Cross-Sectoral Dialogue on the Sustainable Development Goals
During the 2024/2025 academic year, Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST) initiated and participated in cross-sectoral dialogue that brought together representatives from academia, government and public institutions, international organizations, professional bodies, industry, and civil society to discuss challenges and opportunities related to sustainable development and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.Through conferences, forums, seminars, workshops, and professional discussions, GUST contributed academic expertise and facilitated knowledge exchange on themes including sustainable development, responsible business, innovation, digital inclusion, education, ethical leadership, and the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda.These activities demonstrate GUST’s role in creating and participating in platforms where stakeholders from different sectors can exchange perspectives, share expertise, and explore collaborative approaches to advancing the SDGs.
| Action | Summary |
|---|---|
| Partnerships and Collaborations | Such as official conferences, competitions, etc. |
| Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) | Agreements between GUST and other insitutions outlining terms and conditions, as well as initiatives to be exchanged and collaborated on. |
| Action: | Partnerships and Collaborations |
| Summary: | Such as official conferences, competitions, etc. |
| Action: | Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) |
| Summary: | Agreements between GUST and other insitutions outlining terms and conditions, as well as initiatives to be exchanged and collaborated on. |
Partnerships and Collaborations
Collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) – Knowledge Journey in Kuwait
In 2025, GUST participated in the Knowledge Journey in Kuwait, organized by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). The event brought together representatives from academia, international organizations, policymakers and other stakeholders to exchange perspectives on sustainable innovation, digital transformation, inclusive education and the development of sustainable and inclusive communities. Representing GUST, Dr. Omar Gibreel presented “Fostering AI Literacy and Knowledge Management for Society 5.0: Skills for Sustainable, Smart, and Inclusive Communities.” The session contributed an academic perspective to cross-sector discussion around the skills, knowledge and digital competencies required to support inclusive and sustainable development.
Cross-sector participants: Academia | UNDP / international organization | Policymakers and stakeholders
Dialogue themes: AI literacy | Inclusive education | Digital transformation | Sustainable communities
Relevant SDGs: SDG 4, SDG 9, SDG 10, SDG 11, SDG 17
Partnership with BGS Honors Society, IMA, and ACCA on Sustainability Initiatives
During 2025, GUST's College of Business Administration engaged with the Beta Gamma Sigma (BGS) Honors Society, Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), and Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) through professional and educational activities addressing responsible business practice, ethics and sustainability.These engagements brought together academia and international professional organizations to exchange knowledge on themes including ethical leadership, accountability, sustainable management, corporate responsibility and the evolving role of business professionals in sustainable development.
Cross-Sector Dialogue on Green Skills and Sustainable Development
During the 2024/2025 academic year, GUST participated in the Green Skills Summit, a high-level event focused on supporting the sustainable transformation of Kuwait’s economy. The summit brought together representatives from academia, government, international organizations, sustainability organzations and the private sector, including the Kuwait Environment Public Authority and the Delegation of the European Union to the State of Kuwait.Representing GUST, Dr. Fida Karam participated in discussions on green skills, sustainability education and the competencies required to support sustainable economic development in Kuwait and the wider GCC region.The event provided a cross-sector platform for exchanging perspectives on how education, policy, industry and sustainability initiatives can work together to develop the skills needed for a greener and more sustainable economy.Relevant SDGs: SDG 4, SDG 8, SDG 13 and SDG 17.
Participation in the 22nd Sustainability International Conference – United Nations Headquarters, Geneva
In 2024, Dr. Fida Karam from Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST) participated in the 22nd Sustainability International Conference, organized by the World Association for Sustainable Development (WASD) in collaboration with the United Nations, at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. The event, themed “How to Accelerate the Pace of the Agenda 2030 Implementation at Half-Way to Its Finishing Line,” convened international experts, policymakers, academics, and industry leaders to explore strategies for advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
GUST’s participation in this global forum demonstrates its active role in cross-sectoral dialogue and policy-driven collaboration on sustainability. By engaging with government representatives, NGOs, and international institutions, GUST contributed academic insight and research perspectives to high-level discussions on accelerating SDG implementation. This involvement reinforces the University’s position as a regional academic partner in global sustainability governance, fostering knowledge exchange, innovation, and cooperative action toward achieving the UN 2030 Agenda.
