Goal 17 / 17.2 / 17.2.4
University's Role in Developing Global SDG Best Practices
International Collaboration,
Comparative Approaches and
Global Best Practice for the SDGs
1. Direct institutional response
YES. Ahlia University, as an institution, uses international collaboration and research to review approaches from different countries, sectors and organisational settings and to convert that comparative learning into research-based guidance, policy insight, curriculum enhancement and stronger institutional practice for tackling the Sustainable Development Goals.
During the 2024 evidence year, this commitment was demonstrated through an international SDG-focused conference designed explicitly to examine digital innovation and business sustainability in different contexts; internationally edited research volumes and joint studies that compared sectoral practices and developed guidance for policymakers and practitioners; cross-border doctoral research and supervision; international academic agreements supporting joint research and training; and formal institutional arrangements for evaluating international learning.
Original public evidence: E02 | E05 | E06 | E08 | E09 | E13 | E18
How the evidence answers the indicator
| Required element | Ahlia University evidence | Institutional result |
|---|---|---|
| International collaboration | Formal cooperation with Brunel University London, University of Business and Technology KSA, Box Hill College Kuwait, Northern Technical University and the WTUN network. | Sustained international platforms for research, academic programmes, staff development and student learning. |
| Review of comparative approaches | Conference research across different contexts; comparative brand and SDG analysis; emerging-economy health case studies; international literature applied to Bahrain’s banking sector. | Ahlia examines how sustainability challenges and interventions operate across countries, sectors and institutional environments. |
| Development of international best practice | Research outputs provide practical strategies, policy guidance, governance standards and adaptable frameworks for business, health, education and sustainable digital transformation. | Comparative evidence is translated into guidance that can inform policy, management and academic practice. |
| Knowledge transfer into the university | Joint doctoral supervision, expert research training, international mobility and the Study Abroad Exit Survey. | International learning is incorporated into research capability, curricula, quality review and institutional improvement. |
Original public evidence: E02 | E06 | E07 | E08 | E09 | E13 | E15 | E18
Ahlia University Recognises Excellence of Postgraduate Students at Ph.D. Symposium
Ahlia University celebrated the academic achievements of its postgraduate students during a prestigious Ph.D. symposium. The event, held annually, showcased the exceptional research conducted by students enrolled in the Ph.D. programme offered by Ahlia University in collaboration with Brunel University. Esteemed guests, including Prof. Abdullah Al-Hawaj, the Founding President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Private University, Professor Mansoor Alaali, the President of Ahlia University, and representatives from both Universities, gathered to honour the remarkable contributions of these researchers.
The conference is a testament to Ahlia University’s commitment to fostering a culture of research and innovation, provided a platform for postgraduate students to present their cutting-edge research findings. Prof. Abdullah Al-Hawaj praised the students for their outstanding work, highlighting the overall excellence demonstrated by postgraduate students at Ahlia University, whether pursuing a Master’s or Ph.D. degree. He expressed his pride in the dedicated efforts of the University’s faculty members and the collaborative partnership with Brunel University, which contributed to the students’ success.
The event celebrated the exemplary achievements of several researchers. Yasmina Zaki captured the first-place for both the best scientific paper and the best presentation with her research on “Fashion Brands in the Metaverse:, Redefining Digital Marketing and Branding Landscapes”.” Hameed Al-Mubarak secured the second-place for his paper on “Edge Computing Security: Overview and Challenges”, while Zainab Jaber earned the second-place for the best presentation with her work on “The Effects of of Transformational Leadership on Employee Job Satisfaction in Education Sector.”
Prof. Mansoor Alaali confirmed Ahlia University’s dedication to promoting scientific research in the Kingdom of Bahrain and beyond. He emphasised the importance of such conferences that provides a platform for researchers to exchange ideas, enhance their scientific skills, and address significant social, economic, health, and technological challenges faced by communities.
