SDG16: PEACE, JUSTICE AND STRONG INSTITUTIONS
The Government of Bahrain has demonstrated a strong commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16): Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. This commitment is evident through various policy initiatives and efforts aimed at ensuring good governance, promoting the rule of law, and advancing social justice within the country.
Bahrain’s Commitment to SDG 16:
Legal and Judicial Reforms: Bahrain has undertaken significant legal and judicial reforms to enhance the rule of law and access to justice. These reforms include the establishment of specialized courts and the promotion of transparency and accountability within the legal system.
Human Rights Initiatives: The government has shown dedication to human rights by engaging with international organizations, enhancing its human rights institutions, and actively participating in dialogues aimed at improving human rights practices.
Anti-Corruption Measures: Bahrain has implemented anti-corruption measures to promote transparency, accountability, and integrity in both public and private sectors. These efforts are crucial in ensuring strong institutions and upholding the principles of justice.
Community Policing: Bahrain has invested in community policing programs to build trust and cooperation between law enforcement agencies and communities. These initiatives aim to enhance public safety and promote social cohesion.
Social Justice Initiatives: Bahrain has launched programs and policies aimed at addressing social inequalities and enhancing social justice. These include efforts to improve access to education, healthcare, and housing, particularly for marginalized groups.
Applied Science University (ASU) in Bahrain actively aligns with the government’s commitment to SDG 16 through various initiatives and academic programs:
Legal Studies: ASU offers programs in law and criminal justice, preparing students for careers in the legal and justice sectors. These programs contribute to the development of a skilled workforce to support strong institutions and the rule of law.
Research and Advocacy: ASU engages in research and advocacy activities related to human rights, governance, and justice. Faculty and students participate in projects and initiatives that address issues of social justice and institutional strength.
Community Engagement: ASU organizes seminars, workshops, and conferences that promote dialogue and knowledge-sharing on topics related to peace, justice, and strong institutions. These events encourage community engagement and support the goals of SDG 16.
In conclusion, both the Government of Bahrain and Applied Science University are committed to advancing the principles of SDG 16, aiming to build a more just, peaceful, and inclusive society. Their collective efforts contribute to strengthening institutions, upholding the rule of law, and promoting social justice within Bahrain, aligning with the broader global agenda for sustainable development.
ASU Organizational Chart
https://www.asu.edu.bh/about-us/organizational-chart/
University Governance Measures
https://www.asu.edu.bh/governance/governance-message/
The University recognizes the importance of democratic processes and ensuring representation from various stakeholders within its governance structure. To promote transparency and inclusivity, the University has established elected representation on its governing body, as well as on other key decision-making bodies, these bodies are:
- Board of Directors.
- Board of Trustees.
- University Council.
- College Council.
- Department Council.
- Quality Assurance and Accreditation Council.
University Council
https://www.asu.edu.bh/governance/university-council/
The University Council possesses both the authority and the responsibility to provide recommendations regarding changes in university policies based on relevant circumstances. Its main responsibilities include:
- Addressing matters related to the quality of teaching, learning, research, and community service, including:
- Establishing admissions requirements for students.
- Discussing and approving the number of students to be admitted to various programs and determining the fees for each program.
- Developing policies and procedures for assessing students’ achievements and conducting relevant examinations.
- Reviewing and approving curriculum content.
- Setting academic standards and reviewing courses.
- Granting academic qualifications.
- Awarding honorary titles.
- Addressing the dismissal of students for academic reasons.
- Making decisions concerning academic promotions and other human resources issues.
- Approving the participation of academic staff, lecturers, technicians, and researchers in scientific assignments and training programs.
- Reviewing and discussing relevant matters before making decisions on academic programs proposed by appropriate college committees.
- Providing recommendations to the Board of Trustees regarding the development, integration, or cancellation of colleges, departments, academic programs, centers, offices, and units.
- Evaluating the progress of academic and educational achievements within the University.
- Discussing and consolidating study plans and research activities at the University.
- Considering academic and other issues as proposed by the University President.
- Developing and consolidating strategic plans, including teaching, learning, scientific research, community service, and training strategies.
- Reviewing the university bylaws, policies, and regulations, and providing recommendations for approval to the Board of Trustees.
