SDG11: SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND COMMUNITIES
Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11) aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. In Bahrain, both the government and educational institutions like Applied Science University (ASU) are actively contributing to this goal.
Government Initiatives in Bahrain
The Kingdom of Bahrain has integrated sustainability into its national policies, as reflected in the Government Plan (2023–2026) titled “From Recovery to Sustainable Development.” This plan underscores the nation’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Specific measures addressing SDG 11 include:
Housing Strategy: Bahrain’s housing strategy aligns with the New Urban Agenda issued by UN-HABITAT, focusing on developing smart cities to enhance efficiency, livability, and sustainability. Between 2013 and 2022, the government delivered on its commitment to provide 40,000 housing units to citizens.
Waste Management: The country has achieved 100% municipal solid waste collection coverage, ensuring proper waste management and contributing to cleaner urban environments.
Disaster Risk Reduction: Bahrain has developed national and local disaster risk reduction strategies, enhancing resilience against potential urban hazards.
Applied Science University’s (ASU) Commitment to SDG 11
Applied Science University (ASU) in Bahrain actively supports SDG 11 through various initiatives:
Community Engagement: ASU’s Community Engagement Office organizes activities that link theoretical knowledge to practical applications. For instance, students and staff visited the Bahrain National Museum to deepen their understanding of cultural heritage, aligning with SDG 11’s target of safeguarding cultural heritage.
Sustainability Education: ASU offers courses and programs that emphasize sustainable development, preparing students to contribute to creating sustainable cities and communities.
Through these efforts, both the Bahraini government and ASU demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing SDG 11, fostering urban environments that are inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
Public Access to Buildings
SDG 11 aims to promote sustainable cities and communities, including public access to buildings that are of cultural, historical, or social significance. The university has this social significance as it has won several awards for its building decorations during the Bahraini National Day celebrations. The university’s buildings are decorated with colorful lights and traditional Bahraini motifs, making them a popular attraction during the annual celebrations.
The university’s efforts in decorating its buildings have been recognized by the Bahraini government, which has awarded the university several times for its outstanding contribution to the National Day celebrations. These awards highlight the university’s commitment to promoting Bahraini culture and traditions, and its role as a key institution in the country’s social and cultural fabric. The university provides access to its buildings free of charge, allowing members of the public to visit and explore the campus. This ensures that individuals have access to the university’s facilities and resources and promotes community engagement.
Moreover, the university has implemented measures to ensure that its buildings are accessible to everyone, including individuals with disabilities. The university has installed ramps, elevators, and other accessibility features to ensure that its buildings are accessible to all.
“Applied” in first place in the competition for the most beautiful decoration of buildings in the Capital Governorate
The Applied Science University won first place for the educational sector in the Capital Governorate competition for the most beautiful decoration of government buildings and private buildings with the participation of a large number of bodies, institutions and companies that belong to the Capital Governorate.
This competition is held in conjunction with the Kingdom’s celebrations of the glorious National Day and the Accession Day of His Majesty the King, in the desire of the governorate to promote the values of citizenship and belonging among the segments of society.
The Vice President for Administrative, Financial and Community Service Affairs, Dr. Mohammed Yousef, received the first place award during an honoring ceremony held by the Governorate under the patronage of His Excellency Shaikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Governor of the Capital Governorate.
The honoring ceremony was also attended by the Director of Marketing and Public Relations Ruqaya Mohsen, along with the Director of the Office of the President of the University, Tania Qashou.
The competition comes to provide an opportunity for government and private bodies and institutions in the governorate to participate in the Kingdom’s celebrations of the glorious National Day and the Accession Day of His Majesty the King by contributing to decorating buildings in a way that highlights the civilized and urban face of the Capital Governorate.
Youssef expressed his happiness with the university’s winning this competition, expressing his pride in participating in the competition and the efforts made by all university departments participating in achieving this achievement, and their contribution to highlighting the good image of the university.
