Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)

No Poverty

The first goal

Introduction

Globally, the number of people living in extreme poverty fell from 36 percent in 1990 to 10 percent in 2015. But the pace of change is slowing, and the COVID-19 crisis risks reversing decades of progress against poverty. New research published by the United Nations University's Global Research Institute for Development Economics warns of the economic repercussions resulting from the global pandemic that could increase global poverty by up to half a billion people, or 8% of the total population. Source

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This goal reflects the university's contribution to poverty alleviation by identifying students who receive financial scholarships for university education, university anti-poverty programs, and community-based anti-poverty programs.To achieve this goal in the context of Al-Nahrain University includes the following contexts: Admission to the university is general and free, and student housing is paid for a small fee, followed by ongoing facilities and subsidies. The university also takes into account the circumstances of a student group and students are exempted from paying housing fees. The university also offers a range of educational activities, free health assistance and donation campaigns every year through its institutions.


Zero hunger

The second goal

Introduction

After decades of steady decline, the number of people suffering from hunger – as measured by the prevalence of undernutrition – began to slowly increase again in 2015. Today, more than 820 million people go to bed hungry, of whom about 135 million suffer from acute hunger due to man-made conflicts, largely due to climate change and economic recession. Source

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This goal reflects the university's contribution to eradicating hunger, achieving food security and improved nutrition, and promoting sustainable agriculture. To achieve this goal in the context of Al-Nahrain University, efforts could include the following: The university seeks to provide food baskets at varying times to meet the needs of students in university housing and also monitor the prices of food within the university, specifically within the cafeteria and restaurants on campus. The university also carries out a group of food donation campaigns outside the university to meet the needs of the local community, such as food donation campaigns for orphanages. And the elderly.


Good health and well-being

The Third goal

Introduction

Ensuring healthy lives and promoting decent living at all ages is essential for achieving sustainable development. The world is currently facing an unprecedented global health crisis – with COVID-19, human suffering is widespread, the global economy is destabilized, and the lives of billions of people around the world are upended. Source

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Al-Nahrain University seeks to ensure a healthy life and promote well-being for everyone at all ages. To achieve this goal in the context of Al-Nahrain University, efforts could include the following: Promoting awareness of health issues and disease prevention, as well as programs and services that enhance mental health that the university provides through awareness campaigns and workshops, in addition to providing health equipment and creating the necessary infrastructure for health care that provides health support to students and employees through the health center at the university as well as counseling and specialized clinics. spread throughout the university.


Quality education

The Fourth goal

Introduction

Education enables upward social and economic mobility and is an important means of escaping poverty. Over the past decade, significant progress has been made towards facilitating access to education and school enrollment rates at all levels, especially for girls. However, about 260 million children were still out of school in 2018 – making up nearly a fifth of the world’s population in this age group. In addition, more than half of the world's children and adolescents do not meet minimum proficiency standards in reading and mathematics. Source

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Al-Nahrain University seeks to provide quality education, encourage learning throughout life, and enhance educational opportunities available to all, regardless of gender, race, and social class. To achieve this goal in the context of Al-Nahrain University, efforts could include the following: The university has high-quality educational programs to enhance academic standards and provide university education opportunities to the largest possible number of students, including providing opportunities for students from limited income groups and using modern methods of technology to enhance students’ access to educational resources and online courses through scattered continuing education centers. At the university (Continuing Education Center, Electronic Calculator Center, in addition to continuing education units in all university formations.


Gender Equality

The Fifth goal

Introduction

Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right, but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world. There has been progress over the last decades: More girls are going to school, fewer girls are forced into early marriage, more women are serving in parliament and positions of leadership, and laws are being reformed to advance gender equality . Source

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Achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls aims to eliminate discrimination and violence targeting women and girls, and to enhance opportunities for full and equal participation in all areas. Achieving this goal requires changes at the level of policies, laws, and culture to achieve gender equality.In the policy of the University of Baghdad, this goal can be achieved through several aspects, such as: womens representation in administrative structures as department heads and deans of colleges, as well as in many leadership positions. Additionally, the university provides educational opportunities for women and girls and reduces the gender gap in access to education. The university has a specialized center for women studies to ensure measures are taken to reduce discrimination and gender-based violence under the name “Women Studies Center,” and an administrative unit under the president of university office named “Womens Empowerment Division.”


Clean Water and Sanitation

The Sixt goal

Introduction

While substantial progress has been made in increasing access to clean drinking water and sanitation, billions of people-mostly in rural areas-still lack these basic services. Worldwide, one in three people do not have access to safe drinking water, two out of five people do not have a basic hand-washing facility with soap and water, and more than 673 million people still practice open defecation Source

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Ensuring the provision of clean water and sanitation for all, in accordance with national plans until 2030, is crucial. The university must work on improving access to clean water and providing sanitation for both staff and students, which includes enhancing water management and promoting sustainability in water resource usage.In the policy of the University of Baghdad, achieving this goal involves several aspects, such as:Ensuring the provision of clean water for students and staff within the campus, where each college hallway is equipped with water coolers supplemented with plastic bottles sold at a very reasonable price. Additionally, the university possesses an efficient and hygienic sewage system for the university community. The university conducts awareness campaigns for students and staff on the importance of using water efficiently, and collaborates with local authorities (Ministry of Water Resources) and other institutions to achieve water resource sustainability.