The Ph.D. Symposium featured engaging discussions that impressed the supervisors from both Ahlia University and Brunel University, as well as the attending researchers themselves. It served as a catalyst for professional dialogue and idea generation, boosting further advancements in various fields of study.
Developing International Collaborations
Ahlia University Hosts British Expert to Advance International Cooperation in Scientific Research
Dr. Lamya Al-Tahou, Director of Human Resources at Ahlia University, affirmed that knowledge and science have become global in nature. To make them accessible to all researchers and interested parties—whether as knowledge or tools—Ahlia University is making significant efforts to strengthen communication and cooperation with leading universities and prestigious scientific institutions worldwide.
Speaking on the occasion of Ahlia University’s hosting of international expert Dr. Anuj Sood, President of Synergision Ltd. in the United Kingdom, she explained that international cooperation programmes are an important means of transferring and localising scientific knowledge and technology and supporting scientific research initiatives. This encourages the University to partner with prestigious institutions in delivering several postgraduate programmes, including doctoral programmes in Management and Information Technology offered in collaboration with Brunel University London, and the Master’s programme in Engineering Management offered in partnership with George Washington University in the United States.
Dr. Anuj Sood delivered a workshop attended by several members of the University’s academic staff on “Mechanisms for Developing International Cooperation in Scientific Research.” During the workshop, he discussed the most effective vision for international relations in scientific research and the optimal approach to producing successful research in accordance with discipline-specific peer-review standards. He also provided a broad overview of key methods for establishing collaborative relationships with organisations interested in scientific research.
He presented successful examples of scientific and academic initiatives in which international cooperation among universities and researchers played a major role in developing practical and appropriate solutions to numerous challenges in industry, management, economics, and other sectors.
Dr. Talal Al-Dabi, Director of the doctoral programme seconded from Brunel University London, emphasised the importance of the themes and ideas addressed in the workshop. He highlighted the value of benefiting from international networks in scientific research and encouraged academic staff to take advantage of the available support opportunities for research initiatives, whether provided by Ahlia University or by its partners, such as Brunel University London.
This workshop formed part of a series of international guest engagements designed to meet the training needs of the University’s academic staff. It will be followed by further engagements, some focusing on scientific research as one of the University’s key interests and priorities, and others addressing modern teaching strategies adopted by leading universities worldwide.
Centre for Measurement and Evaluation
2. Institutional model for international SDG best practice
Ahlia University’s international work forms a continuous evidence-to-practice cycle. International partnerships create access to diverse expertise and contexts; comparative research and dialogue test different approaches; publications and conferences convert findings into guidance; and academic programmes, training and institutional evaluation embed the resulting knowledge within the University.
| Stage | Institutional mechanism | Evidence of application |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Connect | Build formal relationships with universities, research networks and international academic partners. | Brunel University London, UBT KSA, Box Hill College Kuwait, Northern Technical University and WTUN. |
| 2. Compare | Study practices, technologies and outcomes across countries, sectors and organisational settings. | EO2024’s different-context design; comparative retail analysis; emerging-economy healthcare case studies; international banking literature. |
| 3. Develop | Synthesize research into strategies, policy guidance, governance standards and practical frameworks. | Springer volumes and chapters directed to policymakers, practitioners and leaders; conference proceedings and policy-oriented objectives. |
| 4. Transfer and improve | Bring international knowledge into supervision, training, curricula, student learning and quality evaluation. | Ahlia–Brunel doctoral platform, expert workshops, international summer learning, WTUN exchange and study-abroad evaluation. |
Original public evidence: E02 | E05 | E09 | E12 | E13 | E15 | E18 | E19
The 7th Equal Opportunities Conference “Digital Innovation and Business Sustainability”
Institutional strategy and governance
Ahlia University’s 2024 Strategic Goals connect governance and sustainability with research excellence, knowledge-transfer partnerships and social responsibility. The University’s strategic presentation to the World Technology Universities Network places these priorities within Bahrain Economic Vision 2030, the national higher-education research strategy, international accreditation and professional standards, sustainable international academic partnerships, data-driven decision-making and mature quality management. This provides the governance framework through which international comparison informs local development.