The Vice President thanked the Capital Governorate for organizing such competitions that promote the values of citizenship and belonging among all segments of society, pointing out that the university, based on its role as a Bahraini educational institution, is proud of the Kingdom’s participation in its celebrations of national holidays, as it spares no effort to spread the civilized vision of the Kingdom.
The Applied Science University wins first place in the Capital Governorate competition
https://www.alayam.com/alayam/events/839676/News.html
The University of Applied Sciences has been painted in white and red to win, for the fifth year in a row, the first place for the educational sector in the Capital Governorate competition for the most beautiful decoration of government buildings and private buildings, as this competition is held in conjunction with the Kingdom’s celebrations of the glorious National Day and the Accession Day of His Majesty the King in a desire to maintain the promotion of the values of citizenship and belonging among the segments of society.
The President of the University, Prof. Ghassan Awad, received the first place award during an honoring ceremony held by the Governorate under the patronage of Sheikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Governor of the Capital Governorate. The honoring ceremony was also attended by Ms. Ruqayya Mohsen, Director of Marketing and Public Relations, and Mr. Abdullah Al Khaja, Director of Administrative and Financial Affairs.
On this occasion, the President of the University expressed his happiness with the university’s victory in this competition, expressing his pride and pride in participating in the competition and the efforts made by all university departments participating in achieving this achievement, and their contribution to highlighting the good image of the university.
Public Access to Libraries
https://www.asu.edu.bh/library-and-information-services/
SDG 11 aims to promote sustainable cities and communities, including public access to libraries, which is essential for promoting education and lifelong learning. The University recognizes the importance of public access to libraries and has taken steps to ensure that individuals have access to the vast array of knowledge, information, and literature available in the university’s library.
The university provides public access to its library resources, including books and publications, by offering a username and password for the library’s e-resources. This enables individuals to expand their knowledge inside and outside the university campus and supports the development of education.
Moreover, the university library provides a welcoming space for people to use these library resources in a way that promotes community engagement. The library portal offers a research room option that allows individuals to reserve a space in the library where they can work on their research projects and collaborate with others. (https://www.asu.edu.bh/library-and-information-services/)
Arts and Heritage Contribution
The university promotes arts and heritage contribution through several events and activities throughout the year, some of these events are detailed below:
Applied Science University Visited Bahrain National Museum
https://www.asu.edu.bh/community-engagement/community-engagement-booklet/
Within the initiatives of the Community Engagement Office at Applied Science University about linking theory to practice, ASU presented by students and staff visited Bahrain National Museum on Sunday, 24 February 2019. The visit was organised by Community Engagement Office at ASU in coordination with Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities.
Participating in “The Role of Education in Promoting the Values of Forgiveness in the Kingdom of Bahrain Throughout History” Conference
https://www.asu.edu.bh/community-engagement/community-engagement-booklet/
Applied Science University presented by Hayat Ali the Acting Dean of Student Affairs and a group of students, participated in “The Role of Education in Promoting the Values of Forgiveness in the Kingdom throughout History” Conference. The conference was held on November 16th, 2016 under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom. King Hamad Global Centre organised the conference for Peaceful Coexistence and This is Bahrain Society in Isa Cultural Centre.
Participating in Al-Ayam 26th Cultural Festival
https://www.asu.edu.bh/community-engagement/community-engagement-booklet/
Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa inaugurated the Al Ayam Book Fair hailing Bahrain’s deep-rooted tradition that readily embraces various cultures and ideas. Two hundred forty publishing houses from 16 countries are participating in the fair, which features thousands of books on various topics and ideas. ASU’s library participated in Al-Ayam 26th Cultural Festival started on December 26th, 2019 till January 4th, 2020. Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Sameer bin Abdulla Nass, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of ASU, Shaikh Thamer Al-Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Ambassador of State of Kuwait in Kingdom of Bahrain and Ministers, Diplomats, Intellectuals and Media Figures visited the ASU’s Booth in the presence of Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Professor Waheeb Al Khaja, Dr Ammar Jalamneh; Director of Library and Information Services Directorate, Mr Abdulla Al Khaja; Director of Administration and Finance Directorate and Library Staff Members during the opening ceremony. Dr Ammar delivered a short brief about the 56 ASU’s Publications. The University President, Prof Ghassan Fouad Aouad and Dr Mohammed Yousif; VP for Administration, Finance and Community Engagement visited ASU’s Booth. ASU’s publications are being displayed and available for immediate purchase. The participation aims to introduce the ASU publications to the Academic Bahraini Community and Market the Library as a Contributing Factor of the ASU Research Community.
