustainability literacy survey to benchmark progress and identify areas for improvement. This structured approach ensures that students leave GUST with the knowledge, values, and skills needed to contribute meaningfully to sustainable development locally and globally.
International Programs
The Office of International Programs (OIP) strives to promote and develop a wide range of educational opportunities for both students and faculty. The OIP works closely with top-ranked academic institutions and organizations around the world to establish formal partnerships and create opportunities for strategic cooperation. These arrangements assist GUST’s community as it continues to integrate into growing networks of global knowledge and continuous learning.
The OIP’s mission is to promote and develop a wide range of international and educational opportunities by establishing strategic partnerships with top-ranked academic institutions and organizations; enabling GUST students and faculty to integrate into the emerging global knowledge and learning network.
GUST students can choose from numerous study abroad programs to gain international and intercultural experiences, and enrich their understanding of different cultures and nations.
Moreover, GUST strategic partnerships support collaborative faculty research projects that foster engagement between GUST faculty and their peers at innovative, international academic institutions.
GUST is proud to maintain bilateral agreements with prestigious universities around the world.
University Partner Map
GUST as a premier university is committed to enhancing engagement with international educational institutions in the areas of education and research. GUST facilitates an array of international programs, including study abroad opportunities, faculty fellowships, and partnerships with universities around the world.
GUST Sponsors 11th QS Maple Conference
Kuwait City, 28 March 2021: Gulf University of Science and Technology sponsored the 11th QS Maple conference. The conference spanned three days between the 23rd and 25th of March, and it was also the second edition to be held virtually since its inception. QS Maple’s organizing partner for 2021 was Prince Mohammed Bin Fahad University, based in Khobar, Saudi Arabia. The theme for this year’s edition was “The Future Today: Sustainable growth towards 2030”.
The goals of the conference included networking both professionally and on behalf of the institution, the opportunity to meet decision-makers and experts relevant to the Middle East and Africa in one place. Professional development by sharing best practices by a diverse set of institutions. As well as trend watching and research by engaging first-hand with knowledgeable participants from the region and beyond. Lastly, promotion of one’s institution to global peers for potential collaboration and all-round branding. The attendants included public officials and policymakers, senior or rising education administrators, professors, Ph.D. students, international quality assurance agencies, and various NGO’s.
QS MAPLE is designed for senior and rising higher education leaders, as well as academics, who are interested in the advancement of higher education in the Middle East and Africa in an international context. GUST’s sponsorship demonstrates its commitment to engaging with brilliant minds from around the world to exchange ideas and find innovative solutions to new-world problems.
GUST breaks into QS International Rankings
Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST) announced that it has been inducted into the global rankings by one of the most influential international university rankings firms, Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Limited. With this new milestone, GUST is the only private university in Kuwait to make the list, making it the top-ranked private educational institution in Kuwait.
This comes as a major achievement, as the university was previously only ranked among universities in the Arab region. Only two universities from Kuwait featured in the international ranking, with the other being Kuwait University. As a new entrant to this list, GUST is joined by only 46 other universities, which makes this achievement even more exceptional.
University President, Professor Walid Bouhamra said, “This is a remarkable achievement for our young university, especially as we try to navigate such unprecedented circumstances. Our focus from the very beginning has been on providing our students with a high-quality institution that is recognized as a pillar and hub of knowledge. This new accolade reflects the level of education GUST provides. Furthermore, being the only private university from Kuwait is a major triumph for us. This is a testimony to the success of our policies towards diversification, academic excellence, and focus on quality”.
GUST has featured in the QS University Rankings for the Arab Region since 2016, when the university was ranked as 73rd, and 49th the following year. This year, the university has improved to the extent that it is now featured in rankings that evaluate the strengths of all of the world’s higher education institutions. To feature on this list, the university is ranked according to specific measurements, namely, academic reputation, employer reputation, faculty student ratio, citations per faculty, international faculty index, and the number of international students.
With this, GUST remains the only private university in Kuwait to be internationally recognized in this manner for its academic prowess, and further highlights the dedication and calibre of its faculty, students, and staff. The QS ranking shows that GUST continues to maintain its leadership among private universities in Kuwait in key areas covered by the assessment.
Since 2016, GUSTs strategic goal is to enhance its position in the coming couple of years and to be listed in higher positions in the international rankings. QS World University Rankings, Times Higher Education World University Rankings, and US News Best Global Universities provide one of the few external measures of university strength and can be a factor in how prospective students choose the right school.