Original public evidence: E10 | E11
Ahlia University: Strategic Directions Towards A World-Class University
The strategic model is outward-facing as well as internal: Ahlia presented its approach to a global university network, enabling peer exchange on research, quality, sustainability and partnership practice. Its current WTUN profile independently records research strengths that include sustainable finance, digitalisation, artificial intelligence, gender and the green transition.
Original public evidence: E11 | E19
3. Core 2024 evidence of comparative approaches and best-practice development
| 2024 platform/output | International or comparative dimension | Best-practice contribution | SDG relevance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7th Equal Opportunities Conference | Ahlia, Brunel University London and UBT KSA convened international scholars and practitioners to examine digital innovation, sustainability and equality in different contexts. | Designed to guide scholars, practitioners and policymakers in devising or revising SDG-related policies and procedures. | SDGs 4, 5, 10, 11, 17 |
| Comparative retail and SDG study | Compares AI applications across brands and industries and maps them to SDGs 9, 11 and 12. | Provides insights for businesses and policymakers seeking sustainable, data-driven AI practices. | SDGs 9, 11, 12 |
| Sustainable banking research | Ahlia–Brunel authors review international scholarship, technology and regulatory approaches and apply the learning to Bahrain. | Builds a Bahrain-focused conceptual framework for sustainable banking and management decision-making. | SDGs 8, 9, 17 |
| Healthcare supply-chain study | Uses interviews and case studies from healthcare organisations in emerging economies. | Identifies transferable resilience, collaboration, risk-management and digitalisation strategies for stronger health outcomes. | SDGs 3, 9, 17 |
| International AI and sustainability volume | Ahlia and Brunel editors bring together diverse research, theoretical approaches and case studies. | Develops accessible guidance on governance, ethics, leadership, data protection, innovation and sustainable strategy. | SDGs 8, 9, 12, 16, 17 |
| Ahlia–Brunel PhD symposium | Joint supervision and research dissemination connect Bahrain-based researchers with an international doctoral environment. | Transfers international methods and scholarly standards into research on social, economic, health and technology challenges. | SDGs 3, 4, 8, 9, 17 |
| Northern Technical University agreement | Formal cross-border framework for researcher and student exchange, joint science, programmes and training. | Expands institutional capacity for future comparative research and shared academic practice in technology, applied science and AI. | SDGs 4, 9, 17 |
Original public evidence: E02 | E05 | E06 | E07 | E08 | E09 | E12 | E13 | E14
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.
A research programme conducted in Alhia University, Bahrain
Strength of the institutional evidence
The evidence establishes both sides of Indicator 17.2.4. First, Ahlia systematically reviews comparative approaches through international conference dialogue, literature synthesis, sector comparisons and multi-context case studies. Second, it develops and disseminates best practice through policy-oriented conference objectives, peer-reviewed publications, practical strategy recommendations, governance standards, joint supervision and professional development.
4. International conference as a comparative SDG-policy platform
7th Equal Opportunities Conference: Digital Innovation and Business Sustainability
On 6–7 February 2024, Ahlia University convened the 7th Equal Opportunities Conference in collaboration with Brunel University London and the University of Business and Technology in Saudi Arabia. The programme brought together international academics, professionals, researchers and institutional leaders to share evidence and current developments in digital innovation, business sustainability and equal opportunity.
Original public evidence: E02 | E03 | E04
The conference was explicitly comparative. Its published objectives included examining digital-innovation tools and business-sustainability techniques in different contexts, assessing their effects on organisational effectiveness, and publishing research that addresses gender equality across varied contextual factors. Contributions covered governance, education, communication and other fields through national, regional and international research perspectives.
