SDG6: Clean Water and Sanitation

Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, "Clean Water and Sanitation," is a critical global objective aimed at ensuring access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation for all. In Kuwait, where arid desert conditions pose challenges to water resources, both the government and institutions like GUST Gulf University recognize the importance of addressing this goal.

Government Initiatives:

Kuwait has made significant strides in achieving SDG 6 through various government-led initiatives:

1. Desalination Technology: Kuwait is a pioneer in desalination technology, utilizing advanced methods to convert seawater into freshwater. This technology has significantly contributed to ensuring a stable supply of clean water for its residents.

2. Wastewater Treatment: The government has invested in wastewater treatment facilities to ensure that wastewater is properly treated and can be safely reused for agricultural and industrial purposes, reducing the strain on freshwater resources.

3. Public Awareness: Kuwait's government actively promotes water conservation and efficient use of water resources through public awareness campaigns and educational programs. These initiatives encourage responsible water consumption among citizens.

GUST Gulf University's Contribution:

GUST Gulf University plays a role in addressing SDG 6 through its commitment to sustainable practices and community engagement:

1. Water Conservation Initiatives: GUST has implemented water conservation measures on its campus, including the use of low-flow fixtures, efficient irrigation systems, and rainwater harvesting. These initiatives reduce water consumption and promote responsible water management.

2. Research and Education: The university offers academic programs and conducts research related to water sustainability and sanitation practices. Students and faculty engage in projects that explore innovative solutions for water-related challenges.

3. Community Engagement: GUST collaborates with local organizations and government agencies on water-related projects and educational programs. These partnerships aim to raise awareness about water conservation and sanitation practices within the broader community.

4. Sustainable Infrastructure: The university incorporates sustainable design principles into its infrastructure, including water-efficient landscaping and wastewater treatment systems, setting an example for environmentally responsible practices.

Kuwait's government, in alignment with SDG 6, has made significant investments in ensuring clean water and sanitation access for its citizens. GUST Gulf University complements these efforts by incorporating sustainable practices into its operations, conducting research, and engaging with the community to raise awareness and drive positive change. Together, these initiatives illustrate the commitment of both the government and educational institutions like GUST to achieving SDG 6 and promoting a sustainable and equitable future in Kuwait.

GUST Welcomes H.E. Minister of Oil, Electricity & Water Dr. Khalid Al-Fadhel

GUST was honored to welcome Kuwait’s Minister of Oil and Minister of Electricity & Water, H.E. Dr. Khalid Al-Fadhel on campus last week to talk to Dr. Mohammed Alnughaimish's Leadership (MGMT 361) class. The Minister spoke to students, staff and faculty about his experience and how leadership and character aided in his appointments as Former Deputy Minister of Commerce and his current position.

In attendance was GUST President, Professor Walid Bouhamra, who was also the H.E. Minister’s Professor at Kuwait University while he was completing his degree in Chemical Engineering. Also, in attendance was BOT Advisor, Dr. Jasem Abdulsalam, Vice President for Professional Development and Community Services, Dr. Ahmad Al-Darbas, Director of the Graduate Studies and Research Office, Professor Bassam Alameddine, as well as faculty members and students. The talk was moderated by Dr. Mohammed Alnughaimish', GUST Adjust Professor.

H.E. the Minister left the audience inspired with his stories and his character, and even gave a majority of the session open for their questions. GUST is continuously seeking high caliber speakers to inspire students to give their all and excel both academically and personally.

GUST Hosts ‘Climate Talks’ Conference

GUST and the Embassy of France in Kuwait held today, a local conference entitled “Climate Talks,” in support of the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21), at the GUST conference center in Mishref. This event is the first of its kind in the country, supporting a global cause that will help mobilize the Kuwaiti society towards reducing its carbon footprint.

During the opening ceremony, Dr. Salah Al-Sharhan, GUST Vice President of Academic Affairs welcomed the audience and said, “GUST is very proud to be working with the Embassy of France in Kuwait, the Kuwait Environmental Public Authority (K-EPA), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), along with the globally conscious citizens of Kuwait to support such a noble and important cause. We have always strived to be a leader in responding to global challenges by acting locally to catalyze a positive change in our students and our community. We believe that true sustainable development starts from behind classroom desks.”