GUST and KPC Announce Recipients for Sustainable Development Scholarship
Gulf University for Science and Technology announced last week that GUST alumni have been awarded the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) Sustainable Development Scholarship to the University of Sussex in the United Kingdom. The scholarship is the first of its kind for both institutions and is set to take place from November 23 to December 7. The scholarship covers all tuition fees as well as travel and subsistence costs and educational materials during the two-week training course.
The alumni were selected based on criteria set by the university and KPC. Notably, applicants had to have a GPA of 3.3 or above, graduated within the last two years, be Kuwaiti citizens, and be unemploymed throughout the duration of the program. The selected alumni are: Lojain AlOmani, Sara AlMusallam, Samaa AlSaif, Ghadna AlKhamees, Munirah AlMailam, Shaikha AlMatouq, Budoor AlKhaledi, Bodoor AlZanki, and Yousef AlMunayes.
GUST President, Professor Walid Bouhamra, and KPC PR Manager, Jamal Al-Sanoosi met with the recipients to congratulate them and express their excitement for the program. Also present at the meeting were Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Fahed Al-Sumait, Vice President for Professional Development and Community Services, Dr. Ahmed Al-Darbas, Dean of the College of Business Administration, Prof. Antonis Simintiras, Head of the Business Administration Department, Dr. Ahmed El-Melegy, Initiative Members, Dr. Osama Al-Falah and Dr. Garvan Whelan, as well as International Program Coordinator, Nabae Asfar.
The students will be attending daily courses on Sustainable Development which crystallizes key concepts and provides the alumni with the opportunity to apply them to their geographical context of Kuwait and across various sectors, in particular, energy. All classes will be held at the Science Policy Research Unit at the University of Sussex.
The sessions have been assembled into an intensive course with a distinct and cumulative set of learning outcomes, and will be delivered through purpose-designed teaching and learning activities. The first week will include an introduction of the historical and contemporary debates on sustainable development as a whole, help the students understand the origin of sustainable development and its current manifestations in business, policy and politics; as well as apply a selection of economic and non-economic frameworks to understand and analyze sustainable development issues, in particular around the energy policy. The second week will focus on transformations to sustainable development where students will get to understand the systemic changes required to deliver the 17 sustainable development goals as set by the United Nations, the role of power and politics in their realization, and to develop an appreciation of the economic, social, and historical roots of social and environmental injustice.
By the end of the course students will be able to demonstrate a working knowledge and understanding of sustainable development concepts and frameworks, and have the ability to apply them at different levels and in different contexts.
Although this is the first scholarship for alumni, it is a valuable addition to GUST’s multiple study abroad programs available to its students. Other similar opportunities include the Summer Scholarship Program to the University of Missouri – St. Louis and George Washington University in the USA, and the MBA study abroad course which most recently took place at the Freie University in Berlin, Germany.
GUST is the Exclusive Academic Partner for Boubyan Bank’s “ITQAN Academy”.
Boubyan Bank announced the launch of its ITQAN Academy in cooperation with GUST, which will act as a center for developing the Bank’s human resources in an academic way by providing the most advanced specialized programs, administrative sciences and programs accredited by international institutions, all in compliance with the Bank’s business environment and the Shari’ah.
In this respect, Dr. Abdul-Rahman Al-Muhailan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at GUST said that the Agreement stems from our commitment and cooperation with civil community institutions and a leading Kuwaiti bank for developing the human capabilities and the best utilization of performance development in the different aspects of life; being the effective factor to upgrade our institutions. The process of development and enhancement of training using GUST’s academic programs such as MBA program as well as advanced technological learning methodologies such as e-learning, which Boubyan ITQAN Academy seeks to include within its programs, is indeed a source of pride for us and we appreciate that Boubyan Bank’s Management is aware of the importance of qualifying the promising future generations of this nation.
Commenting on the Agreement signed with GUST, Mr. Adel Abdul-Wahab Al-Majed, Chairman & MD of Boubyan Bank said: “The Management of Boubyan Bank believes in the importance of human resources, being the key driver for realizing any success or achievement” adding that investment in development the staff’s capabilities from all levels and imparting them with required experience is regarded as a cornerstone for the Bank’s plans targeting more development and part of its main strategy to be the bank of choice in the area of Islamic banking services.
Al-Majed pointed out that the Academy aims at qualifying the aspiring the Kuwaiti youth and fresh graduates to work at Boubyan Bank in a way that provides them with opportunities for promotion and building their career as well as giving them the privilege of getting in touch with the Academy’s cadre, which are specialized and experienced in giving training programs accredited by international agencies.