International Dialogue on Harmonizing Corporate Social Responsibility Regulations
GUST faculty member Dr. Ahmet Cemil Yildirim participated in the international conference “The Emergence of BRICS on the International Scene: A Critical and Multidisciplinary Analysis of the New Global Governance,” held at the University of Montreal, Canada, on 29–30 May 2025. Dr. Yildirim presented a paper titled “Towards the Harmonization of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Laws in BRICS+ Countries,” contributing to international academic and policy-oriented dialogue on responsible business, regulatory frameworks, corporate social responsibility, and global governance. The conference brought together international researchers and experts to discuss institutional, legal, political, economic, financial, trade, and governance dimensions of the BRICS+ framework. Dr. Yildirim’s contribution supported cross-border knowledge exchange on how regulatory approaches to corporate responsibility can be compared and strengthened across countries.
Through participation in this international forum, GUST contributed academic expertise to discussions on how regulatory and governance frameworks can support more responsible and sustainable corporate practices. The activity strengthens international knowledge exchange around sustainable development, responsible economic activity, and institutional governance.
Fab City Symposium: Advancing Cross-Sectoral Dialogue on Sustainable and Innovative Cities
In academic year 2024-2025, GUST hosted the Fab City Symposium in collaboration with the GUST Fab Lab, the University of Hamburg, and the Fab Lab/Fab City network, bringing together academic, innovation, and maker-community perspectives to exchange knowledge on sustainable urban development, digital fabrication, local production, and future-ready cities. The symposium created a cross-sector platform for discussing how universities, innovation laboratories, researchers, and international networks can collaborate to address urban sustainability challenges and support more resilient, inclusive, and technologically enabled communities.
Through this dialogue, GUST strengthened international knowledge exchange and contributed to discussions aligned with SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production, and SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals.
Sustainability and Economic Development Conference
As part of GUST’s ongoing strategic commitment to advancing sustainability research and data-driven dialogue, the University hosted the “Sustainability and Economic Development: Pathways to a Sustainable Future” conference in February 2024, sponsored by Porsche Centre Kuwait. The event brought together local and international experts, economists, and sustainability advocates to discuss how nations can achieve economic growth while ensuring environmental preservation and social well-being.
Through multiple sessions, keynote presentations, and expert panels, participants explored evidence-based approaches to sustainable economic development, sharing insights and data on global and regional progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The conference fostered a collaborative platform for knowledge exchange, research dissemination, and policy-oriented discussion, strengthening GUST’s role as a national hub for international cooperation on sustainability research and SDG data analysis.
By uniting academia, industry, and international stakeholders, this initiative directly supports SDG 17.2.3 by promoting the collection, sharing, and application of sustainability data to inform real-world policies and drive meaningful progress toward a more resilient and sustainable future.
GUST Library Contributes to Cross-Sectoral Dialogue on the SDGs through the French Language Teachers’ Pedagogical Forum
GUST Library participated in the 3rd French Language Teachers’ Pedagogical Forum, bringing together representatives from Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST), the Ministry of Education, Institut français, and Sorbonne Paris. The forum provided a cross-sector educational platform for sharing knowledge, pedagogical practices, and approaches connected to sustainable development and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
As part of the forum, GUST Library delivered a presentation exploring how the Sustainable Development Goals can support educators and students in understanding and responding to global challenges. The session focused on emotional intelligence in the age of artificial intelligence, highlighting the importance of empathy, self-awareness, social responsibility, and the human dimension of learning. It demonstrated how these competencies can support sustainable development while connecting literature and language education with wider social and global sustainability objectives.
Cross-Sector Dialogue on Health and Well-being
GUST Mathematics and Natural Science Department organized the “Saves Lives” Blood Donation and Health Awareness Event in Academic year 2024-2025 collaboration with healthcare, research and academic partners including Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR), Kuwait University, and Kuwait Central Blood Bank.
