SDG3: GOOD HEALTH AND WELLBEING
Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3), which focuses on ensuring good health and wellbeing for all, is a universal agenda aimed at addressing various health-related challenges globally. In Kuwait, as in many other countries, this goal is of paramount importance, and institutions like the Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST) play a significant role in its realization within the university and the wider community.
Inside the University - GUST's Initiatives for Good Health and Wellbeing:
Health and Wellness Programs: GUST recognizes the importance of physical and mental health for its students and staff. The university offers various health and wellness programs, including fitness classes, mental health workshops, and counseling services. These initiatives aim to create a healthy and supportive environment for the university community.
Nutrition Awareness: GUST promotes good health by emphasizing the importance of nutrition. The university's dining facilities offer balanced meal options, and nutrition workshops educate students about making healthy dietary choices.
Healthcare Facilities: GUST provides access to healthcare services on campus, ensuring that students and employees have easy access to medical care when needed.
Research and Education: GUST encourages research and education in the field of healthcare. The university offers programs related to health sciences and collaborates with healthcare institutions to enhance the quality of healthcare services in Kuwait.
Engineering Healthier Communities: CEA’s Collaboration with Dar Alshifa Hospital
The College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA) at GUST actively contributes to SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-Being, particularly under indicator 3.3.1, through a strategic partnership with Dar Alshifa Hospital.
This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) established on February 2025, builds a foundation for collaborative initiatives that enhance community health, strengthen healthcare systems, and promote innovation in medical technologies.
As part of this collaboration, representatives and professionals from Dar Alshifa Hospital visited GUST’s Fab Lab, where they explored the university’s advanced facilities for design, prototyping, and innovation. The visit provided an opportunity to discuss how engineering solutions and emerging technologies can be applied to healthcare challenges, inspiring potential joint projects that integrate innovation with patient care.
Through this partnership, CEA faculty and Dar Alshifa professionals collaborated on their shared expertise, medical data compliant with Kuwait law, research projects, seminars, workshops and educational activities. These initiatives reflect GUST’s commitment to fostering evidence-based solutions and sustainable collaborations that support both local and global health goals.
Promoting Well-Being Through Literature and Emotional Intelligence
The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) at GUST added an innovative “Live Your Major” course that connects literature, emotional intelligence, and mental health awareness. In collaboration with the Fawzia Sultan Healthcare Network, this course explores how poetry and literature can foster emotional resilience, empathy, and mental well-being. Students study influential poets such as Yeats, Langston Hughes, Plath, and Heaney, examining how literature reflects human struggles, healing, and personal growth.
As part of the course, students engage in projects and creative campaigns that highlight the role of writing, journaling, and storytelling in improving mental health and reducing stress and anxiety. The collaboration with Fawzia Sultan Healthcare Network provides students with insights from mental health professionals, bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world well-being practices.
Through this initiative, CAS demonstrates how literary studies can serve as a form of bibliotherapy—helping individuals process emotions, build resilience, and contribute to healthier communities.
Student Volunteering at NBK Children's Hospital
As part of GUST’s commitment to collaborating with health institutions, the Accounting Club, under the Office of Student Life (OSL), organized a heartwarming volunteering trip to NBK Children’s Hospital. Students collected toys and gifts on campus and personally distributed them to hospitalized children, aiming to spread joy, hope, and emotional support. The initiative not only brightened the day of young patients but also fostered a spirit of empathy, community engagement, and social responsibility among GUST students.
Health Outreach Programs
The university actively supports indicator 3.3.2 under SDG 3 through outreach initiatives that promote community health, nutrition, and overall well-being. One notable initiative was led by the Islamic Finance Club, which collaborated with a local charity organization to distribute meals during the holy month of Ramadan.
This initiative aimed to support families in need, promote the values of compassion, community service, and nutrition awareness, and ensure access to nutritious meals during the fasting season.Through such student-led outreach activities, GUST continues to foster a culture of social responsibility and volunteerism, empowering students to make a positive impact on the health and well-being of the wider community.
Blood donation "Saves Lives" campaign
GUST organized the “Saves Lives” – Blood Donation and Health Awareness Event on Monday, December 23rd, 2024, to promote community health, preventive care, and social responsibility. The event began with a welcoming address by the university’s senior management, followed by an inspiring opening speech by the Dean of the College of Arts and Natural Sciences, who honored the guest speakers with trophies in recognition of their efforts to advance public health and well-being.
A key highlight of the day was the guest speaker session and panel discussion, where healthcare professionals shared their personal and professional journeys, addressing challenges, resilience, and the importance of lifestyle changes in reducing chronic disease risks. The session included an interactive Q&A that engaged students in open discussions about physical and mental health awareness, nutrition, and long-term wellness.
