Relationships with Regional NGOs and Government for SDG Policy
Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST) maintains active relationships with national governmental bodies, regional non-governmental organizations and other relevant organizations through which it contributes expertise, research, stakeholder engagement and institutional capacity to SDG-related policy and strategy development. These collaborations support the identification of societal challenges, development of policies and strategies, implementation and monitoring of interventions, evidence-based decision-making and adaptive management.
GUST contributes to the development of this indicator by:
| Initiative | Contribution to the Indicator |
|---|---|
| National and International SDG Policy Partnerships | Research, coordination, stakeholder engagement |
| Relationships with regional NGOs and government for SDG policy | Education, research, training |
| Partnerships in Sports Governance and Student Well-Being | Health, cooperation, education |
| Initiative: | National and International SDG Policy Partnerships |
| Contribution to the Indicator: | Research, coordination, stakeholder engagement |
| Initiative: | Relationships with regional NGOs and government for SDG policy |
| Contribution to the Indicator: | Education, research, training |
| Initiative: | Partnerships in Sports Governance and Student Well-Being |
| Contribution to the Indicator: | Health, cooperation, education |
National and International SDG Policy Partnerships
SDSN Kuwait: Supporting National SDG Coordination and Policy
GUST has strengthened its role in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals through formal engagement with leading international sustainability networks.
In September 2024, GUST became the first university in Kuwait to join the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), marking an important step in the University’s institutional commitment to sustainable development and international SDG collaboration.
Building on this membership, GUST submitted an application to establish an official SDSN Kuwait national network hosted at GUST. The application was approved in the Spring semester of the academic year 2024-2025, positioning GUST as the national focal point for SDSN activities in Kuwait.
A formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was subsequently signed between GUST and SDSN to establish and support the network. Through this role, GUST provides a platform for strengthening collaboration among academia, government, civil society, NGOs, and other stakeholders working toward the Sustainable Development Goals. The SDSN Kuwait network supports knowledge exchange, identification of sustainability challenges and priorities, cross-sector engagement, evidence-based dialogue, and the development of collaborative approaches to sustainable development in Kuwait.
Through its role as host institution, GUST supports activities connected with:
- Organizing at least one annual conference bringing together key actors from the country or region
- Mobilizing SDSN members and publicize SDSN activities amongst policymakers, private sector, and NGOs around SDG localization activities
- Contributing to the global SDSN’s policy work, such as the Sustainable Development Report
- Reaching out to potential members and find opportunities for broadening the SDSN network and growing membership through engagement
- Contributing content to the global SDSN website
- Developing an annual program of activities and provide brief quarterly reports of activities to the Secretariat
- Participating in Global SDSN Network workshops, monthly calls, and Leadership Council meetings when resources allow
You can find the list of policies developed by GUST's SDSN in the following link: https://www.gust.edu.kw/sdsn-policy-briefs
Partnership with the World Association for Sustainable Development
In June 2025, GUST further expanded its international sustainability partnerships by signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the World Association for Sustainable Development (WASD), an international non-governmental organization focused on advancing sustainable development through research, knowledge exchange, policy dialogue, capacity-building, and international collaboration.
The partnership provides a framework for GUST and WASD to cooperate on sustainability-related initiatives, strengthen academic and professional exchange, support research and knowledge dissemination, and contribute to broader dialogue on sustainable-development challenges and solutions.
Together, GUST’s leadership of SDSN Kuwait and its partnership with WASD demonstrate a growing institutional role in connecting higher education with national, regional, and international sustainability networks. These relationships strengthen GUST’s capacity to contribute to SDG-related policy discussions, knowledge exchange, stakeholder engagement, and evidence-based sustainable-development initiatives.
