Ahlia University’s International Collaboration on SDGs

Ahlia University in Bahrain actively participates in international collaborations and research initiatives to advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through global partnerships, joint programs, and knowledge exchange, the university both reviews comparative approaches and develops international best practices for tackling the SDGs. Key efforts include:

International SDG-Focused Collaborations

• Global Partnerships for SDGs:

Ahlia University explicitly promotes partnerships with national and international organizations that are working to achieve the UN SDGs ahlia.edu.bh. For example, Ahlia co-hosts an annual Equal Opportunities Conference in collaboration with Brunel University London (UK) – an event that attracts international experts to discuss gender equality and related SDG targets ahlia.edu.bh. These collaborations help share successful strategies and policy recommendations on issues like women’s empowerment, quality education, and sustainable growth.

Sustainable Development Goals

 

SDGs commitment

AU developed Sustainable Development Plan (2021-2025), the plan is developed to reflect AU’s commitment towards UNSDGs and to contribute to National Strategies as well as International Standards.

This plan is committed to contribute to national strategies and Initiatives (2030) and create an impact at National, Regional and International Level for sustainable future for our next generations.

The plan is focused on SDGs as a priority, AU carefully selected the 7 SDGs with assurance of its relationships with national strategies and government directions, AU emphasis on Quality Education and providing a sustainable future for all and promotes UNSDGs to be part of its core functions, teaching and learning, research as well as community.

 

Integrating Education Sustainable Development (ESD) Skills within Academic Programs:

Ahlia University academic programs was revised with a consideration of Educational for Sustainable Development (ESD) Framework by UNESCO.  AU aligned the ESD competencies with AU graduate attributes with a focus on key skills including (adaptability, personal resilience, connectivity, engagement, negotiation, global citizenship, research, ethics and innovation). The key skills are integrated within courses through specific intended learning outcomes related to knowledge, applied skills, critical thinking and general and transferable skills. The courses are carefully crafted with assurance of learning cascaded across 4 years of study, the learning outcomes are assessed through direct and in-direct assessments. The integration of UNSDGs within the curriculum enabled generating 217 published research studies with recommended conclusions to support the society and policy making.

 

Conducting Annual Conferences tackling UNSDGs

Ahlia University in collaboration with Brunel University of London and University of Business and Technology (KSA) is conducting the annual conference tackling Equal Opportunities in the fields of Business and Technology. The conference attracted 170 researchers from 27 different countries including GCC, UK, USA and Africa. The conference also attracts policy makers from regulatory authorities including the Supreme Council of Women to discuss vital topics related to women empowerment, gender equality etc. The outcome of the conference includes publishable research in Scopus indexed proceeding.

 

Voluntary Reporting of AU’s Commitment:

Ahlia University is committed to knowledge sharing therefore, AU reports annually the major achievements against UNSDGs and share it voluntary through United Nations Higher Education Sustainability Initiative (HESI) Platform. The platform includes progress tracking on the committed actions which includes integration of UNSDGs in the curriculum to support UNSDG4. For more information, please see: UN HESI – Platform Commitment Ahlia University Sustainability Initiative | Department of Economic and Social Affairs

 

 

• Joint SDG Conferences:

By partnering with foreign institutions, Ahlia advances SDG dialogue on a global stage. The Equal Opportunities conference series (now in its 7th year) is organized with Brunel University and the University of Business & Technology (KSA), focusing on themes such as digital innovation, business sustainability, and gender equality (SDG 5) ahlia.edu.bh ahlia.edu.bh. Such international events not only highlight best practices for achieving SDGs but also involve policymakers (e.g. Bahrain’s Supreme Council of Women) and UN representatives, ensuring global best practices inform local policy ahlia.edu.bh.

7th Equal Opportunities Conference

ahlia.edu.bh

Under the patronage of his excellency Mr. Ahmed Bin Salman Al Musalam, Speaker of the Council of Representatives. Ahlia University cordially invites you to 7th Equal Opportunities Conference ’Digital Innovation and Business Sustainability’. ‎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 2024, Gulf Hotel, Manama Bahrain.

This conference aims ‎to shed the light on topics related to the use of digital innovation and business sustainability that ‎could support policy makers, business leaders and higher education institutions in various ways in relation to usage of different digital innovative tools to support operations and business sustainability. The audience will benefit from different research papers from national, regional, and international scholars discussing real issues tacking the use of digital innovation in different aspects including governance, education, communication, and other related fields. In line with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the conference is focused on Gender Equality and therefore topics will be presented with a gender quality focus.

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

·         Assess the impact of Digital Innovation and Business Sustainability on organizational ‎effectiveness. ‎

·         Shed light on different Digital Innovation tools and techniques in relation to the business sustainability in different contexts.

