Ahlia University’s Cross-Sector SDG Dialogue Engagement (2019–2024)

Ahlia University has actively participated in cross-sectoral dialogue on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) over the past five academic years. Through conferences, partnerships, and collaborative projects, the university has worked closely with government bodies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other academic institutions at the national, regional, and international levels. Below is a comprehensive review of Ahlia University’s key initiatives and how they demonstrate its commitment to advancing the SDGs and fostering multi-stakeholder partnerships.

Hosting and Organizing SDG-Focused Conferences and Events

Equal Opportunities Conferences: Ahlia University has hosted a series of annual “Equal Opportunities” conferences bringing together academia, government officials, and industry to discuss sustainability and social inclusion themes. For example:

• 4th Equal Opportunities Conference (Dec 2020):

Held under the patronage of H.E. Fawzia Bint Abdulla Zainal (Speaker of Bahrain’s Council of Representatives), this conference – co-organized with Brunel University London – focused on women’s empowerment and equal opportunity in fields like health, education, law, and business ahlia.edu.bh. The involvement of the Speaker of Parliament underscored high-level government support ahlia.edu.bh. The conference examined how the COVID-19 pandemic was influencing equality and what could be done to ensure equitable futures in line with SDG goals ahlia.edu.bh.

4th Equal Opportunities Conference

The emergence of Covid19 and the resultant public health crisis has brought societal inequalities into sharp relief. How different countries have chosen to respond is not only shaping the current moment but is also having a crucial impact on the shape of the future; on who has access to vital resources and who is denied. This year’s conference will focus on the way in which the global pandemic is shaping our collective futures in new and unexpected ways and what that means to the ongoing objective of equal opportunities. More specifically how has and how should activity in the fields of health, education, law and business respond to what might be considered a pivotal moment that will set the direction and economic & social impacts for the coming decades. Decades in which responses to climate change, public health crises and economic imperatives must find a way to align with each other. What can be learnt from responses in health, education, law and business that serve to advance the objectives of equal opportunities? What must we do to avoid losing ground and ensure that the drive to maintain and build more equal opportunities and equitable futures continues unabated? We invite you to submit 15-20 minute papers and presentations which explore specific elements of these broad questions

 

• 5th Equal Opportunities Conference (2021):

Ahlia, again in partnership with Brunel University, themed this conference “Partnership, Fairness & Competitiveness”, emphasizing multi-sector collaboration for social development ahlia.edu.bh. It was held under the patronage of the Speaker of the Council of Representatives, recognizing the conference’s vital role in community development and women’s advancement ahlia.edu.bh. Such patronage and themes align with Bahrain’s Vision 2030 goals on gender equality and reflect SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 17 (Partnerships).

Fifth Equal Opportunities Conference

Welcome Message

With great satisfaction, I am pleased to announce the theme of “The Fifth Conference on Equal Opportunities,” organized jointly by Ahlia University and Brunel University London, that focuses on the important theme of “Partnership, Fairness & Competitiveness.” This annual conference under the patronage of Her Excellency Mrs. Fawzia Bint Abdulla Zainal, the Speaker of the Council of Representatives, has highlighted issues of salient importance to the development of women. Her Excellency hardly needs an introduction as a champion in the cause of the empowerment of women and her acclaim as a leader in this cause is without parallel world-wide. As Speaker of the Council of Representatives, Her Excellency has been instrumental in orchestrating initiatives designed to inject fairness and competitiveness into the society in Bahrain by catalyzing participation of women in the economy as equal partners of men. To attain full human resource potential, the Speaker advocates unequivocally for the full and equal participation of women in the economy recognizing such an injection of talent in the work-force as a vital element for the acceleration of the development of communities and organizations in society. Under her leadership, the Council of Representatives relentlessly champions and indefatigably promotes women’s development as a sine qua non of the broader initiatives in pursuit of social justice and equity it undertakes.

Inspired by our steadfast commitment to equal opportunity through gender-responsive policy design achieving a coherent linkage with the national legislative/policy framework in Bahrain and beyond on inclusion of, equal opportunity for and empowerment of women, Ahlia University, in conjunction with its UK partner Brunel University, highly values this opportunity to cohost a conference dedicated to the theme “Partnership, Fairness & Competitiveness.” Our mission to elevate the social and living standards of all members of society aligns us with community development initiatives, undertaken by enlightened and path-breaking Supreme Council of Women, designed to promote inclusiveness of women in the economy. The theme “Partnership, Fairness & Competitiveness” resonates across the entirety of the Arab world today in reflection of persistently low levels of participation of women in the work-force — consistently ranking lowest among all regions — with human capital development consequently lagging regionally. Indeed, the conference is dedicated to the proposition that the promotion of fairness and competitiveness in labor markets holds promise of benefits to society of far-reaching, transformative proportion.

Our admiration of the Supreme Council for Women, whose activities in furtherance of the empowerment of women in Bahrain stand out as the implementation of policy initiatives virtually without parallel in the world at large, is unabashed and boundless. As the leader of the Supreme Council of Women, H.R.H. Princess Sabeeka Bint Ibrahim AI Khalifa, as a renowned exponent of women’s empowerment, stands out as a global role-model of female leaders in governmental authority. Her relentless and indefatigable efforts in the service of women’s equality are yielding fruit in the form of increased gender equity between men and women in the Kingdom. For these efforts, we are all very indebted and we all feel humbled by her guiding inspiration in this sphere.