Original public evidence: E02
From comparative dialogue to international best practice
-
Policy orientation: the conference was designed to guide scholars, practitioners and policymakers when devising or revising SDG-related policies and procedures. E02
-
International research quality: Springer Nature technically supported the proceedings, with an ISBN and Scopus-indexing pathway for the conference book. E02
-
Multi-SDG design: the event expressly served SDGs 4, 5, 10, 11 and 17, connecting quality education, gender equality, reduced inequalities, sustainable communities and international partnerships. E02
-
Cross-sector relevance: the programme included higher-education leaders, research institutions, public-sector and policy stakeholders, and business-sustainability expertise. E02, E04
EO2024 therefore functioned as an institutional mechanism for reviewing alternative approaches, testing their relevance across different operating contexts and disseminating practice that can be adopted by universities, government actors and business organisations. It provides direct 2024 evidence that Ahlia’s international collaboration produces policy-relevant SDG learning rather than partnership activity alone.
5. International research that compares approaches and generates guidance
5.1 Comparative AI, retail and SDG alignment
Ahlia-authored research published by Springer Nature in August 2024 examined artificial-intelligence practices across brands and diverse retail industries. The comparative analysis considered personalised recommendations, virtual experiences, chatbot assistance, inventory management and other technologies, and mapped their sustainability contribution to SDGs 9, 11 and 12.
The study moves from comparison to application: it identifies how AI-supported data and customer-experience systems can support responsible production and consumption and provides insights for businesses and policymakers seeking sustainable technology practices. This is direct evidence of Ahlia scholarship using comparative evidence to develop internationally relevant practice guidance.
Original public evidence: E06
5.2 International research platform for sustainable development
The study formed part of Business Development via AI and Digitalization, Volume 1, an 85-chapter international volume edited by Ahlia University and Box Hill College Kuwait scholars. The volume compares practices and challenges across multiple countries, sectors and technologies, including banking, retail, healthcare, reverse logistics, government, corporate responsibility and sustainability disclosure. Springer describes the volume as offering practical guidance, strategies and real-world examples for sustainable business development.
Original public evidence: E05
| Research pathway | Comparative approach | Practice generated |
|---|---|---|
| Observe | Document technologies, management choices and sustainability outcomes across brands, sectors or economies. | Evidence base showing which approaches operate under different conditions. |
| Align | Map research findings to SDG targets and sustainability outcomes. | Clear connection between operational practices and global development priorities. |
| Synthesize | Integrate research evidence, international literature and context-specific case studies. | Transferable principles and strategies, while retaining sensitivity to local context. |
| Disseminate | Publish through an international peer-reviewed academic platform. | Accessible evidence for researchers, practitioners, business leaders and policymakers. |
6. Translating international evidence into sector-specific best practice
6.1 Sustainable banking in the Kingdom of Bahrain
A 2024 Ahlia–Brunel research chapter examined the emerging role of artificial intelligence in finance and banking, including technology, management and regulatory perspectives. The authors’ Ahlia and Brunel affiliations demonstrate a joint international research environment, while the literature and theoretical review brings global evidence into a framework focused on the Kingdom of Bahrain.
The study illustrates Ahlia’s localisation model: international research is reviewed comparatively, then interpreted for Bahrain’s banking ecosystem and its sustainable development needs. This supports stronger strategic decision-making and responsible digital transformation relevant to SDGs 8, 9 and 17.
Original public evidence: E07
6.2 Healthcare resilience across emerging economies
A second 2024 study investigated healthcare supply-chain resilience and digital transformation across emerging economies using qualitative interviews and case studies from healthcare organisations. It identified strategic planning, collaboration among stakeholders and effective risk management as critical resilience factors, together with technologies that improve visibility, interoperability and agility.
The study expressly positions its findings for use by policymakers, healthcare practitioners and supply-chain managers in designing strategies that improve performance, adaptability and health outcomes. By comparing organisational experience across emerging-economy contexts and converting the evidence into action-oriented strategy, the research advances SDGs 3, 9 and 17.