·         Publish high-quality research that focuses on gender quality in terms of application, use or practice of different digital innovation tools in a transformative ‎business 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.

For more information, please visit the conference page.

 

• Sharing Best Practices Globally:

Ahlia is committed to exchanging knowledge on sustainable development. The university’s Centre for Accreditation and Quality Assurance liaises with international networks to “engage and share best practices” in implementing the SDGs sdgs.un.org. Ahlia also voluntarily reports its SDG progress through platforms like the UN Higher Education Sustainability Initiative, contributing data and insights to the global SDG community ahlia.edu.bh. These activities demonstrate that Ahlia not only learns from comparative approaches worldwide but also contributes its own successful practices for others to emulate.

Ahlia University Sustainability Initiative

Description

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.

 

 

Research, Educational, and Training Partnerships

• Formal Academic Partnerships:

Ahlia University has established external partnerships with universities abroad to enhance research and academic programs. A notable example is a 2024 agreement with Northern Technical University (Iraq), which includes joint programs in education and scientific research, development of postgraduate programs, and student/faculty exchanges ahlia.edu.bh. Similarly, Ahlia is forging a partnership with Tishk International University (TIU) in Kurdistan and collaborates with the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI Bahrain), aiming to formalize MoUs that strengthen scientific and medical education cooperation ahlia.edu.bh ahlia.edu.bh. These international agreements enable the university to benchmark against and adopt global best practices in curriculum design, research methodology, and academic quality.

Northern Technical University agreement with Ahlia University

ntu.edu.iq

In a significant move to enhance academic relations and international cooperation, Northern Technical University, represented by its President, Professor Dr. Alyaa Abbas Ali Al-Attar, has reached an agreement with Ahlia University in the Kingdom of Bahrain on October 3, 2024.

This comprehensive academic collaboration aims to foster the exchange of academic and research expertise between the two universities.

The agreement encompasses organizing joint programs in education and scientific research, developing postgraduate programs, and facilitating student and academic exchanges. A Letter of Intent (LOI) has been agreed to be signed between the two institutions, establishing a formal framework for future cooperation.

The LOI includes the following key points:

1. Academic and Researcher Exchange: This collaboration will enable faculty members from both universities to deliver lectures and participate in scientific research.

2. Student Exchange: Programs will be organized to allow students from both universities to study and benefit from diverse educational experiences.

3. Joint Scientific Research: Support will be provided for collaborative research projects between the two universities in areas of mutual interest, particularly in technology, applied sciences, and artificial intelligence.

4. Joint Academic Programs: Development of shared educational programs, including bachelor’s and master’s degrees focusing on new specializations such as technology and modern sciences.

5. Professional Training and Workshops: Organization of joint workshops and training programs to enhance the academic and research skills of students and faculty members.

 

The signing of this Letter of Intent marks the first step towards establishing a long-term strategic partnership between the two universities. This initiative is expected to significantly contribute to strengthening scientific and educational cooperation between Iraq and the Kingdom of Bahrain.

 

• Collaborative Research Initiatives:

Through internal and external collaborations, Ahlia aligns its research strategy with national and international priorities. The university’s research plan targets multiple SDGs in line with Bahrain’s National Research Strategy and Economic Vision 2030 ahlia.edu.bh. To support this, Ahlia partners with top global institutions: for instance, it offers a PhD program (without residency) in partnership with Brunel University London and a Master of Engineering Management with George Washington University (USA) ahlia.edu.bh. As Dr. Lamia Al-Tahou of Ahlia notes, “international cooperation programs are an important means of transferring and localizing knowledge and scientific technology, and supporting scientific research initiatives,” motivating Ahlia to collaborate with prestigious universities on joint graduate programs ahlia.edu.bh. These partnerships (spanning research, educational, and training programs) ensure that Ahlia’s faculty and students are exposed to the latest international knowledge, standards, and best practices in their fields.

TIU Expands Global Reach with Al-AHLIA University and Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Bahrain Branch

tiu.edu.iq

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As a notable advancement in the promotion of university collaborations and international partnerships, Tishk International University (TIU) embarked on a historic visit to Bahrain. Under the leadership of the President of TIU Prof. Dr. Sultan T. Abo Orabi and Asst. Prof. Dr. Idris Hadi Salih, Head of the Board of Trustees, the delegation engaged in fruitful discussions with the objective of strengthening scientific partnership and collaboration.

During the visit, representatives from TIU engaged in discussions with distinguished guests at Al-Ahlia University, Bahrain, which included the President, Dr. Mansour Al-Aly, and Head of Board of Trustees, Dr. Abdullah Al-Awaj. The discussions revolved around potential areas of collaboration, including scholarly exchanges, joint conferences, and workshops. Both academic institutions are positioned to achieve a significant milestone by formalising their partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This agreement will be the first of its kind between TIU and a university in Bahrain.

