17.4 Education for the SDGs
17.4.1 Commitment to Meaningful Education
17.4.2 Specific Courses on Sustainability
17.4.3 Education for SDGs in the Wider Community
17.4.4 Sustainable Literacy
17.2 Relationships to Support the Goals
17.3 SDG Reports
Education for the SDGs in the Wider Community
Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST) extends its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) beyond the classroom by engaging with the wider community through educational outreach, training, and awareness programs. In alignment with SDG 17.4.3, the University develops and participates in initiatives that promote sustainable learning and social development among alumni, local residents, and displaced or underrepresented groups, ensuring that education for the SDGs is inclusive and accessible to all.
Through collaborative efforts with community organizations, government entities, and international partners, GUST organizes seminars, workshops, conferences, and public lectures that foster knowledge sharing and lifelong learning. These programs help raise awareness about sustainability challenges while empowering participants with the skills and understanding needed to contribute to a more equitable and resilient society.
By embedding the principles of sustainability, equality, and community service into its outreach activities, GUST reinforces its role as a center for learning and positive social impact. These efforts exemplify the University’s dedication to using education as a force for progress, helping to build stronger connections between academia and society in pursuit of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Alumni Engagement
Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST) maintains a strong and dynamic connection with its graduates through the Alumni Office, which serves as a hub for professional growth, lifelong learning, and community engagement. In alignment with SDG 17.4.3: Education for the SDGs in the Wider Community, the University’s alumni initiatives are designed to extend the reach of sustainability education and leadership development beyond campus, empowering graduates to continue driving positive change in their professional and social environments.
Through a variety of educational events, mentorship programs, and industry networking opportunities, GUST encourages its alumni to remain actively engaged in advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A key initiative in this effort is the GUST Alumni Board Meeting, where alumni leaders and university representatives collaborate to discuss strategies for sustainable career growth, community participation, and innovation in their fields. These gatherings foster the exchange of knowledge, promote ethical business practices, and strengthen alumni contributions to national and regional development.
Below are the alumni that were part of the board meeting in 2024:
|
# |
Name |
Graduation Year |
Job Title / Workplace |
| 1 | Ebraheem Almuaili | 2019 | Senior DevSecOps Officer / KIB |
| 2 | Shirin Abdelqader | 2019 | RPA Team Lead / KFH |
| 3 | Raghad Alobaid | 2020 | Automated Systems Developer / PIFSS |
| 4 | Mariam Zhairi | 2022 | Partners Operations Specialist / Huawei |
| 5 | Aya Alrifai | 2022 | Senior Officer – IT User Access Control / Burgan Bank |
| 6 | Ahmad Aldabagh | 2023 | Project Manager / Gate 7 Group |
| 7 | Reem Almatroud | 2010 | IT System Analyst / Kuwait Oil Tankers Company |
| 8 | Yousef Khateeb | 2023 | Programmer / AI Jal |
| 9 | Nezar Alayoubi | 2020 | Senior Data Analyst / Boubyan Bank |
| 10 | Abdulrahma Murie | 2022 | Software Engineer / Markode |
| 11 | Lulwah Aldyouly | 2022 | UX/UI Design Developer / KFH |
Local Community Outreach
Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST) actively contributes to community development through outreach initiatives that bridge academic learning with real-world social impact. In alignment with SDG 17.4.3: Education for the SDGs in the Wider Community, these programs foster collaboration between the University, industry partners, and local institutions to promote inclusive education, skill development, and sustainable growth.
One notable initiative is the Computer Science Department’s Industrial Advisory Board Meeting, which serves as a collaborative platform linking academia and industry. This partnership ensures that students’ learning outcomes remain aligned with ethical, innovative, and sustainability-driven professional practices. By incorporating feedback from industry experts, GUST continually refines its academic programs to meet evolving societal and environmental needs.
In 2024, GUST further expanded its community engagement by welcoming multiple high school students to the GUST Fab Lab, where participants explored hands-on innovation, 3D printing, robotics, and digital fabrication technologies. This visit introduced young learners to STEM pathways and demonstrated how engineering, creativity, and sustainability intersect in modern problem-solving. The workshop strengthened local capacity-building by encouraging students to pursue future academic and career opportunities in science, technology, and sustainable innovation.
Additionally, GUST faculty and students hosted Communication Skills Workshops for young school students in 2025, aimed at empowering youth with essential interpersonal, academic, and leadership skills. These sessions promoted the values of inclusive education (SDG 4) and reduced inequalities (SDG 10), emphasizing GUST’s role in fostering equal access to quality learning opportunities.
Through these and similar initiatives, GUST continues to strengthen its connection with the community, promoting education as a tool for empowerment and sustainable social development.
In November 2025, GUST visited the New English School (NES) to speak with high school students about future academic and career opportunities in Kuwait, offering guidance and insight into university pathways, emerging fields, and the skills needed for success. This outreach session served as a meaningful educational contribution to the wider community and directly aligns with SDG 17.4.3, which encourages universities to extend SDG-related learning beyond campus. By engaging local students, supporting their decision-making, and strengthening connections with the community, GUST continues to broaden access to knowledge and promote educational development across Kuwait.
Support for Displaced People
In alignment with SDG 17.4.3: Education for the SDGs in the Wider Community, Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST) actively supports educational and humanitarian initiatives aimed at empowering displaced individuals through learning and community engagement. The University collaborates with local and humanitarian organizations to provide educational workshops and awareness initiatives that emphasize education as a key driver of social inclusion, self-reliance, and dignity.
Beyond academic support, the GUST community participates annually in donation drives, advocacy campaigns, and volunteer initiatives that promote compassion, inclusivity, and equality for all members of society. These efforts reflect GUST’s deep commitment to social responsibility and global citizenship, using education not only as a means of empowerment but also as a foundation for rebuilding lives and fostering hope among vulnerable populations.
In Ramadan 2024, GUST partnered with local charities to distribute freshly prepared meals to refugee and displaced families across Kuwait. Student and faculty volunteers helped with packaging, organizing distribution, and delivering meals to families in need, ensuring that no household was left without food during the holy month.This initiative combined social solidarity, cultural compassion, and humanitarian outreach—reinforcing GUST’s role in supporting displaced communities through student-led action aligned with SDG 17.4.5.
