SDG 17: Partnership for the Goals

Relationships with regional NGOs and government for SDG policy

The American University of the Middle East engages with regional NGOs and governments to contribute to Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) by collaborating to develop and implement actions and policies aligned with SDG priorities. 

Introduction - Government 2030’s vision and the alignment of the university with this vision

Message of the State of Kuwait on the submission of Kuwait's 2019 SDGs Voluntary National Review

Prior to adoption of Sustainable Development Goals, the State of Kuwait achieved Millennium Development Goals, realising concrete successes in ending poverty & hunger, providing universal education and closing gender gap in education and in other walks of life. It had attained universal healthcare, achieved admirable health indicators of infant, child, & maternal mortality, and ensured extensive water and sanitation services. Kuwait had also made important strides in economic, and social development while paying significant attention to the environment and maintaining unwavering commitment to global partnership and international solidarity.

The State of Kuwait officially adopted SDGs in September 2015, and took a decision reflecting all Goals: strategically and substantively in first national development plan of Kuwait Vision 2035; including SDGs within the national institutional development framework, and its plans, budget and national governance structure; engaging government entities, civil society, private sector and other stakeholders at the policy, and institutional levels, allocating resources for advocacy and consensus building.

Establishing National Sustainable Development Committee (NSDC) and National Observatory on Sustainable Development (NOSD) were critical parts of integrated institutional efforts to roll out the SDGs Agenda as a national participatory undertaking. The General Secretariat of the Supreme Council for Planning and Development (GSSCPD) together with Central Statistical Bureau (CSB) organised over thirteen national workshops, targeting over sixty-six entities from government, non-government and private sector partners. The workshops offered an opportunity to discuss & define SDGs priorities in the national context, interact with stakeholders on their respective roles in achieving SDGs, and mainstreaming goals and targets within the quinquennial Kuwait National Development Plan (2015-2020).

The Government of Kuwait has significantly invested in national awareness raising on transformative scope of Agenda 2030 and its ultimate purpose of “leaving no one behind”. While setting strategic paths to overcome challenges, including strengthening the role of private sector, reducing dominance of oil sector on the economy, balancing public budget, creating conditions for reinvigorated direct foreign investments and improving infrastructure, the State of Kuwait has implemented strategic development projects for achieving relevant SDGs and their targets.

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.

Collaboration with KISR during 6th Annual Children’s Science Exhibition

Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) leads and partners internationally to develop, deploy, and exploit the best science, technology, knowledge, and innovation for public and private sector clients, for the benefit of Kuwait and other countries facing similar challenges and opportunities. 

Between 16 and 18 November 2023, AUM was a primary sponsor of the sixth annual children’s science exhibition organized by the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research. Over 2000 children aged 6 to 12, including students from various Kuwaiti schools, participated in the exhibition and they were encouraged to develop a passion for science and adopt sustainable lifestyles.

AUM featured engaging experiments to combine learning with fun. The interactive experiences aimed at entertaining and enhancing children’s cognitive abilities, scientific skills, and social awareness.

Collaborations to host regional summits for the development of higher education hosted by Kuwait

Various lectures and workshops presented by the most important academics from around the world. #قمة_تطوير_التعليم_في_AUM

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

Greenmetric 2023 - Innovation, Impacts, and the Future Direction of Sustainable Universities

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.

The UI GreenMetric World University Rankings is one of the most credible sources related to university rankings on sustainability and its rising popularity made it reach 1183 universities participating from 84 different countries in 2023.

UI GreenMetric World University Rankings ranks universities around the world based on their commitment and actions within three pillars: Environmental, Economic, and Social value - incorporating indicators such as Setting and Infrastructure, Energy and Climate Change, Waste, Water, Transportation, and Education and Research.

The theme of UI GreenMetric World University Rankings 2023 focused on “Innovation, Impacts, and the Future Direction of Sustainable Universities”.

Being recognized as one of the most sustainable universities in the region reflects AUM’s commitment to greening its campus, equipping students with business ethics, and addressing the UN Sustainable Development Goals through education, research, and social responsibility initiatives.