Dr. Sultan T. Abo Orabi, distinguished for his important role as the former President of the Arab Union Chemist, was honored during the visit by the Arab Union Chemist. In the presence of chemist syndicate and association members, the ceremony honoured Dr Sultan for his lasting contributions to the field of chemistry.

In order to further fortify its connections within the healthcare industry, the TIU delegation paid a visit to the Bahrain Branch of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. The delegation was granted access to the institution’s cutting-edge facilities and engaged in discussions with its unit, which established a foundation for potential collaborations in medical education and research in the future.

Keywords: Academic Achievement, Universities, Sustainability, Global Cooperation, Collaboration, Partnerships, Higher Education, Medical Education

 

• Capacity-Building and Training:

Ahlia also hosts international experts and engages in training collaborations to raise its research and teaching standards. For example, the university invited a British research expert (Dr. Anuj Sood) to deliver workshops on “developing international cooperation in scientific research,” covering the best ways to produce high-quality research and build global research relationships ahlia.edu.bh. Such internal training partnerships help Ahlia’s staff and faculty learn comparative approaches and apply international best practices on campus. Additionally, Ahlia’s involvement in global networks like the World Technology Universities Network (WTUN) has enabled collaborative projects – Ahlia students even won a first-place award for an innovative waste-recycling research project through WTUN, exemplifying fruitful international cooperation in innovation ahlia.edu.bh.

Developing International Collaborations

ahlia.edu.bh

Al Ahlia hosts a British expert to develop international cooperation in the field of scientific research

The Head of the Human Resources Department at Al-Ahlia University, Dr. Lamia Al-Tahou, stressed that knowledge and science have become of a universal nature, and in order to be available to all researchers and those interested as knowledge or tools, Al-Ahlia University is making great efforts in the context of strengthening the bonds of communication and cooperation with various universities and prestigious scientific institutions in the world.

She explained on the sidelines of the hosting of the Ahlia University for the international expert, Dr. Anuj Sood, President of Synergy Ltd. in Britain, that international cooperation programs are an important means of transferring and localizing knowledge and scientific technology, and supporting scientific research initiatives, which motivates the university to partner with prestigious universities in providing a number of its scientific programs within graduate studies, such as the doctoral programs in management and information technology, which are offered in partnership with Brunel University, Britain, and the Master of Engineering Management program offered by the university in partnership with George University. Washington, USA.

The British expert, Dr. Anuj Sood, presented a workshop attended by a number of members of the university's academic staff on "Mechanisms for Developing International Cooperation in the Field of Scientific Research", during which he touched on the best vision of international relations in the field of scientific research, and the best way to provide successful scientific research in accordance with specialized arbitration standards, in addition to a general survey of the most important ways that contribute to opening cooperative relations with those interested in scientific research.

He presented successful models of scientific and academic initiatives that international cooperation between universities and researchers was a major reason for providing appropriate practical solutions to many problems in the fields of industry, management, economy and other sectors of life.

The Head of the PhD Program Delegated from Brunel University, Dr. Talal Al-Dabi, stressed the importance of the themes and ideas included in the workshop, stressing the importance of benefiting from the international network of relations in the field of scientific research, and calling on academic staff members to take advantage of the support opportunities available for scientific research initiatives, whether from what is provided by Al-Ahlia University or its partners such as Brunel University London.

This course is part of a series of external hosts aimed at meeting the training needs of the university's academic staff, as it will be followed by various hosts, some of which focus on the field of scientific research as it falls within the university's interests and priorities, and some of which focus on modern education strategies followed by advanced universities in the world.

Student Exchange and Knowledge Transfer

• Global Exposure for Students:

Ahlia University strongly encourages student participation in international study programs, recognizing that these experiences build skills and advance the SDGs. The university offers international exchange and summer school opportunities (in partnership with universities like the University of Bradford in the UK), often covering topics such as the Circular Economy and Sustainability aligned with the SDGs ahlia.edu.bh ahlia.edu.bh. Students only bear travel costs, while host institutions waive tuition and accommodation, enabling Ahlia students to study abroad and engage with sustainability issues firsthand. In 2023, for example, Ahlia sent several Master’s students (MBA, FinTech, Engineering Management) to an International Master Summer School focused on UN SDG-related themes ahlia.edu.bh.

Ahlia University Offers Free Summer Courses and Programmes Outside the Kingdom

ahlia.edu.bh

Mr. Ammar Al-Hawaj, the Executive Director of Communications and International Relations, has encouraged students to enroll in the international student exchange programme, which has positive impact on refining the students’ personalities, enhancing their life skills, and improving their scientific and professional capabilities.