Issues of partnership, fairness and competitiveness, as concerns the participation of women in the economy and society, are subjects of current salience in academic literature spanning such divergent topics as the impact of women participation in senior corporate management to the effect of microfinance of the creation of small enterprise by female entrepreneurs. In this vein, research undertaken at Ahlia University cuts across a wide cross-section of topics that fall under this rubric. Accordingly, at Ahlia University, our ebullience for not only organizing but for making academic contributions to a conference that focuses on the advancement of women in the economy and society, is pitched at high level and reflects our exuberance for conducting multi-disciplinary research, employing the latest scholarly methods, in this sphere. Indeed, the conference includes a wide range of empirical studies about “Partnership, Fairness & Competitiveness” in Bahrain involving a set of workshops.

In closing, I offer my unreserved thanks to all contributors to the conference while extending my warmest regards and deepest appreciation to our distinguished guests, and, to give credit where particular recognition is due, I would like to offer my sincerest gratitude to the organizing committee whose steadfast efforts laid the basis for making this conference a resounding success.

PROF. ABDULLA Y. AL HAWAJ

THE FOUNDING PRESIDENT & CHAIRMAN OF BOARD OF TRUSTEES

 

Agenda

 

• 6th Equal Opportunities Conference (Feb 2023):

Titled “Sustainable Leadership and Technology Innovation Management,” this international conference was organized by Ahlia University in collaboration with Brunel University London and the University of Business and Technology (UBT) in Saudi Arabia ahlia.edu.bh. Hosted in Manama, it convened leading academics, professionals, and policymakers to discuss how technological innovation and sustainable leadership can support equal opportunities and business sustainability ahlia.edu.bh. The conference aimed to guide scholars and policymakers on aligning technology and innovation with the UN SDGs ahlia.edu.bh, demonstrating Ahlia’s role in steering dialogue on SDG-driven policy and practice.

6th Equal Opportunities Conference

The 6th Equal Opportunities ‎Conference “Sustainable Leadership and Technology Innovation Management” is ‎organized by Ahlia University in collaboration with Brunel University London and the University ‎of Business and Technology KSA, the conference will take place 6th -8th February 2023, Wyndham Grand Manama, Manama, Bahrain.

The Conference aims to gather leading academics, professionals, scholars, and researchers ‎to share their knowledge and new ideas and discuss current developments in the ‎field of Sustainable Leadership and Technology Innovation Management focusing on Equal ‎Opportunities in relation to leadership and sustainable management. This conference aims ‎to shed the light on topics related to the use of technology and innovation management that ‎could support business sustainability and leadership engagement.

 

The conference aims to ‎tackle issues related to the following aspects: ‎

·         Assess the impact of sustainable leadership, technology, and innovation on organizational ‎effectiveness. ‎

·         Shed light on different sustainable leadership practices in relation to the use of digital ‎sustainability, technology, and innovation.‎

·         Publish high-quality research that focuses on sustainable leadership in a transformative ‎environment covering various contextual factors.

·         Act as a guide for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers while devising or revising policies ‎and procedures related to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.‎

 

International SDG Conferences:

Ahlia University has also taken initiative in broader SDG discourse by organizing and participating in high-profile international forums:

• International Conference on Sustainable Development Goals:

Higher Education & Science (2nd Edition): Ahlia University developed the initiative to host the second edition of this international SDG conference in Bahrain, focusing on how society can contribute to achieving each of the 17 SDGs ahlia.edu.bh. This conference engaged participants in discussing the benefits and means of localizing SDG efforts, highlighting Bahrain’s contributions and fostering international academic dialogue on sustainability.

International Conference on Sustainable Development Goals: Higher Education & Science

Ahlia University to give more knowledge about the SDGs developed the initiative to hold the "2. International Conference on Sustainable Development Goals: Higher Education & Science" this time in its second edition, the conference talked about how in Bahrain, society You can contribute to the achievement of each goal and the benefits that this means.

 

• International Conference on the Fourth Industrial Revolution and Beyond (2021):

Organized by Ahlia University, this conference addressed the impacts of emerging technologies on society and the path to a sustainable future ahlia.edu.bh. It underscored the need to manage technological change to preserve human values and achieve progress toward the SDGs ahlia.edu.bh. The event served as a platform for dialogue among experts on topics like automation, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation’s role in sustainable development.

International Conference on the Fourth Industrial Revolution and beyond

ahlia.edu.bh

The Fourth Industrial Revolution is the outcome of more than two centuries of scientific advancement in a wide range of disciplines. It has witnessed several periods of development that allowed the transition from farming and feudal society to more advanced society of revolutionized mental and intellectual spirit. This transition allowed contemplating new horizons of prosperity and opulence.

The Fourth Industrial Revolution encompasses ongoing automation of traditional manufacturing and industrial practices, using modern smart technology. Large-scale machine-to-machine communication (M2M) and the internet of things (IoT) are incorporated to improve automation, upgrade communication and self-monitoring, and production of smart machines that can analyze and diagnose issues without the need for human intervention. There are several major aspects that drive the Fourth Industrial Revolution, such as technological development, high-speed internet, artificial intelligence automation, big data analysis, and cloud technology.

The economy has always been a major force in transforming societies. Currently, however, changes, driven by the Fourth Industrial Revolution, are occurring at an accelerating rate impacting all aspects of human societies. They also alleviate the economic system to new horizons of affluence and create values that engage people and organizations in a new behavior.

Modern technologies are affecting our interactions, smoothing our economies, impacting our environment, and channeling information upon which individuals and institutions are influenced. It is essential, therefore, that we manage the risk of technological change not only to lessen its impact on society, but also to preserve human values. The aim of the conference is to address issues relevant to the Fourth Industrial Revolution by emphasizing the road to achieve progress and development for a sustainable future.