The following members for a one-year term make up the university council:
- President (Chairman of the Council).
- Vice Presidents.
- Deans (academic and non-academic).
- An academic staff representative elected by the academic staff members. The representative can serve for a maximum of two academic years.
- President of the Student Council.
- An external member appointed by the President of the University for a renewable two-year period, as needed.
- President’s Advisors (if any).
- Secretary General of University Councils.
The following rules apply to University Council meetings:
- The external member, the President of the Student Council, the President’s Advisors, and the Secretary General of University Councils do not have voting rights.
- The Chair has the authority to invite additional individuals to attend Council meetings for informational purposes only.
- The Council convenes when the majority of its members, including the Chairman or their representative, are present. Decisions are made by majority vote, with the Chairman having the casting vote in case of a tie.
Council meetings are scheduled at agreed-upon times during the first meeting. These meetings should occur at least once every two months, and the meeting minutes are submitted to the Chairman of the Board of Trustees.
Student Council
https://www.asu.edu.bh/student/student-affairs/students-council/conditions-council-elections/
Terms For Nomination
To be nominated:
- The student must be registered in a Bachelor’s or Master’s programme, and must be a regular at the college that he/she will be running for.
- The student must not have had any disciplinary action against him/her at the university.
- The student must have completed at least one semester at the university, as a minimum requirement.
- A Bachelor student must not have passed 99 credit hours at the university
Student Council Election
https://www.asu.edu.bh/2019/11/university-students-elect-the-13th-members-of-the-students-council/
The 13th round of the student council elections resulted in the victory of 15 students out of 21, from the four colleges of the University (Administrative Sciences, Law, Arts and Science and Engineering).
The primary purpose of this election is to implant the spirit of democracy among students. The announcing event included the winners students; Mohamed Janahi, Fahad Al Fahaid, Ahmed Al Khazali, Hind Khalil, Ahmed Al Buawas, Ahmed Thabit, Mozah Al Khalidi and Mohamed Al Jowder who represented the College of Administrative Sciences, then From the College of Law; Sayed Aqeel Al Alalawi, Suhaib Al Romi, Mohamed Janahi, Mohamed Al Shaer and From College of Art and Science; Mahmood Sultan, Mohamed Ramadhan and finally; Adam Fouad from the College of Engineering.
Professor Ghassan Aouad, the University President, congratulated the newly appointed members of the council for gaining the trust of their fellow students to be their representatives. Professor Aouad pointed out the importance of annual elections for the Student Council and how it reflects in the university openness and the Kingdom of Bahrain in line with the democratic approach of the Kingdom, which was laid down by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and his wise leadership. He also thanked the previous members of the Council for their efforts to serve the University and their significant role in organizing the various events in cooperation with the Deanship of Student Affairs. He pointed out that the strategy adopted by the University is formulated to encourage the democratic culture and the effective role of the council that will be played as the best ambassador for students. Noting that all conditions have been set to ensure success, equality and control of the electoral process.
And finally, he concluded the event by stressing on the genuine partnership between the University and the Student Council with regard to the students’ interest that will equip them to overcome the challenges they may experience during their educational journey and future.
The 15th Student Council at ASU 2021
https://www.facebook.com/ASUBAHRAIN/photos/a.1627828810591189/4915290321845005/
ASU students elected in the 15th Student Council among wide participation of students who came to choose their representatives in the Council, in an atmosphere filled with enthusiasm and competition, where the electoral process witnessed an increasing turnout among students at the polling stations. The student council elections aim to promote the spirit of democracy among students and encourage them to participate in the University students and activities. It also comes in line with the country’s democratic approach, which was laid down by HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, may God protect him. The elections resulted in the victory of 6 students out of the 15 candidates for the student council elections, which was held with the participation of a large number of students from different faculties of the University.
- Aysheh Mohamed- President of the Sports Club
- Abdulla Mohamed Darraj- President of the Talent Club
- Husain Yusuf Abul- President of the Media Club
- Ghaneema Naser Ebrahim – President of the Cultural Club
- Sara Waleed Hasan – President of the Women’s Club
- Husain Ali Rahmatalla – President of the Volunteer Club
University Syndicate
ASU has a workers’ union which watches over the rights of its colleagues and has the voice of all for complaints or claims that arise during working hours. The main spokesperson is Faisal Al-Saeed a Assistant professor of ASU. The union was created at the end of 2020 with the purpose of giving workers the ability to debate internal issues of working hours and generate spaces that promote a better work environment.