The opening ceremony also included remarks by H.E. Christian Nakhlé, French Ambassador to Kuwait, Dr. Khaled Al-Enzi, Head of Public Relations at the Kuwait Environment Public Authority (K-EPA), and Ms. Dima Al-Khatib, Deputy Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

H.E. Christian Nakhlé, French Ambassador to Kuwait, said, “In preparation for the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21), also known as “Paris Climate 2015,” the Embassy of France in Kuwait has organized many events, conferences and activities. The event today, “Climate Talks,” organized in collaboration with GUST is an example of the different successful events organized in Kuwait. COP21 will be held in Paris from 30th November to 11th December, under the umbrella of the General Secretary of the United Nations and the Presidency of France. This yearly conference is a crucial international meeting and a top priority on France’s diplomatic agenda. The aim is to reach a legally binding and universal agreement on climate change and preservation of the planet. We thank all our Kuwaiti partners, and especially GUST, for hosting this event to raise awareness on the climate change issue.”

The conference brought in renowned, specialized speakers from local and international institutions to raise awareness on climate change and shed light on the topics and debates of COP21, taking place in France later this year. GUST’s Assistant Professor of Environmental Science, Dr. Mohamad Yassine, spoke about climate change and its implications on food, water and energy nexus; Dr. Taoufik Souami, from the Urban Planning School of Paris, discussed the best ways to change human behavior to save environmental resources. While Dr. Eric Verdeil, from Paris East University, talked about the emerging policies for sustainable transition in Mediterranean countries.

Ms. Dima Al-Khatib, Deputy Resident Representative at the UNDP, said, “In December 2015, the international community will convene in Paris to agree on a new global climate change deal, aiming to accelerate opportunities for climate change action in all countries as an important pillar in the post-2015 era of sustainable development. The Paris Agreement has the potential to galvanize countries and communities to act, simultaneously working to reduce carbon emissions, while adapting to the long-term impacts of climate change. UNDP is extremely pleased to join efforts with GUST and the Embassy of France in Kuwait as well as other national groups to raise awareness around this important global undertaking.”

After a networking break, Ms. Jenan Behzad, from the Kuwait Environment Protection Society (KEPS), shed light on the story of climate change in Kuwait’s green schools; Eng. Salem Al-Ajmi, from the Kuwait Society of Engineers, talked about the new E-Waste Plant in Kuwait and its benefits for the country and its environment; and finally, Sheikha Fatima Mubarak Jaber Al-Sabah, Vice Chairperson and Executive Director of K’S PATH, answered the question why do we clean beaches, and what are we protecting, showcasing the importance of even the most minimal actions to help the environment.

Dr. Khaled Al-Enzi, Head of Public Relations at K-EPA, said, “The EPA has adopted an approach in consolidating environmental approaches to conform with its perspective in making Kuwait among the best countries in the region, in terms of environmental protection. In addition to increasing courses in government schools and civil society institutions, the EPA strives to enhance the environmental thought and culture, and seeks to achieve sustainable development. Undoubtedly, law number 42/2014 is unique in the history of environmental action. The EPA is also carrying out a campaign in four languages to promote environmental awareness, targeting both local citizens and expatriates.”

A "Kuwait Climate Action" competition was also announced during the event, where teams must submit projects that detail actions to help reduce the impact of climate change in Kuwait. The winning team will be awarded a trip to Paris to present their project at COP21 on behalf of the Kuwait community.

The United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21), is a yearly conference that aims to achieve a legally binding and universal agreement on climate change, preservation of the planet, and to reduce the greenhouse effect. Due to the alarmingly increased rate of greenhouse emissions worldwide today, France is targeting an ambitious goal of reducing it by 40% by 2030, 60% by 2040 and finally 80-95% by 2050 (compared to 1990); to encourage a safer future for generations to come.

As part of its responsibility to the community, GUST endeavors in becoming more involved in causes that effect the environment, and stand to create more conscientious global citizens of its students. GUST prides itself in actively engaging in projects alongside its staff, faculty and students, which help the community and raise awareness on local and global issues.

Kuwait-MIT Summer Research Internship - Apply here!

Interested in a 2013 Summer Research Internship in energy, water, natural resources management and economics, sustainable development and urban planning, and environment research?