Delivering a Lecture Titled “Arabic Calligraphy and Its Reflections on our Contemporary Lives” to the Local Community
https://www.asu.edu.bh/community-engagement/community-engagement-booklet/
Dr Muhammad Al-Abbar, Assistant Professor in Department of Design and Arts at the College of Arts and Science, delivered an online lecture titled “Arabic Calligraphy and Its Reflections on our Contemporary Lives” on April 15th, 2021, to the local community within ASU community engagement activities, the Training, Development and Continuing Education Centre and ASU Community Engagement Office. The lecturer shed light on a number of topics during the lecture, including the history and development of Arabic calligraphy, Kufic fonts and their various aesthetic styles, soft and attributed calligraphy, types of Arabic calligraphy, the art of Arabic calligraphy and its lovers, Arabic calligraphy in printing, and modern Arabic fonts as communication arts. In addition to the local community, the lecture attendance included a number of academic and administrative staff, ASU students and alumni.
Delivering a Lecture Titled “Hygiene in the Concept of Islamic Civilisation” to the Local Community
https://www.asu.edu.bh/community-engagement/community-engagement-booklet/
Prof Murad Aljanabi, Professor in Department of Public Law at the College of Law, delivered an online lecture titled “Hygiene in the Concept of Islamic Civilisation” on May 25th, 2021, to the local community within ASU community engagement activities, the Training, Development and Continuing Education Centre and ASU Community Engagement Office.
The lecturer clarified the significance of hygiene in building the Islamic civilisation, the civilisation of faith, science and charity. The lecturer discussed a number of topics during the lecture, including personal hygiene, hygiene at work, how to have a clean and pure heart, and a summary that includes the correlation of the equation in the three main themes and the emergence of the most beautiful and best-civilised models in the history of Islam. In addition to the local community, the lecture attendance included a number of academic and administrative staff, ASU students and alumni.
Gergaoun Event
https://www.asu.edu.bh/community-engagement/community-engagement-booklet/
The ASU Community Engagement Office organised a Gergaoun Event for the children residents in King Hamad University Hospital on 16th April, 2022, with the participation of Prof. Ayman Al-Dmoor the Dean of the College of Art and Sciences, and a number of ASU Academic and Administrative Staff.
Organising Gurgaon for Azhar Al-Harak Nursery Children
https://www.asu.edu.bh/community-engagement/community-engagement-booklet/
As part of the Applied Science University’s initiatives for community engagement and service, the Community Engagement Office organized a Gurqaon celebration for Azhar Al-Harak Nursery Children affiliated to the Bahraini Center for International Mobility on Monday, 10th April 2023, with the participation of a large number of the university’s academic and administrative staff.
Community Engagement Office Received Lameyya Cultural Salon
https://www.asu.edu.bh/community-engagement/community-engagement-booklet/
On Monday, 19 November 2018, the CE Office received a delegation from Lameyya Cultural Salon.During the visit, CE Office and Lameyya Cultural Salon discussed ideas and the executive procedures for the activities that agreed upon between the two sides.
Applied Science University Visited Bahrain National Museum
https://www.asu.edu.bh/community-engagement/community-engagement-booklet/
Within the initiatives of the Community Engagement Office at Applied Science University about linking theory to practice, ASU presented by students and staff visited Bahrain National Museum on Sunday, 24 February 2019. The visit was organised by Community Engagement Office at ASU in coordination with Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities.