Original public evidence: E08
6.3 International guidance on responsible AI and business sustainability
Ahlia and Brunel scholars jointly edited Business Sustainability with Artificial Intelligence: Challenges and Opportunities, Volume 1. Published electronically in December 2024, the 107-chapter international volume addresses governance standards, ethical and culturally sensitive data use, privacy and protection, executive leadership, innovation and sustainability through theoretical approaches, practice and case studies.
Springer identifies the volume as a source of insight for executive leaders and as guidance for policymaking and innovative direction-setting. The publication therefore constitutes a concrete international best-practice output: diverse comparative scholarship is synthesised into accessible guidance for leaders, researchers and policymakers.
Original public evidence: E09
7. Research, educational and training partnerships
Ahlia University supports international SDG practice through a connected portfolio of research, education and training partnerships. The partnerships provide the institutional infrastructure through which comparative research is undertaken, international standards are shared and new approaches are introduced into Ahlia’s academic community.
| Partnership mechanism | International partner(s) | Contribution to SDG best practice |
|---|---|---|
| Joint conference and research publication | Brunel University London; University of Business and Technology KSA | International comparison, peer-reviewed dissemination and policy guidance on digital innovation, sustainability and equality. |
| Joint research editing and publication | Brunel University London; Box Hill College Kuwait; international authors | Cross-country and cross-sector case evidence converted into guidance on AI, governance, sustainability and responsible innovation. |
| Cross-border doctoral research | Brunel University London | Joint supervision, international research standards and dissemination of research on social, economic, health and technology challenges. |
| Research, exchange and training agreement | Northern Technical University, Iraq | Framework for joint research, researcher and student exchange, academic programmes, workshops and skills development in applied science and AI. |
| International expert development | United Kingdom research expert and Ahlia–Brunel academic network | Training on research quality, specialist peer-review standards, international cooperation models and practical problem-solving. |
| Global university network | World Technology Universities Network | Peer exchange on sustainability, technology, education, research and institutional development across member universities. |
Original public evidence: E02 | E05 | E09 | E12 | E13 | E14 | E15 | E19
Ahlia University Hosts British Expert to Advance International Cooperation in Scientific Research
Dr. Lamya Al-Tahou, Director of Human Resources at Ahlia University, affirmed that knowledge and science have become global in nature. To make them accessible to all researchers and interested parties—whether as knowledge or tools—Ahlia University is making significant efforts to strengthen communication and cooperation with leading universities and prestigious scientific institutions worldwide.
Speaking on the occasion of Ahlia University’s hosting of international expert Dr. Anuj Sood, President of Synergision Ltd. in the United Kingdom, she explained that international cooperation programmes are an important means of transferring and localising scientific knowledge and technology and supporting scientific research initiatives. This encourages the University to partner with prestigious institutions in delivering several postgraduate programmes, including doctoral programmes in Management and Information Technology offered in collaboration with Brunel University London, and the Master’s programme in Engineering Management offered in partnership with George Washington University in the United States.
Dr. Anuj Sood delivered a workshop attended by several members of the University’s academic staff on “Mechanisms for Developing International Cooperation in Scientific Research.” During the workshop, he discussed the most effective vision for international relations in scientific research and the optimal approach to producing successful research in accordance with discipline-specific peer-review standards. He also provided a broad overview of key methods for establishing collaborative relationships with organisations interested in scientific research.
He presented successful examples of scientific and academic initiatives in which international cooperation among universities and researchers played a major role in developing practical and appropriate solutions to numerous challenges in industry, management, economics, and other sectors.
Dr. Talal Al-Dabi, Director of the doctoral programme seconded from Brunel University London, emphasised the importance of the themes and ideas addressed in the workshop. He highlighted the value of benefiting from international networks in scientific research and encouraged academic staff to take advantage of the available support opportunities for research initiatives, whether provided by Ahlia University or by its partners, such as Brunel University London.
This workshop formed part of a series of international guest engagements designed to meet the training needs of the University’s academic staff. It will be followed by further engagements, some focusing on scientific research as one of the University’s key interests and priorities, and others addressing modern teaching strategies adopted by leading universities worldwide.