The Kuwait-MIT Center offers students from Kuwait and/or its academic institutions the opportunity to spend eight weeks during the Summer term at MIT as visiting students. The internship is offered to give outstanding students with research potential the ability to engage in research activities and mentoring while at MIT.

The Kuwait-MIT Center for Natural Resources and the Environment (CNRE) was established in 2005 - sponsored by the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) - to bring together faculty, graduate students and visiting scholars to improve scientific and technical understanding of natural resource issues and related challenges. The Center fosters research collaborations between Kuwaiti Institutions and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the areas of energy, water and the environment.

The Center announces a new call for applications for 2013 for this Summer Internship.The deadline for applications is January 4, 2013.

You can find the application details and application here: http://kmc.mit.edu/visiting-programs/summer-research-internship

For additional information, visit their website: http://kmc.mit.edu/

Kuwait-MIT Scholarly Exchange Fellowship - Apply here!

The Kuwait-MIT Center for Natural Resources and the Environment offers scientists, engineers and scholars from Kuwait and/or its institutions the opportunity to spend up to one year at MIT as visiting scientists, engineers, or scholars. The Fellowship is offered to emerging and preeminent scientists, scholars and engineers from Kuwaiti institutions to engage in cutting-edge research activities at MIT.

The Center announces a new call for applications for 2013. Deadline for applications is March 1, 2013.

You can find the application details and the application itself here: http://kmc.mit.edu/visiting-programs/scholarly-exchange-fellowship

For any additional information, visit: http://kmc.mit.edu/

GUST celebrates Earth Day

GUST as a part of their community outreach initiatives, celebrated International Earth Day, which was first initiated on April 22nd, 1970 in the U.S., and today unites 1 billion people from 192 countries,to broaden, diversify, mobilize and raise awareness about the global environmental movement – called “Mobilize the Earth” Campaign – which aims to convey the message that our Earth won’t wait and calls for people to unite, speak and act.

The event welcomed different stations by the Kuwait Environment Protection Society, Down to Earth, Environment Preservation Industrial Co. (EPIC), the Institute for Green Business Certification ME, Al-Dhow for Environmental Projects and Green Technology Group. Each with a different aspect of the environmental issues, but all with the same goal: to educate and raise awareness of people within our community.

Eng. Khalaf Alenezi, Head Organizer of the event, welcomed Dr. Sabah Al-Quaddoomi, VP for Academic Services, Dr. Lee Caldwell, Dean of the College of Business Administration, Dr. Mesfer Mesfer from the Office of Student Life, Ibrahim Emran, Assistant Vice President for Administrative and Financial Affairs, Dr. Osama Al-Hares, Director of Alumni and Career Services and Dr. Masoud Asad, Director of Public Affairs.

Eng. Alenezi took all the guests around the different booths set up by the different companies and societies, introducing them to the intricate ways the environment works and how we can help protect it by implementing a few simple strategies, including: smart shopping, buying energy-efficient products, considering transportation alternatives, improving our food choices, developing washing and drying methods as well as heating and cooling, planting more trees, implementing bathroom basics, cleaning more consciously and never discarding items on the streets and recycling what we can.

Following the tour of the booths, there was a small Kung-Fu presentation by two young Kuwaitis, which was enjoyed by all. Followed by an enlightening presentation by Dr. Bader Alenezi, KU Professor and Essa Ramadan, from Kuwait Weather Forecast, talking to students and staff alike on the consequences and effects the things we do every day have on the environment; things that we normally won’t pay attention to at all on a daily basis.

For more information on Earth Day and the “Mobilize the Earth” Campaign, visit www.earthday.org.

First NREET Conference

First NREET Conference - Kuwait March 15-16, 2023

Hosted by:

Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST)-Kuwait

Organized by:

Center for Sustainable Energy & Economic Development (SEED) & Gulf Financial Center (GFC), in partnership with Economics & Finance Department (HYBRID with both in-person and online paper presentation)

The main purpose of this interdisciplinary Conference is to bring together policymakers, engineers, economists, and industrial participants to discuss and share new thoughts and research findings on energy transition and financing from a global viewpoint.

Location:

Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST)-Kuwait & W6-200, W6 hall

Date:

15 March 2023 to 16 March 2023

SDGs

SDGs