 

• International Conference on Global Economic Revolutions (ICGER 2021):

In September 2021, Ahlia’s College of Business and Finance hosted ICGER 2021 under the theme “Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Finance and Sustainable Technology.” This hybrid conference provided a forum for academics, researchers, policymakers, industry practitioners, and students to present research and exchange ideas on advancing the digital economy sustainably ahlia.edu.bh. It exemplified Ahlia’s cross-sector approach: bringing together stakeholders from academia, government, and industry to discuss how digital innovation can drive sustainable economic growth. The multidisciplinary tracks (AI in finance, AI in technology, sustainability governance, big data, etc.) directly related to various SDGs such as Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9) and Decent Work & Economic Growth (SDG 8).

The International Conference On Global Economic Revolutions (ICGER 2021)

ahlia.edu.bh

The International Conference on Global Economic Revolutions: The Era of the Digital Economy (ICGER 2021)’ Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Finance and Sustainable Technology’ will be held as hybrid conference, on 15th & 16th September 2021. The conference is the premier platform for the presentation of new insights and research results in the transformation and advancement of the digital economy. This prestigious conference is organized by the Accounting Finance and Banking department, Ahlia University, Kingdom of Bahrain to provide a discussion forum for the academics, researchers, policymakers, industrial participants, and students to share their research findings and network with other like-minded individuals.

Academics and professionals world-wide are still looking for the ultimate answer to sustainability and sustainable development. Accordingly, the ICGER 2021 introduces the theme ’Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Finance and Sustainable Technology’ as a discussion platform to explore diverse topics within the following five tracks:

·         Artificial Intelligence and sustainable finance.

·         Artificial Intelligence and Sustainable Technology.

·         Sustainability and Governance digitalization.

·         Big Data, Blockchain and Security.

·         Digitalization.

 

• College of Business & Finance (CBF) Conference 2022:

Ahlia also organized the CBF International Conference on Business and Technology (held in March 2021 due to scheduling) with the theme “Exploring Business and Technology Opportunities and Challenges After COVID-19.” The objective was to gather scholars to discuss developments in business, education, society, and technology post-pandemic ahlia.edu.bh. This conference offered opportunities for academicians and industry experts to interact with local and international participants ahlia.edu.bh, reinforcing multi-stakeholder engagement. Topics of resilience and innovation addressed in this forum are aligned with SDG 8 (Economic Growth) and SDG 9 (Industry & Innovation), as well as SDG 17 through the partnerships fostered.

The CBF International Conference on Business and Technology (CBF’2022)

ahlia.edu.bh

The CBF International Conference on Business and Technology (CBF’2022), organized by Ahlia University. It will be held on March 23-24, 2021 (Wednesday/Thursday) at Wyndham Grand,’ Manama, Bahrain. The CBF’2022 Theme: ’Explore Business, Technology Opportunities, and Challenges After the Covid-19 Pandemic’. The objective of the CBF’2022 Conference is to gather leading academicians, scholars, and researchers to share their knowledge and new ideas as well as to discuss current development in the fields of business, education, social, and technology. The CBF’2022 aims to achieve many objectives as the following:

·         Highlighting business and technology problems that are faced by institutions in a scientific way, in addition to finding the possible practical solutions for them.

·         Encouraging scientific research in business and technology areas which may contribute to sustainable improvements to it.

·         The conference also offers opportunities for academicians and industry experts to meet and interact with local and international participants.

·         Enable the researchers to publish their contributions in high-ranked journals and indexed proceedings by Scopus.

 

Annual Research Forum:

On the home front, Ahlia University’s Annual Research Forum has become a key vehicle for SDG dialogue at the national level. In recent years, the forum’s themes explicitly incorporated the UN SDGs and sustainability in research and society ahlia.edu.bh. This event not only showcases faculty and student research, but also draws external guests and key figures from Bahrain’s Higher Education Council (a governmental body) as speakers and attendees ahlia.edu.bh. By involving government representatives and addressing national development challenges, the Research Forum enables a cross-sector conversation on applying research to local SDG priorities. The forum features oral presentations, poster exhibits, and book displays covering diverse disciplines and encourages feedback from professionals ahlia.edu.bh. Ahlia’s openness to external participants and collaboration in this forum underscores its commitment to knowledge exchange and community engagement for sustainable development ahlia.edu.bh.

Annual Research Forum

ahlia.edu.bh

Ahlia University contributes with inputs to national SDG development through the Annual Research Forum that it hosts, which in recent years has included the themes of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and Sustainability in Research and Society are core foci. The research forum draws a number of external guests, and always counts key figures from the Higher Education Council in Bahrain, among its speakers and audience.

The Research Forum featured oral presentations, poster displays, and book exhibitions representing faculty, scholars, and graduate students from diverse disciplines. The Research Forum was an opportunity to showcase the recent research, books, and creative projects and to receive valuable feedback from professional attendees. 

Ahlia University appreciated and supported the research productivity of its faculty, so all participants received recognition. Furthermore, to encourage collaborative research and experience exchange, Ahlia University was welcoming participation from outside it.

 

 

 

 

Other SDG-Related Events: Ahlia has engaged in or supported numerous other events that contribute to SDG dialogues:

• The Scientific Research Forum (2021) at Ahlia brought together professors and researchers (including international scholars, e.g. from Cairo University) to discuss new studies across fields like health, finance, media, and space sciences ahlia.edu.bh ahlia.edu.bh. Such forums create space for discussing solutions to social, economic, and technological challenges faced by the community ahlia.edu.bh, aligning research with sustainable development needs.