Affordable and Clean Energy

The seventh goal

Introduction

The world is making progress towards Goal 7, with encouraging signs that energy is becoming more sustainable and widely available. Access to electricity in poorer countries has begun to accelerate, energy efficiency continues to improve, and renewable energy is making impressive gains in the electricity sector. Source

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Decent Work and Economic Growth

The eighth goal

Introduction

Sustained and inclusive economic growth can drive progress, create decent jobs for all and improve living standards. COVID-19 has disrupted billions of lives and endangered the global economy. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) expects a global recession as bad as or worse than in 2009. As job losses escalate, the International Labor Organization estimates that nearly half of the global workforce is at risk of losing their livelihoods. Source

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Promoting comprehensive and sustainable economic growth, and achieving effective production and decent work for all.To realize this objective within the framework of the University of Baghdad, several dimensions may be encompassed:The university supports research endeavors that foster economic advancement and innovation across various domains. Additionally, it offers educational and training programs aimed at enhancing students’ skills and preparing them for integration into the workforce. Furthermore, the university aids students and alumni in developing their entrepreneurial projects and bolstering innovation in diverse fields. Moreover, the university provides employment opportunities that uphold labor rights and furnish a healthy and secure work environment through a dedicated administrative unit, referred to as the Qualification and Employment Department, overseen directly by the president of university, tasked entirely with ensuring the attainment of these goals.


Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

The ninth goal

Introduction

Inclusive and sustainable industrialization, together with innovation and infrastructure, can unleash dynamic and competitive economic forces that generate employment and income. They play a key role in introducing and promoting new technologies, facilitating international trade and enabling the efficient use of resources. Source

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Building industrial infrastructure, fostering innovation, encouraging the transition towards sustainable industries, and stimulating research and innovation.Within the policy of the University of Baghdad, achieving the ninth goal can be accomplished through several dimensions. The university undertakes the modernization of research and technological facilities within the campus to enhance research and innovation activities. Additionally, it supports students and staff in developing entrepreneurial projects and fostering an innovative culture within the university. The university also updates curricula to provide an educational environment that promotes interest in engineering and technology. Furthermore, the university takes measures to make its daily operations more sustainable, including energy and waste management.


Reduced Inequalities

The tenth goal

Introduction

Reducing inequalities and ensuring no one is left behind are integral to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Inequality within and among countries is a persistent cause for concern. Despite some positive signs toward reducing inequality in some dimensions, such as reducing relative income inequality in some countries and preferential trade status benefiting lower-income countries, inequality still persists. Source

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This goal aims to achieve social and economic equality and justice, as well as to plan for comprehensive economic growth that benefits all segments of society.Within the policy of Baghdad University, the tenth goal can be achieved through various aspects. Firstly, the university emphasizes that educational opportunities are available to all students regardless of their economic or social backgrounds. It also provides job opportunities and technical training for students and graduates, ensuring accessibility for all, which is among the university’s policies approved within the University Council sessions. The university promotes full and equal participation of women and men in all areas of university life. Additionally, the university ensures student participation in decision-making processes at the university level and includes them in the evaluation of professors responsible for them as part of annual performance evaluations. Moreover, efforts are made to improve accessibility and provide necessary support for students with special needs. The university has an administrative unit directly linked to the president of university, known as the “Special Needs Unit,” which is responsible for providing access requirements and administrative facilitations for both staff and students with special needs.


Sustainable Cities and Communities

The eleventh goal

Introduction

The world is becoming increasingly urbanized. Since 2007, more than half the world’s population has been living in cities, and that share is projected to rise to 60 per cent by 2030. Cities and metropolitan areas are powerhouses of economic growth-contributing about 60 per cent of global GDP. However, they also account for about 70 per cent of global carbon emissions and over 60 per cent of resource use. Source

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Making cities and human settlements open to all, safe, sustainable, and smart. Under this goal, the United Nations encourages taking measures to improve housing and enhance urban development in a sustainable manner economically, environmentally, and socially.Within the policy of the University of Baghdad, achieving this goal could encompass various aspects. For example, the university may concentrate on improving the infrastructure of university cities, including transportation, energy, and water systems. Colleges focused on arts and heritage preservation, such as the College of Fine Arts (which encompasses various theatrical, television, and cinematic arts, as well as design, calligraphy, and decoration) and is also responsible for preserving Iraqi folklore, contribute to achieving this goal. Additionally, colleges like the College of Arts and Languages play a role in this goal by documenting literature and linguistics for the local community.