Relationships with regional NGOs and government for SDG policy
GUST’s extensive network of national, regional, and international partnerships—as shown in the collaboration map—demonstrates the University’s strong involvement with government institutions, public agencies, and regional NGOs in advancing SDG-related policy development. Through formal agreements with entities such as the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR), the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET), National Bank of Kuwait (NBK), Kuwait Finance House (KFH), Boubyan Bank, CFA, Kuwait Petroleum Company (KPC) and REMAS Institute. GUST contributes to shaping capacity building, research priorities, and national strategies aligned with Kuwait’s sustainability agenda. These collaborations enable joint policy discussions, research-sharing, academic–government task coordination, and the development of evidence-based SDG interventions. By maintaining these strategic partnerships across Kuwait, the Gulf region, and beyond, GUST plays a direct role in informing SDG policy design, monitoring progress, and supporting national adaptive management in line with indicator 17.2.1.
GUST and KPC Announce Recipients for Sustainable Development Scholarship
Gulf University for Science and Technology announced that GUST alumni have been awarded the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) Sustainable Development Scholarship to the University of Sussex in the United Kingdom. The scholarship is the first of its kind for both institutions and is set to take place from November 23 to December 7. The scholarship covers all tuition fees as well as travel and subsistence costs and educational materials during the two-week training course.
The alumni were selected based on criteria set by the university and KPC. Notably, applicants had to have a GPA of 3.3 or above, graduated within the last two years, be Kuwaiti citizens, and be unemploymed throughout the duration of the program. The selected alumni are: Lojain AlOmani, Sara AlMusallam, Samaa AlSaif, Ghadna AlKhamees, Munirah AlMailam, Shaikha AlMatouq, Budoor AlKhaledi, Bodoor AlZanki, and Yousef AlMunayes.
The GUST President, and KPC PR Manager, Jamal Al-Sanoosi met with the recipients to congratulate them and express their excitement for the program. Also present at the meeting were Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Fahed Al-Sumait, Vice President for Professional Development and Community Services, Dr. Ahmed Al-Darbas, Dean of the College of Business Administration, Prof. Antonis Simintiras, Head of the Business Administration Department, Dr. Ahmed El-Melegy, Initiative Members, Dr. Osama Al-Falah and Dr. Garvan Whelan, as well as International Program Coordinator, Nabae Asfar.
The students will be attending daily courses on Sustainable Development which crystallizes key concepts and provides the alumni with the opportunity to apply them to their geographical context of Kuwait and across various sectors, in particular, energy. All classes will be held at the Science Policy Research Unit at the University of Sussex.
The sessions have been assembled into an intensive course with a distinct and cumulative set of learning outcomes, and will be delivered through purpose-designed teaching and learning activities. The first week will include an introduction of the historical and contemporary debates on sustainable development as a whole, help the students understand the origin of sustainable development and its current manifestations in business, policy and politics; as well as apply a selection of economic and non-economic frameworks to understand and analyze sustainable development issues, in particular around the energy policy. The second week will focus on transformations to sustainable development where students will get to understand the systemic changes required to deliver the 17 sustainable development goals as set by the United Nations, the role of power and politics in their realization, and to develop an appreciation of the economic, social, and historical roots of social and environmental injustice.
By the end of the course students will be able to demonstrate a working knowledge and understanding of sustainable development concepts and frameworks, and have the ability to apply them at different levels and in different contexts.
Although this is the first scholarship for alumni, it is a valuable addition to GUST’s multiple study abroad programs available to its students. Other similar opportunities include the Summer Scholarship Program to the University of Missouri – St. Louis and George Washington University in the USA, and the MBA study abroad course which most recently took place at the Freie University in Berlin, Germany.
New Agreement with National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) Appointing GUST as a “Training Partner” for NBK Academy - Wave 6.
National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) launched the sixth batch of NBK Academy for newly hired young Kuwaitis with GUST being appointed as a “Training Partner” in Kuwait. NBK Academy aims to train and develop the professional skills of young Kuwaitis as part of NBK’s strategy to attract and develop national human resources. GUST will provide customized training solutions upon the need of NBK.
The agreement has been signed at NBK Human Resources Head Office by Mr. Emad Al Ablani, NBK Deputy General Manager of Human Resources and Dr. Osama Al-Hares, Director - Centre of Alumni & Corporate Relations (CACR) at GUST.
Mr. Al Ablani said: “NBK Academy is the first initiative of its kind in the private sector in Kuwait, and is part of NBK’s strategy to attract young Kuwaitis by offering them a range of career and professional development opportunities.”