The activities of the Scientific Research Forum at Al-Ahlia University

With the participation of Prof. Aboulela Atifi from Cairo University

 

The activities of the Scientific Research Forum at Al-Ahlia University will be launched on Tuesday morning, where a number of professors and researchers will review over two consecutive days of the forum a range of new research and studies in multiple scientific fields, including issues of academic and scientific research, management sciences, finance, health fields, media, cultural and historical issues, space and many other sciences.

On this occasion, the Assistant President for Media and Public Relations Affairs, Dr. Thaira Al-Shirawi, explained that Al-Ahlia University adopts a policy of encouraging scientific research and supports various scientific and research initiatives submitted by university professors, students and all its affiliates.

Al-Shirawi explained that the activities of the forum for this day, March 23, 2021, will include the speech of the sponsor of the forum, the founding president of the university, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Prof. Abdullah Al-Hawaj, a welcome speech by the President of the University, Prof. Mansour Al-Aali, and the participation of Dr. Aboulela Atifi Hassanein, Professor of Intelligent Systems at the Faculty of Computing at Cairo University, who is one of the most prominent smart systems scientists as a keynote speaker in the forum.

She added: "Jalal Majeed will also participate as a keynote speaker in the first consulting forum at Gavcon Performance and Productivity Consulting, where he will write a paper related to entrepreneurship in the GCC.

 

She added that the two-day forum will review 23 new scientific studies for a group of university professors, researchers and graduate students, noting that the university is doing everything in its power to emphasize the importance of scientific research in the Kingdom of Bahrain and promote this vital field, as such forums provide spaces for researchers to develop their ideas and enhance their scientific skills, enabling them to achieve remarkable contributions and provide solutions to many social, economic, health and technological problems faced by local communities.

The Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research at Ahlia University works to create the appropriate environment for conducting research so that students can manage their research in an innovative manner, by consolidating the foundations of scientific research and arming students with its various rules and requirements, enabling students and students to reach new discoveries that conform to higher standards and be able to pass the rigorous examination to reach the stage of publication in refereed scientific journals. This would lead university students at the master's and doctoral levels to obtain the desired degrees.

 

• Ahlia’s students and graduates took part in the Ninth Gulf Conference for Human Development (2022), a regional event focused on performance measurement and institutional excellence ahlia.edu.bh. By participating in Gulf-wide conferences on human development, Ahlia contributes to regional SDG dialogue – particularly SDG 8 (decent work, economic growth) and SDG 16 (effective institutions) – and strengthens networks with policymakers and educators in the GCC.

Ninth Gulf Conference for Human Development

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Participation of students and graduates of Al-Ahliyya University in the Ninth Gulf Conference for Human Development, titled "Individual Performance Measurement System and Institutional Excellence."

 

• In April 2024, Ahlia University organized a student debate on “New Technologies and the SDGs” with the participation of the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in Manama. The UNIC Director, Ahmed Ben Lassoued, spoke at the debate about leveraging robotics and AI for achieving the SDGs, emphasizing the need for responsible, inclusive governance of technology bahrain.un.org. This event illustrates Ahlia’s ability to convene international organizations (the UN) and students to discuss global challenges, giving youth a voice in the sustainable development discourse. The UN’s involvement also highlights Ahlia’s credibility and connection at the international level in support of SDG 17 (Partnerships) and SDG 4 (Quality Education, through fostering critical discussions among students).

New technologies and SDGs discussed at a student debate at Ahlia University

"New technologies, including AI, must be safe, under human control, and governed fairly, inclusively, and transparently", the UNIC Manama Director said.

The United Nations Information Centre for the Gulf Countries (UNIC Manama) participated on 18 April in a student debate organized by Ahlia University in Bahrain on the implications of robotics for achieving the SDGs.

Speaking at the debate, UNIC Manama Director Ahmed Ben Lassoued highlighted the importance of new technologies for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

"However, new technologies, including AI, must be safe, under human control, and governed fairly, inclusively, and transparently," Ben Lassoued said, stressing the importance of the upcoming Summit of the Future, to be held in New York in September this year.

"One key point to be discussed at the Summit is how to leverage better science, technology, innovation, and digital information for sustainable development," he said.

Youth voices matter

"As the custodians of the planet, young people will have to live with the consequences of today's actions - or inaction," Ben Lassoued told the participants.

"The United Nations stands with you in your effort to make your voice heard and count," he said, calling the participants to engage with the United Nations in the lead-up to the Summit.

Partnerships with Government and NGOs on SDG Initiatives

Ahlia University has established formal collaborations with governmental bodies and NGOs to advance training, research, and community programs tied to the SDGs. These partnerships facilitate knowledge sharing across sectors and demonstrate Ahlia’s role as a bridge between academia and society:

• Memorandum of Understanding with the Bahrain Institute for Political Development (BIPD):

In 2021, Ahlia University signed a mutual MoU with the BIPD (a government-established institute) aimed at spreading national awareness and supporting academic research and political literacy among students ahlia.edu.bh. This collaboration entails joint efforts in training programs, exchange of expertise, and co-hosted events. Prof. Mansoor Al-Aali (Ahlia’s President) noted that both Ahlia and BIPD share goals in enhancing community awareness and conducting research to benefit society ahlia.edu.bh. He highlighted that through this partnership the two institutions can participate together in conferences and discussion seminars to showcase Bahrain’s democratic development model to the community and international observers ahlia.edu.bh. The MoU explicitly provides for cooperation in student training and capacity development, exchange of studies, and jointly developed programs and activities ahlia.edu.bh. By teaming up with a political development institute, Ahlia contributes to SDG 16 (Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions) and SDG 17, fostering informed citizenship and governance dialogues.