Responsible Consumption and Production

The twelfth goal

Introduction

Worldwide consumption and production – a driving force of the global economy – rest on the use of the natural environment and resources in a way that continues to have destructive impacts on the planet. Economic and social progress over the last century has been accompanied by environmental degradation that is endangering the very systems on which our future development – indeed, our very survival- depends. A few facts and figures. Source

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Ensuring the availability of clean water and sanitation services for everyone.Within the policy of the University of Baghdad, efforts to achieve this goal may include several points. Firstly, developing and maintaining water and sanitation infrastructure on the university campus to ensure the provision of clean water and safe sanitation services. Additionally, encouraging the university community to conserve water and adopt healthy behaviors related to personal and environmental hygiene. The university supports research and innovation in water management and health technology to enhance the efficiency of water resource utilization. Moreover, incorporating environmental content into educational and research programs to raise students’ awareness about the importance of water conservation and environmental preservation.


Climate Action

The thirteenth goal

Introduction

2019 was the second warmest year on record and the end of the warmest decade (2010- 2019) ever recorded. Carbon dioxide (CO2) levels and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere rose to new records in 2019. Source

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Taking immediate action to combat climate change and its impacts, and achieving international commitments in this regard.To achieve this goal within the policy of University of Baghdad, the following measures can be taken: The university organizes awareness campaigns and educational events about the impacts of climate change and how to mitigate its negative effects. It encourages sustainability initiatives within the campus, such as transitioning to renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions. The university supports scientific research in the field of climate change and develops sustainable solutions. It also incorporates climate change issues into curricula to educate and empower students to contribute to sustainable solutions. Furthermore, enhancing cooperation with international organizations and other partners to fulfill international commitments in combating climate change is crucial. The Environmental Engineering Department at the College of Engineering at the University of Baghdad plays a significant role in achieving this goal.


Life Below Water

The fourteenth goal

Introduction

The ocean drives global systems that make the Earth habitable for humankind. Our rainwater, drinking water, weather, climate, coastlines, much of our food, and even the oxygen in the air we breathe, are all ultimately provided and regulated by the sea. Source

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The ocean drives global systems that make the Earth habitable for humankind. Our rainwater, drinking water, weather, climate, coastlines, much of our food, and even the oxygen in the air we breathe, are all ultimately provided and regulated by the sea.This goal focuses on protecting and restoring marine and oceanic environments, as well as achieving sustainable utilization of marine resources. It aims to address the degradation of marine ecosystems and safeguard marine biodiversity. Within the framework of the University of Baghdad, achieving this goal may encompass several facets, including: raising awareness about the importance of preserving marine environments among the university community members, supporting scientific research and advanced technologies to comprehend the human impact on marine ecosystems and to seek sustainable solutions. Participating in environmental projects and initiatives aimed at conserving oceans and marine life, and undertaking measures within the university campus to mitigate its impact on marine environments, such as proper waste management and the provision of renewable energy sources. Collaborating with local government, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector to bolster efforts in preserving marine ecosystems.


Life on Land

The fifteenth goal

Introduction

Nature is critical to our survival: nature provides us with our oxygen, regulates our weather patterns, pollinates our crops, produces our food, feed and fiber. But it is under increasing stress. Human activity has altered almost 75 per cent of the earth’s surface, squeezing wildlife and nature into an ever-smaller corner of the planet. Source

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Preserving life on Land and enhancing natural resource management.Within the policy of the University of Baghdad, achieving this goal may encompass several aspects: The university supports research activities and measures to conserve biodiversity within the university campus and surrounding areas. It also provides programs and events to raise awareness about the importance of preserving wildlife and environmental diversity, advocating for environmentally friendly practices in waste management, reducing negative environmental impacts, and maintaining green spaces within the university campus. Moreover, the university contributes to the establishment and maintenance of natural areas and collaborates with local authorities and the community to enhance wildlife conservation in the region.


Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

The sixteenth goal

Introduction

Human rights place people at its core. Responses that are informed by and respect human rights lead to better outcomes in overcoming the pandemic, ensuring healthcare for all, and preserving… Source

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Peace and strong justice: This goal pertains to the promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies, ensuring fair access to justice for all, and building effective and accountable institutions. This includes combating corruption, developing robust legal systems, and enhancing civil participation.Within the policy of the University of Baghdad, efforts to achieve this goal may include several initiatives, such as: providing a safe and secure environment within the university campus and incorporating human rights and justice issues into academic curricula and research. It also involves adopting policies and mechanisms to combat corruption in all aspects of university life, supporting effective interaction between the university and the local community, encouraging student involvement in social and political issues, and providing transparent information about administrative decisions and governance procedures.


Partnerships for the Goals

The goal seventeenth

Introduction

The SDGs can only be realized with strong global partnerships and cooperation. A successful development agenda requires inclusive partnerships – at the global, regional, national and local levels – built upon principles and values, and upon a shared vision and shared goals placing people and the planet at the center. Source

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