17.2 Relationships to Support the Goals
17.2.1 Relationships with NGOs and Government for SDG Policy
17.2.2 Cross Sectoral Dialogue About SDGs
17.2.3 International Collaboration Data Gathering for SDGs
17.2.4 Collaboration for SDG Best Practice
17.2.5 Collaboration with NGOs for SDGs
17.3 SDG Reports
17.4 Education for the SDGs
Collaborations with Government and Regional Organizations for Sustainable Policy Development
Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST) plays an active role in shaping sustainable development policies and practices through collaborations with governmental bodies and regional non-governmental organizations. In alignment with SDG 17.2.1, the University contributes to policy discussions and development initiatives aimed at addressing social, economic, and environmental challenges in Kuwait and the region.
Through academic partnerships, internship programs, research collaborations, and advisory roles, GUST supports the design and implementation of evidence-based strategies for national progress. These initiatives engage faculty, students, and policymakers in identifying key challenges, modelling potential outcomes, and evaluating interventions that align with Kuwait’s national priorities and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
By working closely with public institutions and NGOs, GUST strengthens its role as a knowledge partner and policy contributor, promoting accountability, ethical governance, and social responsibility. Whether through student engagement in government agencies, academic consultation on policy frameworks, or participation in national forums, the University continues to build meaningful bridges between academia, government, and society.
These partnerships exemplify GUST’s commitment to collaborative action, innovation, and adaptive management—key drivers in achieving sustainable development both locally and regionally.
Relationships with regional NGOs and government for SDG policy
GUST’s extensive network of national, regional, and international partnerships—as shown in the collaboration map—demonstrates the University’s strong involvement with government institutions, public agencies, and regional NGOs in advancing SDG-related policy development. Through formal agreements with entities such as the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR), the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET), NBK Academy, KFH, and REMAS Institute, GUST contributes to shaping capacity building, research priorities, and national strategies aligned with Kuwait’s sustainability agenda. These collaborations enable joint policy discussions, research-sharing, academic–government task coordination, and the development of evidence-based SDG interventions. By maintaining these strategic partnerships across Kuwait, the Gulf region, and beyond, GUST plays a direct role in informing SDG policy design, monitoring progress, and supporting national adaptive management in line with SDG 17.2.1.
GUST Appointed as the Host Institution for the Sustainable Development Solutions Network Kuwait
In 2024, Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST) was officially selected as the host institution for the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Kuwait, 2025, under the global umbrella of the United Nations SDSN Initiative. This appointment marks a major national milestone, positioning GUST as the central academic hub for coordinating sustainable development policy, research, and collaboration efforts across Kuwait.
As the national host, GUST will play a leading role in supporting the Kuwaiti government, regional NGOs, and private sector partners in the development and implementation of evidence-based sustainability strategies. The University’s responsibilities include identifying national SDG priorities, facilitating dialogue among policymakers and researchers, and supporting adaptive policy management—core objectives outlined in SDG 17.2.1.
This partnership reinforces GUST’s commitment to bridging academia, policy, and practice, serving as a platform for developing innovative solutions to Kuwait’s most pressing social, economic, and environmental challenges. Through its collaboration with government ministries, international organizations, and civil society, GUST contributes directly to the design, monitoring, and evaluation of sustainable development initiatives that align with both Kuwait Vision 2035 and the United Nations 2030 Agenda.
Hosting the SDSN National Network reflects global recognition of GUST’s leadership in sustainability research, education, and policy engagement. This achievement not only amplifies GUST’s influence in shaping national SDG strategies but also establishes the University as a regional model for academic–government partnerships in sustainable policy advancement.
Partnership with Dar Al Shifa Hospital
Gulf University for Science and Technology strengthened its national engagement with sustainable development through the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in February 2025 with Dar Al Shifa Hospital, one of Kuwait’s leading healthcare institutions. This landmark partnership represents GUST’s first formal collaboration with a healthcare organization and supports SDG 17.2.1 by fostering cross-sector cooperation, policy-relevant research, and practical interventions that contribute to national health and well-being strategies.
Through this MoU, GUST and Dar Al Shifa work together on joint research projects, knowledge exchange, and data-driven studies that can support the development of health-related policies aligned with the SDGs. The agreement also opens new pathways for monitoring public health challenges, advancing evidence-based decision-making, and contributing expertise to issues such as healthcare access, community well-being, and workforce development.
The partnership further strengthens national capacity by offering GUST students structured internships and professional training within real healthcare settings, enabling them to understand national health priorities and contribute to Kuwait’s broader development goals. By establishing this long-term academic-industry alliance, GUST plays an active role in national SDG policy engagement, supports cross-sector problem solving, and reinforces its commitment to supporting Kuwait’s sustainable development agenda.