Participating in “The Role of Education in Promoting the Values of Forgiveness in the Kingdom of Bahrain Throughout History” Conference
https://www.asu.edu.bh/community-engagement/community-engagement-booklet/
Applied Science University presented by Hayat Ali the Acting Dean of Student Affairs and a group of students, participated in “The Role of Education in Promoting the Values of Forgiveness in the Kingdom throughout History” Conference. The conference was held on November 16th, 2016 under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom. King Hamad Global Centre organised the conference for Peaceful Coexistence and This is Bahrain Society in Isa Cultural Centre
Delivering a Lecture Titled “Arabic Calligraphy and Its Reflections on our Contemporary Lives” to the Local Community
https://www.asu.edu.bh/community-engagement/community-engagement-booklet/
Dr Muhammad Al-Abbar, Assistant Professor in Department of Design and Arts at the College of Arts and Science, delivered an online lecture titled “Arabic Calligraphy and Its Reflections on our Contemporary Lives” on April 15th, 2021, to the local community within ASU community engagement activities, the Training, Development and Continuing Education Centre and ASU Community Engagement Office. The lecturer shed light on a number of topics during the lecture, including the history and development of Arabic calligraphy, Kufic fonts and their various aesthetic styles, soft and attributed calligraphy, types of Arabic calligraphy, the art of Arabic calligraphy and its lovers, Arabic calligraphy in printing, and modern Arabic fonts as communication arts. In addition to the local community, the lecture attendance included a number of academic and administrative staff, ASU students and alumni.
Delivering a Lecture Titled “Hygiene in the Concept of Islamic Civilisation” to the Local Community
https://www.asu.edu.bh/community-engagement/community-engagement-booklet/
Prof Murad Aljanabi, Professor in Department of Public Law at the College of Law, delivered an online lecture titled “Hygiene in the Concept of Islamic Civilisation” on May 25th, 2021, to the local community within ASU community engagement activities, the Training, Development and Continuing Education Centre and ASU Community Engagement Office. The lecturer clarified the significance of hygiene in building the Islamic civilisation, the civilisation of faith, science and charity. The lecturer discussed a number of topics during the lecture, including personal hygiene, hygiene at work, how to have a clean and pure heart, and a summary that includes the correlation of the equation in the three main themes and the emergence of the most beautiful and best-civilised models in the history of Islam. In addition to the local community, the lecture attendance included a number of academic and administrative staff, ASU students and alumni.
Affordable Housing for Students
https://www.asu.edu.bh/student-affairs/student-council/
The Student Services Office at the Applied Science University (ASU) in Bahrain is committed to providing a range of support services to students, including affordable accommodation options. The office understands that finding suitable accommodation can be a major challenge for students, especially those who are new to the university or the country. Therefore, the office has established a variety of accommodation options to meet the diverse needs of students. The office maintains a database of apartments and flats that are available for rent in the surrounding areas. The office helps students to find the best possible accommodation based on their preferences and budget. The affordable accommodation options offered by the Student Services Office have been a great relief for many students who struggle with the high cost of living in Bahrain. The office’s commitment to providing quality services at affordable prices has helped many students to focus on their studies without worrying about accommodation. In conclusion, the Student Services Office at the Applied Science University in Bahrain is dedicated to providing a range of accommodation options that cater to the diverse needs of students. The affordable rates, combined with the quality services and amenities, make the accommodation options offered by the office a popular choice among students. The Student Services Office’s commitment to its students’ welfare has contributed significantly to the university’s reputation as a student-friendly institution.
Sustainable Practices
https://www.asu.edu.bh/community-engagement/community-engagement-booklet/
The university has implemented several sustainable practices that align with SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. These practices focus on creating smart buildings that optimize energy usage and enhance the overall efficiency of campus infrastructure. One notable sustainable practice is the implementation of the Automatic Door Sensor System. This system utilizes sensors to detect the presence of individuals, automatically opening and closing the doors accordingly. By eliminating the need for manual door operation, energy waste due to doors being left open or inefficiently operated is minimized. Another sustainable measure implemented by the university is the Automatic Fire Alarm Sensor System. This system employs advanced sensors that detect smoke, heat, or other indicators of fire, promptly triggering alarms and alerting relevant authorities. By ensuring an immediate response to fire incidents, this system enhances the safety and security of the campus community. Furthermore, the university has adopted the Automatic Light and AC (Air Conditioning) Sensor System. This system uses sensors to monitor the presence of individuals in rooms or areas and automatically adjusts lighting and air conditioning accordingly. When spaces are unoccupied, the system reduces energy consumption by turning off or dimming lights and adjusting temperature settings.