Formal expansion of joint research capacity in 2024
On 3 October 2024, Northern Technical University announced an agreement with Ahlia University establishing a framework for academic and researcher exchange, student mobility, joint scientific research, shared academic programmes and professional training. Priority fields include technology, applied sciences and artificial intelligence. The arrangement strengthens Ahlia’s capacity to compare research methods, educational practice and technology applications across Bahrain and Iraq and to develop shared responses to sustainable-development challenges.
Original public evidence: E12
8. Student and staff knowledge transfer into Ahlia University
8.1 Joint doctoral research and supervision
Ahlia University and Brunel University London maintain a cross-border doctoral platform through hosted PhD provision and joint academic supervision. At Ahlia’s February 2024 PhD symposium, postgraduate researchers presented findings addressing social, economic, health and technology challenges. The symposium enabled international academic review, scholarly exchange and dissemination within Ahlia’s research community.
This arrangement strengthens Ahlia’s research practice by exposing researchers to an international supervisory environment, research standards and comparative perspectives while allowing them to study challenges relevant to Bahrain and the wider region.
Original public evidence: E13 | E14
8.2 International expert training and localisation of knowledge
Ahlia’s international-collaboration development activity explicitly treats international cooperation as a route for transferring and localising scientific knowledge and technology. A British research expert delivered staff training on mechanisms for international scientific cooperation, high-quality research, peer-review standards and successful models of research relationships. The activity formed part of a wider series addressing research and modern educational strategies used by advanced universities.
Original public evidence: E15
8.3 International sustainability learning for students
Ahlia has enabled students to participate in international learning focused on circular economy and sustainability, recognising the value of study abroad for scientific, professional and personal capability. The University of Bradford’s 2024 International Masters Summer School continued this international platform with participants from partner universities and sessions on climate change, circular economy, renewable energy and adaptable sustainability strategies involving academic, industry and civil-society perspectives.
Original public evidence: E16 | E17 — The Ahlia source documents the University’s participation model; the Bradford source documents the 2024 programme and its sustainability content.
Tomorrow’s leaders discuss climate change at summer school
Ahlia University Offers Free Summer Courses and Programmes Outside the Kingdom
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).
8.4 Formal evaluation of international learning
Ahlia’s Centre for Measurement and Evaluation Manual, approved on 24 April 2024, establishes institutional survey and KPI processes and includes an Annual Study Abroad Exit Survey jointly owned with International Relations. The survey is aligned with SDGs 4, 5 and 17 and provides a formal mechanism for capturing the student experience of international mobility. This converts global exposure into evaluative evidence that can inform programme and institutional improvement.
Original public evidence: E18
Centre for Measurement and Evaluation
9. Integration of comparative learning into university practice
Ahlia University integrates international comparative learning through research governance, quality assurance, academic programmes and professional development. The result is an institutional cycle in which international experience is reviewed, documented, disseminated and applied rather than remaining with individual participants.
| Area of practice | How international learning is integrated | Documented institutional value |
|---|---|---|
| Research strategy | Joint research, international edited volumes, conferences and doctoral supervision connect Ahlia scholars to global methods and debates. | Greater capacity to produce policy-relevant, SDG-aligned research and internationally disseminated findings. |
| Academic programmes | Hosted doctoral provision, joint academic activity and international mobility expose learners and faculty to alternative approaches. | New knowledge and methods strengthen teaching, supervision and research design. |
| Quality and evaluation | Institutional surveys, KPIs and study-abroad evaluation capture international-learning experience. | Evidence supports review, decision-making and continuous improvement. |
| Professional development | Expert workshops share research-quality standards, peer-review practice and international cooperation models. | Staff can apply stronger research and educational practices within Ahlia. |
| External impact | Conference and publication outputs are directed to policymakers, practitioners, leaders and researchers. | Ahlia contributes reusable guidance beyond the University and Bahrain. |
Original public evidence: E02 | E09 | E10 | E11 | E13 | E15 | E18
Alignment with institutional priorities
The University’s Strategic Goals and its 2024 WTUN presentation align this work with sustainability, social responsibility, high-quality research, knowledge-transfer partnerships, data-driven decision-making, international accreditation and Bahrain Economic Vision 2030. International collaboration is therefore embedded in Ahlia’s institutional direction and quality system, providing a route for comparative knowledge to influence research priorities and university development.