Health Education and Cross-Sector Dialogue
A key component of the event was a guest-speaker session and panel discussion in which healthcare professionals shared their expertise and experiences related to physical and mental health, nutrition, lifestyle modification and the prevention of chronic diseases.Students participated in an interactive question-and-answer session, creating a platform for direct dialogue between young people, academics, researchers and healthcare professionals on contemporary public-health challenges and approaches to improving long-term well-being.
Preventive Health Services
Alongside the educational sessions, free health services were provided on campus, including optical screenings, blood-glucose testing and general health consultations. These services promoted the importance of preventive healthcare, regular health checks and early identification of potential health risks.
Blood Donation and Community Engagement
The event also included a blood donation drive in collaboration with Kuwait Central Blood Bank, encouraging GUST students, faculty and staff to contribute directly to community health and life-saving blood-donation efforts.
Strengthening Partnerships for Public Health
The event concluded with discussions between GUST and participating healthcare and research organizations on opportunities for future research collaboration, public-health education and community outreach.By bringing together academic, healthcare, research and public-health institutions, the “Saves Lives” initiative demonstrates GUST’s commitment to cross-sector collaboration and dialogue on health-related Sustainable Development Goals, while translating knowledge and partnerships into practical community action.
SLB Field Visit
On 24 November 2025, engineering students from GUST visited SLB (Schlumberger), one of the world’s leading energy technology companies, for an immersive field experience focused on innovation and sustainability. During the visit, students engaged directly with SLB engineers and industry specialists, gaining insight into modern energy solutions, environmental impact monitoring, responsible resource management, and the technologies driving the global shift toward low-carbon systems. By creating a space where students, faculty, and industry professionals could exchange ideas and discuss real-world sustainability challenges, this visit serves as a clear example of SDG 17.2.2. Through partnerships like this, GUST strengthens its role as a connector between academia and industry, helping future engineers understand the practical pathways toward achieving national and global sustainability goals.
PIC Future Leads Academy Seminar
In November 2025, GUST hosted a seminar led by the Petrochemical Industries Company (PIC) that focused on bridging the gap between industry and academia where having responsible SDG implementation in industries is discussed. The session brought together PIC representatives, faculty, and students for an in-depth discussion on real-world industry challenges, evolving workforce needs, and the role of academic institutions in preparing future professionals. By creating a platform where national industry leaders can engage directly with the university community, GUST supports SDG 17.2.2, which emphasizes cross-sectoral dialogue for sustainable development. This seminar not only enriched students’ understanding of Kuwait’s energy and industrial landscape but also strengthened ongoing cooperation that contributes to the country’s broader innovation and sustainability goals.
NBK Headquarters Visit
On 1 December 2025, GUST students visited the National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) Headquarters for an immersive educational experience that connected the academic community with one of the country’s most influential financial institutions. During the visit, students gained firsthand insight into NBK’s operations, innovation strategies, and emerging sustainability practices within the banking sector. NBK representatives engaged students in discussions about financial technology, economic development, and the skills needed for future careers in finance and business.
By facilitating direct interaction between students and national industry leaders, this visit aligns with SDG 17.2.2, as it fosters collaboration, knowledge exchange, and partnership between the university and key local institutions. Through experiences like this, GUST helps students understand how national organizations contribute to Kuwait’s economic and sustainable development goals while strengthening long-term institutional relationships.
GUST Hosts UNESCO School Awards Closing Ceremony
Under the Patronage of the Ministry of Education Dr. Hamed Al-Azmi, and in a joint effort between GUST’s Center for Teaching, Learning and Research, the National Commission of Culture and Education representing UNESCO, GUST hosted the closing ceremony of the UNESCO accredited schools in Kuwait.
The event welcomed many leading educators and administrators, including GUST President, Professor Walid Bouhamra, Dean of the College of Business Administration, Professor Antonis Simintiras, Al-Sheikha Sheikha Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah, patron of the event and schools, a representative from the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates, and Nadia Al-Wazzan, Director of the Kuwait National Commission for Education - UNESCO, Science and Culture,as well as students from all the accredited UNESCO schools. During the event, students from each school gave short performances ranging from poetry to plays to shadow shows.
