Collaboration for International SDG Best Practices
Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST) is deeply committed to advancing the global exchange of knowledge and innovation through international collaboration and research that promotes best practices in tackling the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In alignment with SDG 17.2.4, GUST actively engages with international academic institutions, research organizations, and industry partners to review comparative approaches, share successful models, and develop new strategies that accelerate sustainable progress across sectors.
Through conferences, joint research projects, and knowledge-sharing initiatives, GUST fosters an environment where global expertise and local insights intersect, enabling the co-creation of effective solutions to shared sustainability challenges. These collaborations allow GUST to benchmark against international standards, adapt proven practices to regional contexts, and contribute to shaping global dialogues on education, innovation, and sustainable development.
By serving as a platform for policy exchange, academic research, and cross-sector learning, GUST reinforces its role as a regional leader in promoting evidence-based, collaborative best practices that drive measurable progress toward achieving the SDGs.
| Initiative | Relevant Parties |
|---|---|
| Hosting | Fab City Network, SDSN |
| Agreements | UBT Saudi Arabia, SAP University Competence Center, WASD, etc. |
| Other Collaborations | Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) |
| Initiative: | Hosting |
| Relevant Parties: | Fab City Network, SDSN |
| Initiative: | Agreements |
| Relevant Parties: | UBT Saudi Arabia, SAP University Competence Center, WASD, etc. |
| Initiative: | Other Collaborations |
| Relevant Parties: | Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) |
Hosting
Kuwait Fab City Symposium 2025
Gulf University for Science and Technology proudly hosted the Kuwait Fab City Symposium 2025, a major international event organized by the Computer Science Department in partnership with the GUST FabLab. The symposium convened global experts, innovators, and researchers to exchange ideas on digital fabrication, sustainable technology, and localized production models— key themes that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).
This event also directly supports SDG 17.2.4, as it served as a platform for international collaboration, research exchange, and comparative analysis of best practices in sustainability and digital innovation. Through keynote presentations, workshops, and the guided FabLab tour, participants explored how global and local fabrication models can be adapted to Kuwait’s context to promote sustainable urban development and circular economies. The Capstone Project Showcase further demonstrated how GUST’s students apply research-based learning to create scalable, SDG-driven technological solutions for real-world challenges.
By facilitating cross-sector dialogue among academia, industry, and policymakers, the Kuwait Fab City Symposium positioned GUST as a regional hub for developing and sharing international best practices in sustainable innovation, reinforcing its role in advancing research, collaboration, and practical strategies for achieving the SDGs.
GUST Appointed as the Host Institution for SDSN Kuwait
Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST) was officially selected as the host institution for the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Kuwait, beginning in 2025 under the global umbrella of the United Nations SDSN initiative. This major achievement positions GUST as the national hub for international SDG collaboration, connecting Kuwait with a worldwide network of universities, research centers, and policy institutions dedicated to developing best practices for sustainable development.
This appointment directly advances SDG 17.2.4, as SDSN is designed precisely to promote international cooperation, comparative research, and the exchange of global SDG solutions. Through its role in the network, GUST contributes to reviewing and comparing international sustainability models, adapting global best practices for the Kuwaiti context, and helping shape evidence-based approaches that address national and regional challenges.
As the host of SDSN Kuwait, GUST works alongside global SDSN partners to:
- analyze international case studies and sustainability strategies
- identify proven models that can be adapted to Kuwait’s environmental, economic, and social needs
- facilitate multi-country research collaborations
- support the development of policy recommendations rooted in global best practice
- strengthen national capacity through internationally informed SDG initiatives
GUST’s leadership role also creates a platform for cooperation with UN agencies, regional NGOs, government ministries, and academic institutions worldwide. By connecting Kuwait to global SDG research and policy innovation, GUST ensures that national strategies benefit from international benchmarks, scientific expertise, and comparative frameworks that accelerate progress toward the 2030 Agenda.
This appointment not only reflects global recognition of GUST’s growing influence in sustainability education and research but also establishes the University as a key contributor to shaping internationally aligned, locally effective SDG best practices in Kuwait and the wider Gulf region.
Agreements
Advancing International Benchmarking and Academic Collaboration through the GUST–UBT Partnership
Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST) entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Business and Technology (UBT) in Saudi Arabia to strengthen academic and institutional collaboration between the two universities. The agreement was formally established on 21 April 2025.
The partnership provides a framework for cooperation across several academic and institutional areas, including:
- faculty exchange between the two universities
- external benchmarking
- exchange of Key Performance Indicator (KPI) data, including methodologies, calculation approaches, institutional performance practices and relevant expertise
- student exchange opportunities
- collaboration on summer-school programs
- organization of joint workshops, conferences and training activities
- development of collaborative teaching and research projects.