To enhance campus security and reduce environmental impact, the university employs electric golf carts for security patrols. These eco-friendly vehicles provide a sustainable alternative to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, as they produce zero emissions and contribute to cleaner air quality. By utilizing electric golf carts, the university demonstrates its commitment to sustainable transportation practices.
Applied Science University Painted a House at Al Eker Village
https://www.asu.edu.bh/latest-news-digest/presidents-news-digest-v8/
As part of the initiatives of Community Engagement Office at Applied Science University and in conjunction with the month of holy Ramadan; CE Office in cooperation with the Volunteers Club in the University and coordination with the Al Eker Charitable Society implemented a campaign to paint a house in the village of Al Eker on Tuesday, 28 May 2019. A number of ASU Staff and Students worked together with their colleagues from Al Eker Charitable Society in painting the house. Presenters of Al Eker Charitable Society thanked ASU for the continuous support to the community and Al Eker Village.
Hosting the Closing Ceremony of the 11th Edition of theبيتكم بيتنا “ ” Project
As a part of the activities of the Community Engagement Office at Applied Science University, ASU hosted the closing ceremony of the 11th Edition of the “ بيتكم بيتنا ” Project. Ayadi Relief Organisation organised the Ceremony on February 15th, 2020 in Abdulla Nass Auditorium at the University Campus. The ceremony was the culmination of the project that was launched by Ayadi Relief in its 11th Edition, which included the process of restoration and furnishing of three homes of Bahraini families during a whole month and with the participation of 3 volunteer teams of school students. During the ceremony, the volunteers’ experience in the project was presented, and honouring the participating teams and supporters.
A Campaign to Paint the Facade of Two Houses in the Village of Al Eker
https://www.asu.edu.bh/latest-news-digest/presidents-news-digest-v8/
The ASU Community Engagement Office, in collaboration with Al Eker Charitable Society, delivered a campaign to paint the facade of two houses in the village of Al-Aker on 21st May, 2022, with the participation of Dr Mohammad Al-Hamami, Manager of Community Engagement Office and Associate Professor in Department of Management Information Systems, a number of Academic Staff, Mr Mohammed Alnajjar, Office Manager of Student Services, the Volunteers Club, ASU Graduates, and Students of the College of Engineering.
A Campaign to Prepare and Rehabilitate Bathrooms for the Elderly (Senior Citisens) in Two Houses
https://www.asu.edu.bh/latest-news-digest/presidents-news-digest-v8/
The ASU Community Engagement Office, in cooperation with Al Eker Charitable Society, delivered a campaign to prepare and rehabilitate bathrooms for the elderly (senior citisens) in two houses in the village of Al Eker on 25th May, 2022, with the participation of a number of the ASU Academic Staff.
A Campaign to Paint the Facade of Two Houses in the Village of Al Eker
https://www.asu.edu.bh/latest-news-digest/presidents-news-digest-v8/
As part of the Applied Science University’s initiatives for community engagement and service, The ASU Community Engagement Office, in collaboration with Al Eker Charitable Society, organsied a campaign to paint the facade of two houses in the village of Al-Aker on 10th June, 2023, with the participation of Dr a number of Academic Staff, Students, Graduates, and the Local Community.
A Campaign to Prepare and Rehabilitate Bathrooms for the Elderly (Senior Citisens) in Two Houses
https://www.asu.edu.bh/latest-news-digest/presidents-news-digest-v8/
As part of the Applied Science University’s initiatives for community engagement and service, The ASU Community Engagement Office, in cooperation with Al Eker Charitable Society, delivered a campaign to prepare and rehabilitate bathrooms for the elderly (senior citisens) in two houses in the village of Al Eker on 17th June, 2023, with the participation of a number of the ASU Academic Staff.