On his part, GM- Human Resources Group, Mr. Adel Al-Hammad said that the Academy will provide training opportunities for a whole year to the Bank’s staff in many fields such as specialized training programs in financial management, business administration, communication skills, human resources development, self-development as well as advanced, distinguished programs in customer service and professional banking product sales.
Al-Hammad added that Boubyan Bank strives to be the employer of choice for Kuwaiti fresh graduates by providing a work environment encouraging the development of the capabilities of the youth and giving the opportunity for career development to talented trainees within a carefully planned scientific framework under the supervision of ITQAN Academy work team. In addition, the programs of ITQAN Academy are based on the Blended Learning Approach comprising training courses, on-the-job training, job rotation, guidance and instruction, e-learning and assessment centers.
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.
DiSTO-Kuwait, the local chapter of Prof. Helpser’s project, is run by a team from GUST, which includes Dr. Fahed Al Sumait, GUST Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Albaraa AlTourah, Post-Doctoral Researcher at the Mass Communication and Media (MCM) Department, Dr. Jibril Latif, Assistant Professor MCM Department, Nouf Al-Saif, Teaching Assistant and part-time instructor in MCM. At the same time, the GUST team is partnering with the World of Opinions Survey firm in Kuwait, which is one of the country’s leading survey companies who will help assist with interviewer training and fieldwork planning. Finally, GUST will also include approximately 20 volunteers from the GUST student community and beyond to receive data-collection training and assist with the national-level data collection which is planned for February-March 2020. This not only aids in collecting accurate information, but also helps to prepare the next generation of prospective researchers to engage with pressing social concerns and address these through the application of quality methodologies.
Professor Helsper spent a week in Kuwait conducting workshops and training sessions, meeting key stakeholders, and coordinating activities with the DiSTO-Kuwait team. Among the organizations she met with to discuss the project and evaluate the ICT situation in Kuwait were the Communication and Information Technology Regulatory Authority (CITRA), the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS), Zain Telecommunication Company, the GUST Center for Teaching, Learning and Research (CTLR), and faculty from the Information Science Department at the College of Computing Sciences and Engineering at Kuwait University.
Project Leader, Professor Ellen Helsper, said, “I’m very pleased to have had the opportunity to expand my project into Kuwait, and interact with experts and the upcoming generation of leaders who will no doubt be shaping the development of Kuwait’s digital footprint and usage. It is important that we keep our fingers on the pulse and continue to examine the role the internet plays in different aspects of our lives.”
Also during her visit, Prof. Helsper delivered a lecture at GUST on the global evidence for socio-digital inequalities gathered through the DiSTO projects. She introduced the DiSTO project and explained how it helps to develop and improve measures and models of people’s digital skills, digital engagement, and outcomes of Information and Communications Technologies. The goal of the lecture was to examine which interventions are most effective in preparing everyone for a digital future.
A second major collaboration project between the two universities is lead in Kuwait by Dr. Rania Al-Nakib, Assistant Professor at GUST’s Department of Humanities & Social Sciences, who is collaborating with Dr. Sam Mejias, Research Fellow at the LSE on a research project entitled, Empowering Democratic Citizenship through Education: Exploring Rights-Based Approaches to Educational Policymaking in Kuwait. This study is being funded by a grant from LSE’s Middle East Center.
GUST Department of Humanities & Social Sciences Assistant Professor, Dr. Rania Al Nakib, said, “We are exploring how schools have become contested ideological sites in which both explicit and ‘hidden’ structures and curricula can hinder the development of democratic citizenship norms and practices, the proposed study aims to assess the extent to which citizenship education approaches, that emphasize rights and responsibilities and extra-national citizenship, may motivate young people to participate in democratic processes in Kuwait. We are also interested in understanding how teachers functioning in a service delivery role understand the purposes, possibilities, and tensions of rights-based education approaches for building a democratic citizenry.”
The study utilizes both multidisciplinary and multi-method approaches that combines desk research and discourse analysis with qualitative and quantitative data collection. The research will draw on methodological approaches of critical discourse analysis, content analysis, and ethnographic social constructionism.
Dr. Mejias will be visiting Kuwait next month to join Dr. Al-Nakib for the first round of fieldwork in Kuwaiti public and private schools. Moreover, their first paper from this collaboration, entitled Discourses of Minimalist and Maximalist Citizenship in the Lives of Kuwaiti Youth, exploring youth-led democratic initiatives in Kuwait, has been accepted to the American Educational Research Association’s (AERA) annual conference, which will be held in San Francisco in April. They will also be hosting workshops at LSE and at GUST.