A Mutual MoU between ’Bahrain Institute for Political Development’ and Ahlia University

ahlia.edu.bh

To Spread the National Awareness in Society

A Mutual MoU between ’Bahrain Institute for Political Development’ and Ahlia University

Based on the enhancement of collaboration, the Bahrain Institute for Political Development signed a mutual memorandum of understanding with Ahila University. This MoU aims to spread national awareness in society and support the academic aspects, scientific research, and the political awareness of the students at the university campus.

In signing the agreement, the Institute was represented by Ms. Eman Janahi, the Executive Director, while Ahlia University was represented by Prof. Mansoor Al-Aali, Ahlia University President.

On this occasion, Ms. Eman Janahi, Executive Director of the Bahrain Institute for Political Development praised this MoU, considering it a beneficial agreement to both parties. It will provide the University the academic staff to present the activities of the Institute and support the Institute’s efforts in raising awareness of the youths.’ Through this agreement, the Institute seeks to provide training and awareness-raising programs that target the University students.

Ms. Janahi added that the agreement comes in line with the Institute goals of disseminating a culture of democracy, supporting and consolidating the concept of democratic principles, providing training, studies and research programs related to the constitutional and legal field, in addition to its role in developing programs of human rights studies in the field of political systems and constitutional law.

For his part, Prof. Mansoor Al-Aali, the President of Ahlia University, affirmed that the Bahrain Institute for Political Development is one of the institutions emanating from the reform project of His Majesty the King just like Ahlia University. Both institutions share a set of goals related to enhancing community awareness and developing its staff. Also, both institutions work in the research field that aims to contribute positively to the development of society.

He explained that Ahlia University and the Institute can achieve a lot, which shed more light on the march of political and democratic development in the Kingdom of Bahrain through participation in conferences and discussion seminars to inform the community of the pioneering Bahraini model in the field of democratic transformation and the developments that gained the trust and respect of the international community.

According to the MoU, the two parties, to achieve their goals, will seek joint cooperation in the field of training and student capabilities development, and support the process of exchanging experiences between our national private and government institutions. Besides, exchanging experiences and studies depending on the available resources and providing consultations and developing programs and activities that fall within their competence, on condition that this does not contradict the laws and regulations binding on them.

Within the memorandum, Ahlia University expressed its readiness to support the Bahrain Institute for Political Development with specialized academic staff, while the Institute expressed its full readiness to cooperate in preparing training programs related to the rehabilitation of students expected to graduate from Ahlia University for the labor market in the areas of political participation of youth and promoting children’s rights and people with special needs.

 

• Cooperation with Bahrain Society for the Development of Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs):

Demonstrating commitment to SDG 8 (economic growth and decent work), Ahlia has engaged with this national NGO to promote entrepreneurship and innovation. Member of Parliament Ahmed Sabah Al-Salloum, who heads the SME Society, received an Ahlia delegation to discuss collaborative support for youth entrepreneurs ahlia.edu.bh. Ahlia’s Founding President, Prof. Abdullah Al-Hawaj, praised the continuous cooperation between the university and the Society, noting joint initiatives like the Economic Decision Makers Program and the Arab Business Accelerators & Incubators Conference which help empower Bahraini youth and startup founders ahlia.edu.bh. These engagements with a non-profit business organization indicate Ahlia’s cross-sector role in bolstering innovation ecosystems in line with SDG 8 and SDG 9. By working with policymakers (MPs) and NGOs, the university helps shape programs that drive sustainable economic growth and reduce inequalities (SDG 10) through entrepreneurship opportunities.

Cooperation with the Bahrain Society for the Development of Small and Medium Enterprises

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Affirming our commitment to promoting entrepreneurship and developing the national economy, His Excellency MP Ahmed Sabah Al-Salloum, President of the Bahrain Society for the Development of Small and Medium Enterprises, received a delegation from Ahlia University, led by Dr. Amina Shiboh and Dr. Salah Khalifa.

The founding president of the university, Professor Abdullah bin Yousef Al-Hawaj, praised the importance of continuous cooperation between the association and the university. The role of the Economic Decision Makers Program and the Arab Business Accelerators and Incubators Conference in supporting youth and entrepreneurs in the Kingdom was also highlighted, contributing to promoting innovation and economic growth.

 

• MoU with Nasser Vocational Training Centre (NVTC) – Artificial Intelligence Initiative:

In June 2022, Ahlia University signed an MoU with the Nasser Vocational Training Centre (a government-affiliated center) to collaborate in the fields of training and scientific research on Artificial Intelligence (AI) ahlia.edu.bh. This partnership, rooted in the principle of community partnership and shared vision, enables both parties to exchange expertise in AI and leverage the newly established Sheikh Nasser Center for Research and Development in Artificial Intelligence ahlia.edu.bh. The agreement opens up opportunities for Ahlia’s faculty and students to use the Center’s facilities for R&D, and to contribute to solving practical problems for public and private sectors via AI innovation ahlia.edu.bh. One of the primary objectives of the Sheikh Nasser R&D Center is to develop AI solutions for government and industry needs by uniting academia with real-world applications, involving researchers and students under the guidance of field experts ahlia.edu.bh. This cross-sector initiative addresses SDG 9 (innovation and infrastructure) and SDG 4 (quality education through advanced skills training), while exemplifying SDG 17 by pooling resources and expertise across a public institution and a university. NVTC’s Executive Director and Ahlia’s President both affirmed that the MoU will help create a new generation of skilled youth and drive innovation at international standards ahlia.edu.bh.

