Goal 17: Partnerships to achieve the Goal

Overview

Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development

It's commendable that the UAE University (UAEU) is taking a proactive approach to address critical global sustainability challenges through its academic programs and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Research Program. Aligning academic and research activities with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals reflects a commitment to making a positive impact on society and the environment.

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New MOU & Agreements in 2021

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International Collaboration (2017 - 2021)

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Collaborating Institutions (2017 - 2021)

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Co-Authored publications (2017 - 2021)

Goal 17: Partnerships to achieve the Goal

Focus on Global Sustainability Challenges: UAEU's academic programs are designed to address critical global sustainability challenges such as food security, energy efficiency, clean water and sanitation, good health, environmental sustainability, and climate change.
Skill Development: The academic programs aim to equip students with the necessary skills to tackle these sustainability challenges, providing both conceptual and practical tools for their future endeavors.
Integration with UN SDGs: The courses offered at UAEU are contextualized within the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring that students understand and contribute to the broader global agenda for sustainable development.

Graduate Courses and Specialization: UAEU offers an extensive array of graduate courses that cover sustainability topics in depth, indicating a commitment to providing a comprehensive education in these crucial areas.
Sustainable Development Goals Research Program: The launch of the SDG Research Program demonstrates the university's commitment to supporting national efforts towards UN SDGs. It also serves to raise awareness of sustainability among the university community and the youth.
Meaningful Impact and Skill Development: The SDG Research Program provides students with a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on global issues. It also focuses on developing essential skills that align with the students' values and aspirations, preparing them for careers that contribute to a more sustainable and equitable world.

In summary, the UAEU's commitment to sustainability through its academic programs and the SDG Research Program demonstrates a holistic approach to education that not only imparts knowledge but also actively engages students in addressing real-world challenges. This approach aligns with global efforts to achieve sustainable development and makes a positive impact on both the local and international levels.

Academic Programs

Examples of Academic Courses

"SDG Policy Development: Identifying Challenges, Strategic Planning, Modeling, and Impact Monitoring"

UAEU collaborates with the UAE Ministry of Climate Change to contribute to the national COP28 roadmap. This partnership focuses on developing and refining strategies related to climate action, particularly for mitigating climate change impacts in the UAE. The partnership includes identifying key environmental challenges, policy recommendations, and climate-resilient initiatives that align with the national SDG agenda.

UAEU has an extensive SDG Research Program that collaborates with both regional and international entities, including partnerships with ADAFSA (Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority) for food security, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the African Women Empowerment Program. These programs allow UAEU to participate in developing policies and strategies that address issues like food security, gender equality, and sustainable agriculture, central to the UAE’s SDG priorities.

UAEU’s projects, such as the solar energy initiative with Abu Dhabi Energy Services and plastic bottle vending machine initiative, are aligned with national efforts to promote sustainability. These projects are regularly monitored and reported, contributing to data that supports evidence-based policy adjustments in line with the SDGs.

UAEU contributes to the UAE’s VNR report, which monitors the country’s SDG progress on the global stage. These contributions to government reporting on UAE's progress toward the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

In partnership with ADGM Academy, UAEU offers specialized training on sustainability reporting, enhancing the capacity of professionals and students in global standards and sustainable practices. This supports the UAE’s SDG goals by fostering expertise in sustainable business, transparency, and policy monitoring, contributing to national efforts on accurate sustainability metrics and accountability.

In collaboration with ADDED, UAEU launched the Abu Dhabi Family Business Index, assessing sustainability and resilience in family businesses. This initiative supports SDG goals by informing policies for sustainable economic growth and resilience, helping address long-term economic stability and adaptive management in this critical sector.

Enhancing Sustainability Literacy

UAEU Sustainability Leaders Program

A program designed to enhance sustainability literacy among UAEU students through structured academic and research activities.

Highlights:

Development of a minor academic program in Climate Change and Sustainability, which integrates knowledge and practical skills to address global challenges.
Regular events and activities aimed at raising awareness of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Mapping Courses to SDGs: Aligning the university’s academic offerings to the SDGs, ensuring students engage with sustainability concepts across disciplines.

Launching a Research Program for Undergraduate Students, focused on SDG-aligned topics to build critical thinking and innovation skills.
Encouraging and measuring the undergraduate co-authorship in publications related to SDGs, showcasing their active participation in research.
Participation in SDG-related competitions, including project presentations and case studies on sustainability challenges.
Organizing SDG Debate Competitions to enhance critical reasoning and advocacy for sustainable solutions.
Hosting the University Challenge, a platform for students to pitch sustainability-focused projects.
Offering international conference support for students presenting research on sustainability, fostering global exposure and collaboration.
Showcasing student research and projects focused on sustainability solutions to key stakeholders, policymakers, and specialists, ensuring recognition and potential real-world impact.
Introduction of a new fellowship program to support Ph.D. students pursuing research in climate action and sustainable solutions, furthering UAEU’s commitment to advancing knowledge in this critical area.