On his part, Dr. Al-Hares praised the strong relations linking GUST and National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) since 2007 adding that NBK Academy is a great example of how a corporate academy can transcend the traditional roles prescriptions of the learning function, develop a passion for learning, and be the motivation for every graduate starting his or her career path.
NBK Academy programs run for five months and are specially tailored to provide trainees with theoretical and practical skills covering the different aspects of the banking industry.
GUST is the Exclusive Academic Partner for Boubyan Bank’s “ITQAN Academy”.
Boubyan Bank announced the launch of its ITQAN Academy in cooperation with GUST, which will act as a center for developing the Bank’s human resources in an academic way by providing the most advanced specialized programs, administrative sciences and programs accredited by international institutions, all in compliance with the Bank’s business environment and the Shari’ah.
Dr. AbdulRahman Al-Muhailan: “The Agreement stems from our commitment and cooperation with a leading Kuwaiti Bank for developing human resources”.
In this respect, Dr. Abdul-Rahman Al-Muhailan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at GUST said that the Agreement stems from our commitment and cooperation with civil community institutions and a leading Kuwaiti bank for developing the human capabilities and the best utilization of performance development in the different aspects of life; being the effective factor to upgrade our institutions. The process of development and enhancement of training using GUST’s academic programs such as MBA program as well as advanced technological learning methodologies such as e-learning, which Boubyan ITQAN Academy seeks to include within its programs, is indeed a source of pride for us and we appreciate that Boubyan Bank’s Management is aware of the importance of qualifying the promising future generations of this nation.
Commenting on the Agreement signed with GUST, Mr. Adel Abdul-Wahab Al-Majed, Chairman & MD of Boubyan Bank said: “The Management of Boubyan Bank believes in the importance of human resources, being the key driver for realizing any success or achievement” adding that investment in development the staff’s capabilities from all levels and imparting them with required experience is regarded as a cornerstone for the Bank’s plans targeting more development and part of its main strategy to be the bank of choice in the area of Islamic banking services.
Al-Majed stressed the importance of this step which puts the Bank among the institutions giving due care to their human resources, expressing, at the same time, his appreciation of the role to be played by GUST in participating with the Bank in developing its human resources. He also indicated that the launch of ITQAN Academy would not have been completed without the cooperation and alliance with a partner with special capabilities and expertise, and therefore our choice fell upon GUST which is accredited by the University of Missouri at St. Louis (UMSL), and thus signed an agreement with it to act as the Exclusive Academic Partner in Kuwait for establishing ITQAN Academy.
Al-Majed pointed out that the Academy aims at qualifying the aspiring the Kuwaiti youth and fresh graduates to work at Boubyan Bank in a way that provides them with opportunities for promotion and building their career as well as giving them the privilege of getting in touch with the Academy’s cadre, which are specialized and experienced in giving training programs accredited by international agencies.
On his part, GM- Human Resources Group, Mr. Adel Al-Hammad said that the Academy will provide training opportunities for a whole year to the Bank’s staff in many fields such as specialized training programs in financial management, business administration, communication skills, human resources development, self-development as well as advanced, distinguished programs in customer service and professional banking product sales.
Al-Hammad added that Boubyan Bank strives to be the employer of choice for Kuwaiti fresh graduates by providing a work environment encouraging the development of the capabilities of the youth and giving the opportunity for career development to talented trainees within a carefully planned scientific framework under the supervision of ITQAN Academy work team. In addition, the programs of ITQAN Academy are based on the Blended Learning Approach comprising training courses, on-the-job training, job rotation, guidance and instruction, e-learning and assessment centers.
He also indicated that the Bank strives to invest in the Kuwaiti youth through providing training programs and academic curricula fitting the banking business and qualifying them to obtain part of the MBA program as the Academy trainees fulfilling specific conditions will be able to obtain 24 accredited academic credits of the MBA provided by GUST, and these accredited credits will be in match with the basic work requirements in Boubyan. Moreover, trainees will be given the opportunity to complete the remaining accredited credits of the MBA at GUST in order to obtain the certificate, if they so desire.