Nasser Center for Vocational Training and Professional Development signs memoranda

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On June 22nd, in Manama, the Nasser Center for Vocational Training and Professional Development continues to sign memoranda of understanding, based on the principle of community partnership and shared visions and goals between the parties involved. The latest agreement was signed with Al-Ahliyya University. This memorandum aims to foster collaboration between the two parties in the fields of training and scientific research in artificial intelligence. Both parties seek to exchange expertise in these areas, in light of Nasser Center's announcement of the establishment of the Sheikh Nasser Center for Research and Development in Artificial Intelligence.

The memorandum of understanding was signed on behalf of the Nasser Center for Vocational Training and Professional Development by Dr. Abdullah Nasser Al Nuaimi, the Executive Director, and on behalf of Al-Ahliyya University by Prof. Mansour Al Aly, the University President.

It is worth mentioning that one of the main objectives of the Sheikh Nasser Center for Research and Development in Artificial Intelligence is to find solutions in the field of artificial intelligence for both the public and private sectors. This is achieved through collaborative efforts with universities and higher education institutions, involving academics and students in artificial intelligence research and innovations in a single central location while providing guidance from experienced experts in the field.

These initiatives are aimed at reducing the costs of laboratories, applications, and individual efforts. Furthermore, researchers will gain insights into the various requirements of the job market in the field of artificial intelligence.

Al-Ahliyya University will benefit from using the facilities of the Nasser Center for Artificial Intelligence, contributing to research and development efforts. The center serves as a pivotal point for all artificial intelligence research and innovations offered by students and researchers in this field.

Dr. Abdullah Al Nuaimi expressed his delight at signing this memorandum with Al-Ahliyya University, emphasizing that this collaboration will achieve one of the main objectives for which the Sheikh Nasser Center was established: finding innovative solutions in the field of artificial intelligence. This memorandum of understanding reinforces the shared interests of both parties in creating a new generation of youth distinguished by competence and technical skill at the highest international standards.

 

• Collaboration with the UN and International Agencies:

Apart from local partnerships, Ahlia’s cooperation with international organizations is evident. The university’s engagement with UNIC Manama for the student SDG debate in 2024 (noted above) is one example of working with the United Nations on awareness and education initiatives bahrain.un.org. Additionally, Ahlia University is recognized on the United Nations SDG Partnership platform for its sustainability initiative, which emphasizes partnerships with national and international organizations to tackle the SDGs sdgs.un.org. This acknowledgement highlights Ahlia’s strategic alignment with global efforts such as the UN’s 2030 Agenda and its openness to multi-stakeholder collaborations beyond Bahrain’s borders.

New technologies and SDGs discussed at a student debate at Ahlia University

"New technologies, including AI, must be safe, under human control, and governed fairly, inclusively, and transparently", the UNIC Manama Director said.

 

The United Nations Information Centre for the Gulf Countries (UNIC Manama) participated on 18 April in a student debate organized by Ahlia University in Bahrain on the implications of robotics for achieving the SDGs.

Speaking at the debate, UNIC Manama Director Ahmed Ben Lassoued highlighted the importance of new technologies for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

"However, new technologies, including AI, must be safe, under human control, and governed fairly, inclusively, and transparently," Ben Lassoued said, stressing the importance of the upcoming Summit of the Future, to be held in New York in September this year.

"One key point to be discussed at the Summit is how to leverage better science, technology, innovation, and digital information for sustainable development," he said.

 

Youth voices matter

"As the custodians of the planet, young people will have to live with the consequences of today's actions - or inaction," Ben Lassoued told the participants.

"The United Nations stands with you in your effort to make your voice heard and count," he said, calling the participants to engage with the United Nations in the lead-up to the Summit.

 

Ahlia University Sustainability Initiative

Ahlia University considers Social Responsibility and Sustainability as part of its prioritised strategies that is embedded in its core functions including teaching, research and community. The University is committed to contribute and work towards United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through encouragement of research in various research areas such as quality education, equal opportunities and sustainable growth. In order to create a recognised impact Ahlia University promotes partnership with national and international organisations tackling UNSDGs.

 

Implementation of the Project/Activity

Ahlia University (AU) aligned the UNSDGs initiatives as part of it strategies, a University Sustainable Development Plan (2021-2025) was developed and approved with clear set of initiatives to contribute to the overall UNSDGs with prioritized measures. In the next 5 years AU is committed to increase the number of publications in specific areas including gender equality, quality education and sustainable growth. AU is also committed to revise the structure of the curriculum to include higher percentage of critical long term sustainable thinking skills with social responsibility across all fields. AU aims to produce society ready graduates equipped with social responsibility and life-long learning skills to support managing global growth and sustainability. In order to assure effective implementation of the planned initiatives within the Sustainable Development Plan (2021-2025) the plan will be evaluated by Centre for Accreditation and Quality Assurance and reported to the University senior management for decision making. The actions will be measures the contribution in increasing number of research in relation to sustainable growth, contribution in various out-reach activities considering social responsibility and promoting life-long learning skills.

 

Governed

Centre for Accreditation and Quality Assurance at Ahlia University will be responsible to communicate with other national and international networks to engage and share best practices of implementing and contributing to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through contributing in events at both levels hosting and contributing. In addition, the Centre will be also the focal point for revising policies and procedures to support the implementation of UNSDGs.