In parallel, free medical services were available across campus from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, offering optical screenings, glucose level testing, and general health consultations. These services aimed to emphasize the importance of early detection and regular checkups in disease prevention.
The Blood Donation Drive, organized in partnership with local hospitals and blood banks, encouraged students, faculty, and staff to contribute to saving lives, with donors receiving appreciation tokens such as campus discount coupons and wellness vouchers.
The event concluded with a networking lunch and discussion on potential research collaborations between GUST and healthcare organizations, exploring opportunities for future joint initiatives in public health education and outreach. Through this comprehensive event, GUST reaffirmed its dedication to cultivating a health-conscious, proactive, and compassionate campus culture that contributes meaningfully to the broader goals of community well-being and sustainable development.
Mind Matters: Promoting Mental Health Awareness through Art and Dialogue
In celebration of World Mental Health Month, GUST hosted the Mind Matters event in October 2924— an engaging evening dedicated to promoting mental well-being, creativity, and open dialogue on mental health.
The event featured an art exhibition, expert panel discussions, and live stage performances, highlighting the connection between creative expression and emotional health. This event was free entry and open to all. Distinguished guest Dr. Georges Chedid, Director of the Counseling Center at the American University of Kuwait, shared his expertise in neuropsychology and student mental health, emphasizing the importance of community support and awareness. The program also included a musical performance by Martin Loyato, Associate Professor of Music at GUST, whose art inspired reflection on the role of music in healing and emotional connection.
By bringing together educators, health professionals, artists, and students, the Mind Matters event reflected GUST’s ongoing commitment to fostering open conversations on mental health, supporting well-being on campus, and contributing to the broader goals of SDG 3.
Sports and Physical Well-being at GUST
GUST is strongly committed to promoting the physical health and well-being of its community through comprehensive sports and recreation facilities. The university offers a modern gym, competitive sports teams, and regular fitness events that encourage students, faculty, and staff to maintain an active lifestyle. GUST expanded its “Healthy Campus” initiative by inaugurating a new outdoor sports complex, featuring football and tennis courts to enhance student fitness opportunities. These facilities are also shared with the local community, including children’s camps and training clubs, particularly during the summer season. GUST’s ongoing investment in wellness infrastructure reflects its dedication to fostering a vibrant, healthy, and inclusive campus environment aligned with SDG 3.3.3.
On-Campus Health Clinic and Medical Support
GUST provides free access to professional medical care through its on-campus health clinic, which is open free of charge to all students, faculty, and staff. The clinic is staffed with qualified medical professionals and nurses who offer consultations, first aid, and guidance on a range of health-related issues, including general wellness, preventive care, and health education. The service ensures that the entire GUST community has immediate access to reliable healthcare support and information, promoting a safe and healthy learning environment in line with indicator 3.3.4.
Counseling and Mental Health Support
GUST is committed to promoting the mental and emotional well-being of its community through its dedicated Counseling Unit. The unit provides confidential and professional psychological support to students, faculty, and staff, helping them navigate personal, academic, and work-related challenges, and therefore directly contributes to indicator 3.3.5 and 3.3.7 of SDG 3.
Under the guidance of Ms. Nauf N. Al Habsi, the university counselor, the service fosters a supportive and inclusive environment where individuals can seek assistance, develop coping strategies, and enhance their overall well-being.
3rd Annual GUST Health and Wellness Exhibition
In alignment with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, GUST organized the 3rd Annual Health and Wellness Exhibition in 2024, led by the Counseling Unit in collaboration with the Management Club. The week-long event featured participation from local clinics and wellness centers, including Argan Riaya Specialized Hospital, Anara Center for Mental Health, Fawzia Sultan Healthcare Network, and others. It offered the GUST community opportunities to explore health resources, receive expert advice, and engage in interactive activities promoting physical and mental well-being.
The exhibition also hosted a series of talks by distinguished speakers such as Dr. Amir Zourob (Neuropsychiatrist, FSHN), focusing on “Mental Health Matters: Prioritizing Well-being in Student Life.” This initiative reflects GUST’s continuous commitment to supporting the holistic health of its students, faculty, and staff
Smoking Policy
Smoking in the building is hazardous to the health of the smoker but the second hand smoke is also hazardous to non-smokers. Second hand smoke exists anytime someone smokes within a confined space or near areas where non-smokers must travel through or go near.
Therefore, to protect the health of all students, staff and faculty the GUST building became a smoke free building back in 2014. First violations of this policy by students will result in a “final” warning and a second violation will result in expulsion from the University. Staff violation will result in dismissal. This supports indicator 3.3.6 under SDG 3. There are designated areas for smoking few meters in the external side of the campus where smoking is only prohibited there.
