SDG 17: Partnership for the Goals
Sustainable Development Goal 17 (SDG 17) underscores the importance of partnership and collaboration to achieve all the other Sustainable Development Goals. In the context of Kuwait, a nation committed to advancing its socio-economic and environmental well-being, SDG 17 holds particular significance. The American University of the Middle East (AUM) recognizes the value of partnerships for achieving sustainable development and has taken proactive steps to contribute to SDG 17 both within its campus and beyond.
Within the Campus
Multidisciplinary Collaboration: AUM fosters collaboration across disciplines, encouraging students and faculty to work together on projects that address complex challenges. This interdisciplinary approach mirrors the spirit of SDG 17, as it demonstrates how diverse perspectives can lead to innovative solutions.
International Engagement: The university welcomes students and faculty from various countries, creating an international environment conducive to cross-cultural collaboration. This exposure enhances understanding and empathy, fostering global partnerships that can contribute to achieving SDGs not only in Kuwait but also on a global scale.
Student Organizations: AUM supports student-led organizations that focus on sustainable development and social impact. These groups often collaborate with local NGOs, governmental bodies, and businesses to organize events, workshops, and campaigns that promote awareness and action toward achieving the SDGs.
In the Wider Community
Public-Private Partnerships: AUM collaborates with public and private entities in Kuwait to contribute to the achievement of the SDGs. By partnering with government agencies, businesses, and NGOs, the university leverages resources, expertise, and networks to amplify its impact on sustainable development initiatives.
Research Collaborations: AUM engages in research projects that align with SDGs and require multi-stakeholder collaboration. These collaborations involve academic institutions, governmental bodies, and industry partners, ensuring that research outcomes are applicable and contribute to real-world solutions.
Policy Advocacy: AUM participates in dialogues and initiatives that shape policies and strategies related to sustainable development in Kuwait. Through its expertise and research, the university contributes valuable insights to inform decision-making processes that promote SDG-aligned actions.
Capacity Building: The university conducts workshops, training sessions, and seminars for the wider community. By sharing knowledge and skills related to sustainable development, AUM empowers individuals and organizations to actively contribute to SDGs within their spheres of influence.
Global Partnerships: AUM's international connections facilitate collaboration with universities and organizations worldwide. Through joint research, academic exchanges, and collaborative projects, the university contributes to the global effort of achieving the SDGs.
In conclusion, AUM exemplifies the essence of SDG 17 by prioritizing partnership and collaboration in its approach to sustainable development. Through its campus activities, community engagement, and strategic collaborations, the university demonstrates its commitment to fostering a collective effort that transcends boundaries and works toward achieving the shared goals of a sustainable and equitable future for Kuwait and beyond.
PRME
AUM is a member of the Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME). PRME is a United Nations-supported initiative that comprises over 850 leading business and management schools across 95 countries around the world that are committed to building a more sustainable future by implementing the six principles and supporting the achievement of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Signing of Memorandum of Understanding with GPCA
The Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association represents the hydrocarbon industry in the Gulf area, with more than 250 member companies making up over 95% of the of chemical output in the Arabian Gulf region.
In December 2023, a group of AUM students and faculty members from the Department of Chemical Engineering participated in the 17th Annual GPCA Forum where the 2nd Edition of GPCA Youth Forum was held. They gained valuable insights into industry trends, innovations, and networking opportunities with leaders and representatives in the field.
During this forum, AUM signed a Memorandum of Understanding with GPCA, strengthening its collaboration and commitment to youth development in the petrochemical and chemical industries. This is considered to be the first signed memorandum in the region between higher education institution and GPCA.
This engagement highlights AUM dedication to providing students with exposure to key sectors and fostering their professional development.
Dean of AUM College of Business Administration speaks at Babson Collaborative Global Summit
The Babson Collaborative Global Summit 2024 was hosted by ATLAS SkillTech University from February 11 to 14, 2024 in Mumbai - India. The four-day summit gave educators the opportunity to share best practices in pedagogy and advance thought leadership in the world of entrepreneurial education. Dean of AUM College of Business Administration attended and participated in a panel discussion related to the success stories of AUM Startup Challenge.
With interactive, engaging events and sessions covering topics such as frugal innovations for solving large problems, using games in entrepreneurship education, and street entrepreneurship, the summit provided the platform for educators to exchange ideas, learn from each other and contribute to advancing entrepreneurship education globally. Additionally, those who participated first enjoyed a day filled with programming that immersed them in the rich culture around Mumbai and India. Attendees heard from and connected with leaders from Babson Academy, including Amir Reza, PhD, dean of Babson Academy and Global Education, and Heidi Neck, PhD, the Jeffry A. Timmons Professor of Entrepreneurship and academic director of Babson Academy, as well as leaders from ATLAS SkillTech University, including Founding President & Chancellor, Dr. Indu Shahani.
“The summit provided a great platform to exchange ideas on developing Entrepreneurship Education Ecosystem and to collaborate on different projects across a broad spectrum,” said Audil Rashid Khaki, associate professor and dean at the American University of the Middle East, Kuwait. “It was great to know the best practices in entrepreneurship education, student engagement, and community impact from peers across the globe, which enriched the experience and furthered the horizons of imagination and possibility in our local entrepreneurship ecosystems.”
The organization currently comprises 41 member institutions in 30 countries.
We are proud of our students for winning the first place in the International Robotex Competition.
AUM hosts the “Higher Education Summit for a Meaningful Future” for universities in the Middle East and Africa region, at the AUM Conference Center, in the presence of elite academics and leaders in the field of higher education from all over the world.
#قمة_التعليم_العالي_في_AUM
The American University of the Middle East is hosting the "Developing Education Towards a Sustainable Future" summit at the AUM Convention Center from November 28 to 30.
#قمة_تطوير_التعليم_في_AUM
Various lectures and workshops presented by the most important academics from around the world. #قمة_تطوير_التعليم_في_AUM
AUM is committed to reducing carbon emissions by systematically tracking and analyzing its carbon footprint to develop the Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Programs on campus. The current GHG emission reduction programs implemented at AUM fall under scopes 2 and 3.
In scope 2, efforts to reduce purchased electricity and energy costs are undergoing with the use of energy-efficient appliances, cloud computing, and IT systems with lower energy consumption.
As for scope 3, two main emission sources are considered in the reduction programs: waste management and commuting.
AUM liaises with local organizations and companies to handle recyclable materials and maximizes efforts to reduce and manage all kinds of waste. Learn more
Moreover, AUM campus set up is designed with all buildings on the sides, thus creating a rectangular frame and leaving a very spacious open area in the center that offers to the community a green and car-free environment. Zero-emission and electric shuttles are available for journeys within the campus and there are designated tracks for pedestrians, runners, cyclists, and zero-emission vehicles. Furthermore, common transportation is available for a group of staff members and some faculty and staff members carpool together.
AUM in the Top 4 Most Sustainable and Green Universities in the Gulf and Maintains its positioning as the Most Green and Sustainable University in Kuwait
In December 2023, AUM has been ranked as the most Sustainable and Green University in Kuwait, by UI GreenMetric World University Rankings 2023. Compared to the previous year, AUM advanced up to the 229th worldwide and made it to the #4 Most Sustainable and Green University in the Gulf Region and #17 in the Arab Region.