 

Partners

Ahlia University

 

• NGO Partnerships for Social Inclusion:

Ahlia has also partnered with civil society organizations to support vulnerable groups, reflecting SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). For instance, Ahlia University signed an MoU with the Bahraini Association for Parents and Friends of the Disabled, focusing on enhancing support for persons with disabilities in higher education ahlia.edu.bh. Professor Mansour Al-Aali noted Ahlia’s track record in accommodating students with disabilities (including offering 50% scholarships for them) and praised the Association’s recycling initiative that funds mobility aids for disabled individuals ahlia.edu.bh. The Association’s leadership in turn commended Ahlia’s commitment to graduates with disabilities and expressed eagerness for deeper cooperation ahlia.edu.bh. Such a university-NGO collaboration underscores a shared commitment to inclusivity and community well-being, contributing to SDG targets on quality education (SDG 4) and reduced inequalities.

Ahlia University Signs an MoU with the Bahraini Association for Parents of the Disabled

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The President of Ahlia University, Professor Mansour Al-Aali, noted that disabled people receive special care and attention the academic and administrative bodies of the university. They also receive partial scholarships of 50% of the tuition fees, which is what made Ahlia university the most attractive among universities to this segment of society.

prof. Al-Aali praised the campaign launched by the Bahraini Association for Parents of the Disabled, which included collecting and recycling of plastics to benefit from its revenue in providing special chairs for the disabled.

For his part, the President of the Bahraini Association for Parents and Friends of the Disabled affirmed his pride in the prestigious status of Ahlia University and the role played by the university in supporting and assisting the disabled and their families, noting the successes achieved by the university in graduating dozens of students with disabilities in the past years, expressing the association’s desire for more cooperation with the university.

Ahlia University signed a memorandum of understanding with the Bahraini Association for Parents and Friends of the Disabled, with the aim of achieving fruitful cooperation between them on the basis of mutual benefit and common interests, in accordance with the laws and regulations in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

 Ahlia University was represented by the President of the University, Professor Mansour Al-Aali, and the Bahraini Society for Parents and Friends of the Disabled was represented by the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr. Jassim Muhammad Siyadi.

This agreement comes within the framework of both parties’ desire to activate the role of cooperation between them, and bilateral cooperation in the field of supporting students with disabilities, that is through exchanging invitations to participate and attend events held by the two parties, and the university provided support for the activities of the Bahraini Association for Parents of the Disabled and their friends by collecting plastic materials in all University facilities and presenting them to the association for recycling in order to contribute to the purchase of the largest possible number of wheelchairs for specific cases of people with disabilities, in addition to organizing joint activities aimed at enhancing the opportunities of enabling students with disabilities from completing their university education.

 

 

Collaboration with Other Academic Institutions on SDG Themes

Multi-academic collaboration is a hallmark of Ahlia University’s SDG engagement, as it frequently joins forces with other universities to broaden the impact of sustainability initiatives:

• Joint University Conferences:

 The Equal Opportunities conference series is a prime example of academic partnership – Ahlia co-organized these events with Brunel University London (UK) for multiple editions, as well as with the University of Business and Technology (UBT) in Saudi Arabia for the 2023 conference ahlia.edu.bh. By collaborating with international universities, Ahlia creates a platform for global and intercultural perspectives on SDG issues like gender equality, sustainable business, and leadership. These partnerships also indicate reciprocal relationships, as Ahlia faculty and students engage with counterparts from Brunel, UBT and others, sharing research and best practices. The 4th Equal Opportunities Conference in 2020 explicitly highlighted that it was “organized jointly by Ahlia University and Brunel University London”, reflecting a deep academic partnership around women’s empowerment and sustainability goals ahlia.edu.bh.

• Regional Academic Networks:

Ahlia’s involvement in events such as the Gulf Conference for Human Development suggests connectivity with universities and institutes across the Gulf region ahlia.edu.bh. Moreover, Ahlia University is listed as a participant in the Gulf Sustainable Development Goals Universities (GULF SDGsUni) initiative, which is a forum under the World Association for Sustainable Development (WASD) bringing Gulf universities together to collaborate on SDG research and events gulfuniversities.org gulfuniversities.org. Through WASD, Ahlia has signed memoranda of understanding with other institutions to explore joint research and teaching in sustainable development areas saudiuniversities.org saudiuniversities.org. These connections with regional and global academic networks enhance Ahlia’s capacity to contribute to SDG dialogues beyond its campus.

• Inviting International Scholars:

In Ahlia’s on-campus SDG-related forums and seminars, the university often invites professors and experts from other universities as keynote speakers or panelists. For instance, the 2021 Scientific Research Forum featured a keynote by a professor from Cairo University and a speaker from a GCC consulting firm, enriching the exchange of ideas ahlia.edu.bh ahlia.edu.bh. Similarly, Ahlia’s special events like the “Education Excellence for Sustainability” virtual forum (held during the pandemic) included international collaborators to discuss the future of learning and SDGs ahlia.edu.bh. By fostering academic-to-academic dialogues that cross borders, Ahlia is building a scholarly community oriented toward solving sustainability challenges (supporting SDG 17’s target on knowledge sharing).