Original public evidence: E10 | E11
10. Continuity and strengthening after the 2024 evidence year
Ahlia University continued to strengthen its international best-practice model after 2024. The following evidence is presented as continuity of the 2024 institutional arrangements and not as a substitute for the core evidence year.
World Technology Universities Network exchange
The WTUN Exchange Programme 2024–25 included two Ahlia University participants in collaborations with Atlantic Technological University in Ireland and the University of Bradford in the United Kingdom. The projects addressed sustainability education and the integration of digital entrepreneurship and innovation into marketing and management curricula. The programme is structured to foster collaborative projects, research relationships, publications and institutional agreements, providing a direct route for international learning to be transferred into educational practice.
Original public evidence: E20
WTUN Exchange Programme 2024-25: Meet the 2024/25 Participants
Current international partnership portfolio
Ahlia’s current international-partners portfolio confirms the continued breadth of its academic relationships, including partnerships that support research, mobility and exchange, joint academic activity and institutional development. Together with Ahlia’s WTUN membership, this provides durable infrastructure for continued comparison, knowledge exchange and co-development of responses to the SDGs.
Original public evidence: E19 | E21
Continuing institutional value
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Sustainability education is strengthened through international peer collaboration and curriculum-focused exchange. E20
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Digital entrepreneurship and innovation are transferred into teaching and programme development through a UK partnership. E20
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The international-partnership portfolio continues to support research, academic mobility and institutional development. E21
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WTUN membership connects Ahlia’s research strengths with a global network committed to technology-enabled sustainable development. E19
11. Institutional conclusion
Ahlia University confirms that it reviews comparative approaches and develops international best practice for tackling the Sustainable Development Goals through international collaboration and research.
The University’s 2024 evidence demonstrates a complete and institutionally supported process: international partners and networks create channels for exchange; conferences and research compare different national, sectoral and organisational contexts; peer-reviewed outputs translate the evidence into strategies and guidance; and doctoral supervision, training, student mobility, evaluation and quality processes transfer the learning into Ahlia’s research and academic practice.
The strongest documented examples—the 7th Equal Opportunities Conference, the comparative SDG-aligned retail study, the emerging-economy healthcare research, the Ahlia–Brunel sustainable banking work and the internationally edited volume on responsible AI and business sustainability—show that Ahlia’s contribution extends beyond participation. These initiatives generate reusable knowledge for policymakers, practitioners, researchers and institutional leaders and advance shared progress across SDGs 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 16 and 17.
Original public evidence: E02 | E05 | E06 | E07 | E08 | E09
Final answer for submission
YES — Ahlia University uses international collaboration and research to compare approaches across countries and sectors and to develop and disseminate best-practice guidance for tackling the SDGs.
12. Public evidence register — original sources
All links below lead to the original institutional, partner, publisher or methodology source. No previous-year SDG indicator page is used as evidence.