He said that participating in an international master summer school allows students to experience studying abroad for a semester or two, in which they deal with the topic of the Circular Economy and Sustainability related to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Mr. Al-Hawaj explained that the University offers free summer courses and programmes outside the Kingdom of Bahrain. He clarified that these programmes are organised by a number of international universities such as Bradford University in the United Kingdom. The student will pay only the travel cost, while the accommodation and the programme will be free of charge. This summer, 5 masters students from the MBA, FinTech, and Engineering Management programmes, have participated in the IMSS. The students are: (Ali AlQattan, Khalid AlDosseri, Ali Shehab, Sharifa AlSubaie, Faisal Alasfoor).

 

• Enhancing Student Skills and Research:

These international collaborations greatly enrich students’ knowledge and skills, which they bring back to benefit the university. According to Ahlia’s International Relations office, studying abroad has “a positive impact on refining the students’ personalities, enhancing their life skills, and improving their scientific and professional capabilities.” ahlia.edu.bh After exposure to advanced practices and diverse perspectives overseas, students return with new ideas that can be shared in classrooms and research projects at Ahlia. This infusion of globally acquired knowledge helps upgrade the university’s own approaches – for instance, students who learned about sustainable technologies abroad can contribute to on-campus research in those areas, ensuring continuous improvement in line with international standards.

Developing International Collaborations

ahlia.edu.bh

Al Ahlia hosts a British expert to develop international cooperation in the field of scientific research

The Head of the Human Resources Department at Al-Ahlia University, Dr. Lamia Al-Tahou, stressed that knowledge and science have become of a universal nature, and in order to be available to all researchers and those interested as knowledge or tools, Al-Ahlia University is making great efforts in the context of strengthening the bonds of communication and cooperation with various universities and prestigious scientific institutions in the world.

She explained on the sidelines of the hosting of the Ahlia University for the international expert, Dr. Anuj Sood, President of Synergy Ltd. in Britain, that international cooperation programs are an important means of transferring and localizing knowledge and scientific technology, and supporting scientific research initiatives, which motivates the university to partner with prestigious universities in providing a number of its scientific programs within graduate studies, such as the doctoral programs in management and information technology, which are offered in partnership with Brunel University, Britain, and the Master of Engineering Management program offered by the university in partnership with George University. Washington, USA.

The British expert, Dr. Anuj Sood, presented a workshop attended by a number of members of the university's academic staff on "Mechanisms for Developing International Cooperation in the Field of Scientific Research", during which he touched on the best vision of international relations in the field of scientific research, and the best way to provide successful scientific research in accordance with specialized arbitration standards, in addition to a general survey of the most important ways that contribute to opening cooperative relations with those interested in scientific research.

He presented successful models of scientific and academic initiatives that international cooperation between universities and researchers was a major reason for providing appropriate practical solutions to many problems in the fields of industry, management, economy and other sectors of life.

The Head of the PhD Program Delegated from Brunel University, Dr. Talal Al-Dabi, stressed the importance of the themes and ideas included in the workshop, stressing the importance of benefiting from the international network of relations in the field of scientific research, and calling on academic staff members to take advantage of the support opportunities available for scientific research initiatives, whether from what is provided by Al-Ahlia University or its partners such as Brunel University London.

This course is part of a series of external hosts aimed at meeting the training needs of the university's academic staff, as it will be followed by various hosts, some of which focus on the field of scientific research as it falls within the university's interests and priorities, and some of which focus on modern education strategies followed by advanced universities in the world.

 

• Knowledge Transfer to the University:

Ahlia explicitly views international academic exchanges as a way to import global best practices into its local context. By engaging in these programs, the university “transfers and localizes knowledge and scientific technology” from around the world ahlia.edu.bh. In practice, this means that insights gained through international student projects, faculty research collaborations, and global conferences are channeled into improving Ahlia’s curricula, research agendas, and community initiatives. The end result is a cycle of learning where international collaboration fuels innovation at Ahlia, allowing the institution to review comparative approaches to sustainable development challenges and adopt the best practices proven effective globally.

Conclusion

In summary, Ahlia University as an institution leverages international collaboration and research to drive SDG progress. Through global partnerships, joint conferences, exchange programs, and active participation in international SDG networks, Ahlia continuously reviews global approaches and integrates international best practices into its teaching, research, and community engagement. These efforts demonstrate a comprehensive commitment to tackling the SDGs by learning from and contributing to worldwide sustainability initiatives  sdgs.un.org ahlia.edu.bh. Every level of the university – from leadership and faculty to students – is involved in international collaborations supporting the SDGs, ensuring that Ahlia’s strategies remain aligned with global standards and innovative solutions for sustainable development.