• Joint Research and Publications:

Under its Sustainable Development Plan (2021–2025), Ahlia University committed to increasing research output on priority SDG topics and to revising curricula to instill sustainable thinking skills sdgs.un.org. Part of this strategy involves working with external academic partners. Ahlia’s Centre for Accreditation and Quality Assurance is tasked with engaging in national and international networks to share best practices on SDG implementation in higher education sdgs.un.org. One deliverable has been the development of a niche research focus in areas like quality education, gender equality, Islamic finance, and entrepreneurship – all of which involve collaboration with other universities and research bodies in Bahrain’s context ahlia.edu.bh. Notably, Ahlia and Brunel University have even established joint graduate programs (such as a PhD without residence) and research initiatives that dovetail with SDG themes, deepening the inter-university ties around sustainability.

Cooperation with the Bahrain Society for the Development of Small and Medium Enterprises

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Affirming our commitment to promoting entrepreneurship and developing the national economy, His Excellency MP Ahmed Sabah Al-Salloum, President of the Bahrain Society for the Development of Small and Medium Enterprises, received a delegation from Ahlia University, led by Dr. Amina Shiboh and Dr. Salah Khalifa.

 

The founding president of the university, Professor Abdullah bin Yousef Al-Hawaj, praised the importance of continuous cooperation between the association and the university. The role of the Economic Decision Makers Program and the Arab Business Accelerators and Incubators Conference in supporting youth and entrepreneurs in the Kingdom was also highlighted, contributing to promoting innovation and economic growth.

 

Commitment to the SDGs and Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships

All the above initiatives reflect Ahlia University’s deep-seated commitment to sustainable development and its philosophy of partnership. As a higher education institution, Ahlia sees its mission as not only educating students but also elevating the social and economic standards of society ahlia.edu.bh. This mission aligns with the fundamental pillars of sustainability (social, economic, environmental) which Ahlia has woven into its strategy for research, education, community connectivity, operations, and governance ahlia.edu.bh.

Strategic Alignment:

In 2021, Ahlia University launched a Sustainable Development Plan (2021–2025) that explicitly aligns university strategy with the UN SDGs sdgs.un.org. The plan sets targets for more research on sustainability issues, integration of sustainable thinking in curricula, and producing “society-ready graduates” with the skills to support global sustainable growth sdgs.un.org. Notably, the plan emphasizes partnerships as a means to amplify impact – Ahlia “promotes partnership with national and international organizations tackling UNSDGs.” sdgs.un.org This is evidenced by the broad spectrum of collaborators Ahlia engaged: from government ministries and parliament, to NGOs, to international agencies and peer universities. By embedding SDG goals into its institutional planning, Ahlia ensures that multi-stakeholder dialogue is not incidental but rather an integral part of how the university operates.

Outcomes and Impact:

The cross-sector dialogues and collaborations have yielded tangible outcomes that advance the SDGs locally and beyond. For example, through the Entrepreneurship cooperation with the SME Society, Ahlia helped bolster youth startups and innovation programs in Bahrain, contributing to job creation and economic diversification in line with SDG 8 ahlia.edu.bh. The partnership with BIPD led to training workshops and seminars on constitutional rights and democratic participation for students, thereby strengthening civic engagement (supporting SDG 16’s target on responsive, inclusive institutions) ahlia.edu.bh. The research and training MoU on Artificial Intelligence with NVTC is building capacity in a cutting-edge field that can drive sustainable industry practices and smart solutions for public services (advancing SDG 9 and SDG 11 – sustainable cities) ahlia.edu.bh. Moreover, the Equal Opportunities conferences have raised awareness and produced research on gender equality and leadership, some under the patronage of national leaders, indicating that policy recommendations from these conferences could influence national strategies on gender (SDG 5) and reduce inequalities ahlia.edu.bh. Ahlia’s Annual Research Forum has become an incubator for community-oriented research, some of which addresses local environmental or social problems and feeds into public policy dialogues in Bahrain ahlia.edu.bh ahlia.edu.bh.

Perhaps most importantly, these dialogues foster a culture of partnership and mutual learning. Ahlia University consistently brings different stakeholders to the same table – whether it’s students debating with UN officials on AI ethics, or academics working with government experts on economic recovery post-COVID – creating a space where knowledge is exchanged freely. This culture echoes the ethos of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), which recognizes that only through inclusive partnerships can sustainable development be achieved. Each conference, MoU, or joint project has further solidified relationships: universities with governments, academia with industry, and campus with community.

Public Recognition:

Ahlia’s multi-faceted approach to sustainability has been documented and recognized publicly. The university shares news of its MoUs and events on its website and social media, ensuring transparency and accessibility of information. For instance, local media (like Al-Watan newspaper) have covered Ahlia’s efforts to expand international collaborations and its role in national initiatives. The United Nations in Bahrain highlighted Ahlia’s student debate as a story of youth engagement on SDGs bahrain.un.org, showcasing the university’s contributions on a UN platform. These public sources validate Ahlia University’s activities and allow peers and ranking bodies (such as THE Impact Rankings) to verify the university’s engagement. The THE Impact Rankings specifically value evidence of universities working with government and NGO stakeholders, and Ahlia’s record – from high-level conference patronages to formal partnerships – provides strong, verifiable examples of such engagement.

In summary, Ahlia University has demonstrated a sustained and comprehensive commitment to advancing the SDGs through cross-sector dialogue. Over the past five academic years, it has organized influential conferences, entered partnerships that bridge academia with government and civil society, and actively participated in national and international forums on sustainable development. These efforts not only highlight the university’s dedication to the global goals but also reinforce its position as a catalyst for multi-stakeholder collaboration in Bahrain and the region. By integrating sustainability into its core mission and reaching out to work with others, Ahlia University exemplifies how higher education institutions can lead by example in driving progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals – leaving no one behind.