GUST is always happy to support the local educational committee and encourage the youth to excel in both their education and honing their talents.
Partnership Frameworks Supporting Cross-Sector Dialogue
GUST has an ongoing dialogue with various partnerships that support different SDGs. Below are examples of some of these Memorandums of Understandings:
Strategic Partnership with Commercial Bank of Kuwait (Al-Tijari) for Lifelong Learning, Employability and Professional Development
Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST) entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Commercial Bank of Kuwait (Al-Tijari) in 2025 to strengthen collaboration in career development, lifelong learning, professional education, student recruitment, and knowledge exchange. The agreement establishes a structured relationship between the University and the banking sector to support both GUST students and CBK employees.
Scope of collaboration includes:
- Career development and recruitment
- Internships
- Professional development
- Workshops and knowledge exchange
- Industry exposure
- Career engagement
- Testing and assessment
Advancing Industry Engagement and Student Development through the GUST–GE Vernova Partnership
Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST) entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with GE Vernova Technology Centre Kuwait (GEKTC) to establish a collaborative framework focused on student development, industry exposure, academic engagement and technology-related learning opportunities. The agreement was entered into on 21 November 2024. A joint Steering Committee, composed of representatives from both GUST and GEKTC, is established under the agreement to guide and monitor the collaboration. The committee is expected to meet quarterly and oversee the implementation of activities arising from the partnership.
The partnership provides for cooperation in several areas of mutual interest, including:
- internship and mentorship opportunities for GUST undergraduate students across departments at GE Vernova Technology Centre Kuwait
- encouraging students to undertake academic projects related to GEKTC’s areas of expertise
- organizing site visits for GUST students to GEKTC facilities in Kuwait
- involving GEKTC’s corporate social responsibility initiatives in GUST student activities.
Supporting Policies and Learning through the GUST–Gulf bank Capital Kuwait Partnership
Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST) entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Gulf bank Kuwait to establish a framework for collaboration in entrepreneurship, innovation, education and student development. The partnership is designed to support future talent in Kuwait through academic collaboration, industry engagement and experiential learning opportunities.
Supporting Entrepreneurship and Experiential Learning through the GUST–GFH Capital Kuwait Partnership
Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST) entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with GFH Capital Kuwait to establish a framework for collaboration in entrepreneurship, innovation, education and student development. The partnership is designed to support future talent in Kuwait through academic collaboration, industry engagement and experiential learning opportunities.
The partnership provides for cooperation in several areas, including:
Support for the GUST Startup Lab: GFH Kuwait will work with GUST’s Startup Lab to support selected programs, bootcamps, mentorship initiatives and annual events focused on creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Student internships: GFH Kuwait will provide internship and learning opportunities that allow GUST students to develop practical experience in finance, investment and business management.
“Live Your Major” initiative: GUST and GFH Kuwait will jointly develop a program that connects students’ academic disciplines with career-oriented, real-world projects.
Mentorship and industry engagement: GFH Kuwait may provide mentors, executives and industry speakers to participate in GUST academic and entrepreneurship programs, offering students professional insight and career guidance.
Strategic Partnership with Kuwait International Bank (KIB) for Innovation and Student Development
Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST) entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Kuwait International Bank (KIB) to establish a collaborative partnership focused on innovation, incubation, student development, and employability. The agreement brings together GUST's academic resources and student talent with KIB's expertise in digital innovation and the banking sector.Under the partnership, GUST and KIB agreed to collaborate innovation bootcamps, internship and Co-op opportunities, future employment opportunities.Contribution to Sustainable development:enhancing students' practical and professional skillspromoting innovation and entrepreneurshipexpanding experiential-learning opportunitiesimproving graduate employability and career readinessstrengthening university–industry knowledge exchangedeveloping human capital relevant to Kuwait's evolving digital and financial sectors