| ID | Original source | Relevance and access |
|---|---|---|
| E01 | THE Sustainability Impact Ratings Methodology 2026, Version 1.1 Times Higher Education | 2025 |
Defines Indicator 17.2.4 and the evidence-year framework. |
| E02 | 7th Equal Opportunities Conference 2024: Digital Innovation and Business Sustainability EO2024 / Ahlia University | 6–7 February 2024 |
Documents the international partners, comparative-context purpose, SDG alignment and intended policy guidance. |
| E03 | 7th Equal Opportunities Conference Ahlia University | 2024 |
Institutional event record for the 2024 conference convened with Brunel University London and UBT KSA. |
| E04 | EO2024 Conference Programme Ahlia University and conference partners | February 2024 |
Provides the programme, speakers and international research dialogue underpinning the conference. |
| E05 | Business Development via AI and Digitalization, Volume 1 Springer Nature | 2024 |
Internationally edited research volume led by Ahlia and Box Hill College Kuwait; presents practical guidance and cases across sectors. |
| E06 | Artificial Intelligence Integration and Sustainable Operations in Physical Retail Stores: A Comparative Analysis of Brands and SDG Alignment Springer Nature | 31 August 2024 |
Ahlia-authored comparative analysis mapping international brand practices to SDGs 9, 11 and 12 and producing insights for policymakers and business. |
| E07 | Artificial Intelligence Enabled Sustainable Banking Sector Ecosystem in Kingdom of Bahrain Springer Nature | 31 August 2024 |
Ahlia–Brunel research that reviews international literature and translates it into a Bahrain-focused sustainable banking framework. |
| E08 | Enhancing Resilience and Digital Transformation in the Healthcare Supply Chain: An Exploratory Study in Emerging Economies Springer Nature | 31 August 2024 |
Cross-context health-system research using interviews and case studies to formulate strategy guidance for policymakers and practitioners. |
| E09 | Business Sustainability with Artificial Intelligence: Challenges and Opportunities, Volume 1 Springer Nature | 24 December 2024 |
Ahlia–Brunel international research volume translating diverse theory, practice and case studies into guidance for policy and innovative strategy. |
| E10 | Ahlia University Strategic Goals Ahlia University | 2024 |
Establishes institutional commitments to governance, sustainability, research, knowledge-transfer partnerships and social responsibility. |
| E11 | Ahlia University: Strategic Directions Towards a World-Class University World Technology Universities Network | June 2024 |
Shows Ahlia presenting its internationally benchmarked strategy, quality system and partnership model to a global university network. |
| E12 | Agreement between Northern Technical University and Ahlia University Northern Technical University, Iraq | 3 October 2024 |
Creates an international framework for joint research, exchanges, academic programmes, workshops and researcher development. |
| E13 | Ahlia University Recognises Excellence of Postgraduate Students at PhD Symposium Ahlia University | February 2024 |
Documents joint Ahlia–Brunel doctoral research, supervision and dissemination addressing social, economic, health and technology challenges. |
| E14 | PhD Without Residence at Ahlia University Brunel University London | Current programme record |
Independent confirmation of the cross-border doctoral programme and the international research environment available to Ahlia-based researchers. |
| E15 | Developing International Collaborations Ahlia University | Institutional practice |
Records expert training on high-quality research, peer-review standards and international research relationships, with knowledge localisation as an explicit objective. |
| E16 | Ahlia University Offers Free Summer Courses and Programmes Outside the Kingdom Ahlia University | Institutional programme record |
Documents Ahlia participation in international learning on circular economy and sustainability and the intended development of students’ scientific and professional capabilities. |
| E17 | Tomorrow’s Leaders Discuss Climate Change at International Masters Summer School University of Bradford | 19 June 2024 |
Confirms the 2024 international comparative-learning platform on climate change, circular economy, sustainability and renewable energy. |
| E18 | Centre for Measurement and Evaluation Manual, Version 2 Ahlia University | Approved 24 April 2024 |
Establishes institutional surveys, KPI analysis and a Study Abroad Exit Survey aligned with SDGs 4, 5 and 17. |
| E19 | Ahlia University Member Profile World Technology Universities Network | Current network record |
Independent evidence of Ahlia’s active role in an international network committed to SDG-focused research, education and innovation. |
| E20 | WTUN Exchange Programme 2024–25: Participants World Technology Universities Network | May 2025 |
Continuity evidence: Ahlia staff collaborate internationally on sustainability education and the integration of digital entrepreneurship and innovation into curricula. |
| E21 | International Academic Partners Ahlia University | Current institutional record |
Current portfolio of international partners supporting research, mobility, joint academic activity and institutional development. |
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