GUST Signs MOU with CFA Society Kuwait
Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Society Kuwait with the aim to strengthen ties between both organizations in terms of academic and professional exchange. The agreement includes opportunity for specialists from both sides to access platforms and research materials and exchange educational and teaching materials, in addition to organizing joint events such as lectures and workshops aimed at developing the expertise of those interested in financial knowledge, especially for GUST’s Finance major students.
The memorandum of understanding was signed between the two sides, in the presence of the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Mr. Nawaf Arhamah Arhamah, the President of CFA Society Kuwait, Mr. Mohamed Al-Sarraf. The MOU agreement included the exchange of scientific and technical material, such as teaching material, training material, and relevant literature to the field of finance. Another aspect was the formation of several workshops, conferences, and lectures which would help mentor and breed potential CFA Level 1 candidates at GUST.
Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Mr. Nawaf Arhamah Arhamah, said “I am pleased to have finalized this agreement between the University and the CFA society in Kuwait, which comes as part of the University’s aim to enhance the professional and academic experience of our students, specifically in the field of finance.”
President of the Chartered Financial Analyst Society Kuwait, Mr. Muhammad Al-Sarraf, said “the association has participated and worked with GUST on several occasions over the past ten years, and that the signing of the memorandum of understanding represents a milestone in the relationship between these two prestigious institutions. CFA has great plans that it hopes to achieve with GUST especially in preparing students for the CFA certification exam.”
Following the signing of the memorandum of understanding, GUST honored its second-place winning team in the CFA Institute Research Challenge competition with local universities. They were presented with certificates of achievement by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Nawaf Arhamah Arhamah, and the head of the Economics and Finance Department, Dr. Khaled ElMawazini. The names of the students who were honored included: Hassan Hani, Abdulaziz Al-Khashti, Fay Al-Olayan, Kawthar Odeh, Omar Hosam, Sarah Qabazard, Shawq Al-Zaben, Suleiman Al-Roumi, and Thanian Al-Mulla. They were all lead and mentored by Economics and Finance Department instructor, Dr. Mohammed Ali.
GUST and KFH sign MoU
Gulf University for Science and Technology has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kuwait Finance House (KFH). This agreement comes in efforts to further provide a framework for cooperation and coordination, while boosting a constructive connection between the two organizations.
AVP for Planning and Development at GUST, Eng. Paul Zalloua, and Group Chief Human Resources Office at KFH, Frederick Carstens, signed the MoU at KFH headquarters in presence of VP for Academic Affairs at GUST, Dr. Salah Al Sharhan, Group Public Relations and Media at KFH, Yousef Al Ruwaieh, and officials from both sides.
VP for Academic Affairs at GUST, Dr. Salah Al Sharhan said “We look forward to continuing our cooperation with a leading institution in the private sector such as KFH, and we value their efforts in working with us in preparing our students for leadership positions. One of our top priorities is preparing our students to face the workplace with confidence, equipped not only with academic knowledge but also with skills that enables them to tackle everyday challenges.”
The framework of cooperation with KFH encompasses training programs, internships, full-time and part-time jobs, KFH sponsorship of GUST activities, career seminars, GUST facilities and space utilization, case studies programs including approaches and collaboration planning.
Group Chief Human Resources Office at KFH, Frederick Carstens, said “We are delighted to establish longstanding collaborative links with GUST. It is envisaged that signing the MOU will definitely foster development links between the two organizations for the best interest of KFH employees and GUST students”
Carstens added that pursuant to the MoU, GUST and KFH recognize each other as important organizations in the learning and development field, and that this signing reflects both institutions’ keenness on maintaining high levels of services and benefits to its employees and members.
AVP for Planning and Development at GUST, Eng. Paul Zalloua concluded, “This MoU is important to the future of our graduates. Being proactive with KFH through our internship and placement programs, we offer our students yet another opportunity to join the workplace immediately after graduation. KFH has been supportive of our programs, and their feedback on the performance of our graduates is valuable towards preparing our students in aspects of workplace skill and productivity”
Strategic Partnership with Dar Al Shifa Hospital
In February 2025, GUST signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding with Dar Al Shifa Hospital, establishing GUST’s first formal collaboration with a healthcare organization.