Internship Programs with Governmental and International Organizations
The English Department Internship Program (ENGL 499) exemplifies GUST’s commitment to fostering partnerships that bridge academia with national and international organizations working toward sustainable development. In direct alignment with SDG 17.2.1, this program enabled students to undertake professional placements in 2024 with leading institutions such as the United Nations (UN), the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR), and Kuwait Television (KTV2)—organizations deeply engaged in policy formulation, public communication, and sustainable innovation.
Through these partnerships, students gain first-hand exposure to real-world applications of policy development, social impact communication, and research-driven sustainability initiatives. These experiential learning opportunities not only enhance students’ academic and professional skills but also immerse them in environments that contribute to national and regional SDG strategies.
By embedding such collaborations into its curriculum, GUST strengthens its role as an active contributor to policy-relevant education and capacity building. The program cultivates graduates who are informed, skilled, and prepared to participate in advancing Kuwait’s sustainable development agenda, reinforcing GUST’s mission to connect higher education with meaningful, real-world impact.
Visit to the State Audit Bureau
The Accounting Club’s visit to the State Audit Bureau in 2024 demonstrates GUST’s engagement with key national institutions to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance—core elements of SDG 17.2.1. Through this educational collaboration, students gained first-hand insight into the Bureau’s role in auditing public funds, ensuring financial integrity, and supporting ethical practices across government sectors.
The visit helped students connect classroom learning to real-world applications of financial oversight and policy evaluation, deepening their understanding of how strong governance systems contribute to sustainable national development. This initiative underscores GUST’s commitment to bridging academia and government to advance responsible management and support Kuwait’s broader sustainability goals.
Partnerships in Sports Governance and Student Well-Being
The Athletics Department at GUST plays an active role in advancing SDG 17.2.1 through strategic partnerships with both governmental and non-governmental organizations, including the University Athletic Association of Kuwait (UAAK) and the Kuwait School Sports Federation and Higher Education (KWSP.E.HE). These collaborations connect GUST with both governmental and non-governmental bodies responsible for shaping sports policy, regulation, and event management across Kuwait’s higher education sector.
Through these partnerships, GUST contributes to the development of fair, inclusive, and well-structured athletic programs that promote student engagement, health, and integrity. The University works alongside these committees to design and implement inter-university tournaments that uphold ethical standards, gender equality, and student well-being. Such collaborations demonstrate GUST’s commitment to using sport as a platform for sustainable development, strengthening institutional cooperation, and fostering a culture of wellness, respect, and fair competition within Kuwait’s academic community.
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.
New Agreement with National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) Appointing GUST as a “Training Partner” for NBK Academy - Wave 6.
National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) launched the sixth batch of NBK Academy for newly hired young Kuwaitis with GUST being appointed as a “Training Partner” in Kuwait. NBK Academy aims to train and develop the professional skills of young Kuwaitis as part of NBK’s strategy to attract and develop national human resources. GUST will provide customized training solutions upon the need of NBK.
The agreement has been signed at NBK Human Resources Head Office by Mr. Emad Al Ablani, NBK Deputy General Manager of Human Resources and Dr. Osama Al-Hares, Director - Centre of Alumni & Corporate Relations (CACR) at GUST.
Mr. Al Ablani said: “NBK Academy is the first initiative of its kind in the private sector in Kuwait, and is part of NBK’s strategy to attract young Kuwaitis by offering them a range of career and professional development opportunities.”
On his part, Dr. Al-Hares praised the strong relations linking GUST and National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) since 2007 adding that NBK Academy is a great example of how a corporate academy can transcend the traditional roles prescriptions of the learning function, develop a passion for learning, and be the motivation for every graduate starting his or her career path.
NBK Academy programs run for five months and are specially tailored to provide trainees with theoretical and practical skills covering the different aspects of the banking industry.
GUST is the Exclusive Academic Partner for Boubyan Bank’s “ITQAN Academy”.
Boubyan Bank (the FASTEST GROWING BANK IN KUWAIT) 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.
Dr. AbdulRahman Al-Muhailan: “The Agreement stems from our commitment and cooperation with a leading Kuwaiti Bank for developing human resources”.
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 stressed the importance of this step which puts the Bank among the institutions giving due care to their human resources, expressing, at the same time, his appreciation of the role to be played by GUST in participating with the Bank in developing its human resources. He also indicated that the launch of ITQAN Academy would not have been completed without the cooperation and alliance with a partner with special capabilities and expertise, and therefore our choice fell upon GUST which is accredited by the University of Missouri at St. Louis (UMSL), and thus signed an agreement with it to act as the Exclusive Academic Partner in Kuwait for establishing ITQAN Academy.