Since the signing of the MOU, GUST has collaborated with UBT in exchange of knowledge, expertise, and approaches in different scopes.
Advancing Digital Education through International Collaboration with SAP UCC 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. 20241001 SAP Framework Agreement.
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.
The agreement establishes a formal institutional relationship between GUST and Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg’s SAP University Competence Center. 20241001 SAP Framework Agreement
Strategic Partnership between GUST and the World Association for Sustainable Development
In 2025, Gulf University for Science and Technology signed a strategic agreement with the World Association for Sustainable Development (WASD) at the Royal Society of Medicine in London, marking a major milestone in advancing global collaboration for sustainability and innovation. This partnership directly supports SDG 17.2.4, as it establishes a framework for international research cooperation, comparative analysis, and the development of best practices in addressing global sustainability challenges.
Under this agreement, GUST and WASD will jointly organize the 23rd Sustainability International Conference, to be held for the first time in Kuwait in November 2025, bringing together leading global experts, policymakers, and researchers to exchange data, review successful sustainability models, and design innovative solutions for the future. Beyond the conference, the collaboration aims to explore cutting-edge areas such as the role of Artificial Intelligence in education, sustainable innovation, and knowledge management, all of which contribute to research-driven advancement of the SDGs.
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 signs agreement with accredited business school ESC Rennes
GUST signed a new collaboration agreement with the ESC Rennes School of Business, an Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accredited business school, in France. Dr. Olivier Aptel, the Dean and General Director of the ESC Rennes School of Business (2006 - Present), attended the signing alongside Prof. Donald Bates, GUST President, Prof. Ghassan Aouad, GUST VP for Academic Affairs and Dr. Sabah Quaddoomi , GUST VP for Academic Services, Dr. Lee Caldwell, GUST Dean of the College of Business and Mr. Ludovic Zmitrowicz, the Attaché for Academic and Scientific Cooperation at the French Embassy in Kuwait. Among the attendees from GUST were Rounwah A. Bseiso, International Program Coordinator and Amani R. Gaber Office Manager.
The general purpose of the agreement is to establish and facilitate educational and academic exchanges between the two universities to support their students and teachers in gathering and exchanging academic and professional experience in their mutual countries. The two Institutions agreed to promote mutually beneficial activities in the areas of education, research and other academic issues, and to cooperate and work together towards the internationalisation of higher education.
Dr. Olivier Aptel stated: "We will do our best for the students of Kuwait and France with the new agreement we have with GUST." He highlighted the importance of international education by making sure those students from France and Kuwait feel comfortable in different environments. Furthermore, he discussed the new experience and cultural impact that will be gained by both students from the different countries by saying: “Student Exchange Programs are important because they do not only introduce new educational experiences but new languages and cultural interactions between two different worlds as well."
Prof. Donald Bates discussed the new opportunities that will come with collaboration through expanding faculty and student exchange. He mentioned: "We look forward for the new French students and faculty exchange that will be happening in the near future."
Prof. Ghassan Aouad encouraged the different collaborations with outside educational institutions and how beneficial it is for the GUST community, noting: "GUST always welcomes new international collaboration for the benefit of our students and faculty. Opening the doors to exchange programs will be influential not only for the students, only but also for our faculty to see a broadened teaching experience from a different perspective."
Rounwah Bseiso welcomed the first collaboration with a European university and how GUST students will value an educational experience in a country like France, saying: “I am pleased that GUST has officially collaborated with its first European university for student exchange. I am certain our students will benefit greatly during their study abroad at ESC Rennes in France, and we look forward at GUST to welcome their students on our campus.”
Other Collaborations
ACRL Book Chapter Contribution
The GUST Library team, represented by J’Amy McCracken and Wadhhah Ahmed, contributed a chapter to the forthcoming international publication Academic Libraries and Sustainable Development, published by the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL). Their chapter, titled “Implementing UNSDGs Beyond the Borders of the Library”, was accepted for publication in 2024 and showcases GUST’s innovative approach to embedding the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into academic library operations, outreach, and community engagement.
This contribution directly supports SDG 17.2.4, highlighting GUST’s active role in international collaboration and the exchange of best practices within higher education. By sharing the GUST Library’s experience in integrating the SDGs into academic life, the chapter offers practical strategies that other universities and libraries around the world can adopt. It not only showcases GUST’s innovative work in sustainability and education but also helps build a global dialogue on how libraries can serve as catalysts for social impact, lifelong learning, and community engagement. Through this collaboration, the GUST Library contributes to shaping a more connected and sustainable academic community worldwide.