Through this MoU, GUST and Dar Al Shifa provides a framework for:
- joint research projects
- knowledge exchange
- data-driven studies
- professional training
- academic-healthcare collaboration
Through joint research and data-driven studies, the partnership strengthens the evidence base available for addressing health and well-being challenges and supports informed decision-making relevant to SDG 3 and Kuwait’s broader development priorities.
Government Engagement on Sustainability and Environmental Policy
Dr. Ahmet Cemil Yildirim is leading a SEED-funded project examining sustainability and environmental protection provisions in Kuwait’s Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs) starting from 2025-2026 as a Project Coordinator / Principal Investigator. The project aims to develop a draft model for a new generation of BITs for Kuwait that incorporates sustainability and environmental protection considerations and can be shared with relevant public authorities.As part of the project’s stakeholder-engagement process, the research team met with the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry, where the proposed approach was presented and discussed. The Chamber expressed interest in continuing the dialogue and collaborating with relevant stakeholders in Kuwait.
The project provides research-based legal and policy input on how sustainability and environmental considerations can be incorporated into Kuwait’s future investment agreements. Through engagement with government and national stakeholders, the initiative contributes to identifying policy gaps, developing evidence-based policy and legal recommendations, and supporting the development of more sustainable investment frameworks in Kuwait.
Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research and Public-Sector Placements
Through the English Department Internship Programme, GUST students have undertaken placements with organizations including the United Nations, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR), and Kuwait Television (KTV2). These placements expose students to organizations involved in research, public communication and institutional decision-making and help build the human capacity needed to support sustainable development.
State Audit Bureau Engagement
The Accounting Club’s visit to the State Audit Bureau in 2024 demonstrates GUST’s engagement with key national institutions to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance—core elements of indicator 17.2.1. Through this educational collaboration, students gained first-hand insight into the Bureau’s role in auditing public funds, ensuring financial integrity, and supporting ethical practices across government sectors.
This engagement strengthened students’ understanding of the role of public financial oversight, accountability and ethical governance in national development and provided direct academic exposure to a key government institution. This initiative underscores GUST’s commitment to bridging academia and government to advance responsible management and support Kuwait’s broader sustainability goals.
Partnerships in Sports Governance and Student Well-Being
The Athletics Department at GUST plays an active role in advancing SDG 17.2.1 through strategic partnerships with both governmental and non-governmental organizations, including the University Athletic Association of Kuwait (UAAK) and the Kuwait School Sports Federation and Higher Education (KWSP.E.HE). These collaborations connect GUST with both governmental and non-governmental bodies responsible for shaping sports policy, regulation, and event management across Kuwait’s higher education sector.
Through these partnerships, GUST contributes to the development of fair, inclusive, and well-structured athletic programs that promote student engagement, health, and integrity. The University works alongside these committees to design and implement inter-university tournaments that uphold ethical standards, gender equality, and student well-being. Such collaborations demonstrate GUST’s commitment to using sport as a platform for sustainable development, strengthening institutional cooperation, and fostering a culture of wellness, respect, and fair competition within Kuwait’s academic community.
International Academic Collaboration with SAP University Competence Center Magdeburg
Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST) entered into a framework agreement with the SAP University Competence Center at Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Germany, to strengthen teaching, learning, and academic engagement with enterprise technology.Through the agreement, GUST is able to access SAP-supported teaching and learning environments and selected SAP technologies for academic teaching and research purposes. The SAP UCC model is designed to provide universities with hands-on access to SAP technologies, supporting practical education, training, and research while enabling students and faculty to engage with enterprise software and real-world business processes.
The collaboration supports GUST's commitment to:
- strengthening technology-enabled and practice-oriented education
- developing students’ digital and enterprise-systems skills
- supporting faculty teaching and research using industry-standard technologies
- connecting academic learning with real-world business processes
- promoting international academic knowledge exchange and technology collaboration