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.
He also indicated that the Bank strives to invest in the Kuwaiti youth through providing training programs and academic curricula fitting the banking business and qualifying them to obtain part of the MBA program as the Academy trainees fulfilling specific conditions will be able to obtain 24 accredited academic credits of the MBA provided by GUST, and these accredited credits will be in match with the basic work requirements in Boubyan. Moreover, trainees will be given the opportunity to complete the remaining accredited credits of the MBA at GUST in order to obtain the certificate, if they so desire.
GUST Signs MOU with CFA Society Kuwait
Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Society Kuwait with the aim to strengthen ties between both organizations in terms of academic and professional exchange. The agreement includes opportunity for specialists from both sides to access platforms and research materials and exchange educational and teaching materials, in addition to organizing joint events such as lectures and workshops aimed at developing the expertise of those interested in financial knowledge, especially for GUST’s Finance major students.
The memorandum of understanding was signed between the two sides, in the presence of the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Mr. Nawaf Arhamah Arhamah, the President of CFA Society Kuwait, Mr. Mohamed Al-Sarraf. The MOU agreement included the exchange of scientific and technical material, such as teaching material, training material, and relevant literature to the field of finance. Another aspect was the formation of several workshops, conferences, and lectures which would help mentor and breed potential CFA Level 1 candidates at GUST.
Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Mr. Nawaf Arhamah Arhamah, said “I am pleased to have finalized this agreement between the University and the CFA society in Kuwait, which comes as part of the University’s aim to enhance the professional and academic experience of our students, specifically in the field of finance.”
President of the Chartered Financial Analyst Society Kuwait, Mr. Muhammad Al-Sarraf, said “the association has participated and worked with GUST on several occasions over the past ten years, and that the signing of the memorandum of understanding represents a milestone in the relationship between these two prestigious institutions. CFA has great plans that it hopes to achieve with GUST especially in preparing students for the CFA certification exam.”
Following the signing of the memorandum of understanding, GUST honored its second-place winning team in the CFA Institute Research Challenge competition with local universities. They were presented with certificates of achievement by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Nawaf Arhamah Arhamah, and the head of the Economics and Finance Department, Dr. Khaled ElMawazini. The names of the students who were honored included: Hassan Hani, Abdulaziz Al-Khashti, Fay Al-Olayan, Kawthar Odeh, Omar Hosam, Sarah Qabazard, Shawq Al-Zaben, Suleiman Al-Roumi, and Thanian Al-Mulla. They were all lead and mentored by Economics and Finance Department instructor, Dr. Mohammed Ali.
GUST and KFH sign MoU
Gulf University for Science and Technology has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kuwait Finance House (KFH). This agreement comes in efforts to further provide a framework for cooperation and coordination, while boosting a constructive connection between the two organizations.
AVP for Planning and Development at GUST, Eng. Paul Zalloua, and Group Chief Human Resources Office at KFH, Frederick Carstens, signed the MoU at KFH headquarters in presence of VP for Academic Affairs at GUST, Dr. Salah Al Sharhan, Group Public Relations and Media at KFH, Yousef Al Ruwaieh, and officials from both sides.
VP for Academic Affairs at GUST, Dr. Salah Al Sharhan said “We look forward to continuing our cooperation with a leading institution in the private sector such as KFH, and we value their efforts in working with us in preparing our students for leadership positions. One of our top priorities is preparing our students to face the workplace with confidence, equipped not only with academic knowledge but also with skills that enables them to tackle everyday challenges.”
The framework of cooperation with KFH encompasses training programs, internships, full-time and part-time jobs, KFH sponsorship of GUST activities, career seminars, GUST facilities and space utilization, case studies programs including approaches and collaboration planning.
Group Chief Human Resources Office at KFH, Frederick Carstens, said “We are delighted to establish longstanding collaborative links with GUST. It is envisaged that signing the MOU will definitely foster development links between the two organizations for the best interest of KFH employees and GUST students”
Carstens added that pursuant to the MoU, GUST and KFH recognize each other as important organizations in the learning and development field, and that this signing reflects both institutions’ keenness on maintaining high levels of services and benefits to its employees and members.
AVP for Planning and Development at GUST, Eng. Paul Zalloua concluded, “This MoU is important to the future of our graduates. Being proactive with KFH through our internship and placement programs, we offer our students yet another opportunity to join the workplace immediately after graduation. KFH has been supportive of our programs, and their feedback on the performance of our graduates is valuable towards preparing our students in aspects of workplace skill and productivity”