ASU Student Council New areas of participation
https://www.facebook.com/ASUBAHRAIN
In 01 March 2021, a debate was carried out on new areas of participation, in which the political actions of the presidents of each club, their proposals and recommendations were covered, this meeting had the purpose of defining the strategy for 2022 to be carried out the Student Council. Each president’s proposals are submitted to a vote by the other members and if there are more votes in favor, this will be implemented within the legal framework established by the university.
ASU, by virtue of reaching decisions about the most essential issues for its university community, conducts meetings in order to respond to these concerns. The president, vice presidents, academic and administrative staff representatives are part of these meetings and are the representative voice of each sector. Bylaws in item 5 shows the role developed by the president of the university in the official bodies as with external entities
The Advisory Board at the college of law, A.S.U held a meeting
https://www.asu.edu.bh/2016/09/advisory-board-college-law-s-u-held-meeting-2/
The Advisory Board at the college of law, A.S.U held a meeting chaired by professor Mohammed Yahiya Mahasnah , the head of the board with the presence the of faculty members at the collage, a number of the graduate students and a group of employers at the Kingdom of Bahrain. At the meeting, the participants discussed the vision and message of the college of Law and the latest amendments on the programme of the bachelor degree. The members of the advisory board expressed their satisfaction regarding the latest developments of the academic plan in the college.
Visual Board of Trustees Meeting
https://www.facebook.com/ASUBAHRAIN/photos/pcb.3974454532595260/3974454425928604/?type=3&theater
The meeting of the Board of Trustees, which was held via visual communication technology, chaired by His Excellency Prof. Dr. Waheeb Al Khaja and in the presence of the President of the University, Prof. Dr. Ghassan Awad and all members of the Council.
Visual Meeting of the Advisory Board for the MBA program
https://www.facebook.com/ASUBAHRAIN/photos/a.1627828810591189/3921917727848941/?type=3&theater
The second meeting of the advisory board for the MBA program during the 2019-2020 academic year. Which was held via visual communication technology during which a number of important matters related to the program were discussed, foremost of which was the educational process in light of the current circumstances related to the Corona pandemic, in the presence of the Dean of the College of Administrative Sciences, Dr. Ramzi Al-Nakhili, Head of the Business Administration Department, Dr. Khairy Muhammad Omar, and Dr. Ahmed Khalaf Al-Muhammadi, Director of the Master of Business Administration program. In addition to a number of professors of the program and members of the advisory board.
Visual Meeting of the Advisory council for the Bachelor of Political Science program
https://www.facebook.com/ASUBAHRAIN/photos/a.376526365721446/3969120623128651/
The second meeting of the advisory council for the Bachelor of Political Science program for the academic year 2019/2020, which was held via visual communication technology, during which a number of developments and matters related to the program were discussed, including housing courses and the topic of field training, as well as the experience of teachers and students in distance education, in addition to the procedures that It was carried out by the University of Applied Sciences to serve students during this period. The evaluation methods used were also discussed. The meeting was attended from the university by Acting Head of the Political Science Department, Dr. Ali Al-Dada, Director of the Bachelor of Political Science Program, Dr. Osama Zain Al-Abidin, in addition to the members of the external advisory board.
The Second Meeting of the Advisory Board for the Bachelor of Management Information Systems program
https://www.facebook.com/ASUBAHRAIN/photos/a.376526365721446/3950683548305692
The second meeting of the Advisory Board for the Bachelor of Management Information Systems program during the academic year 2019/2020 AD, which was held via visual communication technology, during which a number of developments and matters related to the program were discussed, including graduation projects and field training, as well as the experience of teachers and students in distance education, in addition to the procedures that The University of Applied Sciences conducted it to serve students during this period. The evaluation methods used in the second semester are also discussed, as well as the tracks that students can choose from. The meeting was attended from the university by the Head of the Management Information Systems Department, Dr. Ahmed Shatat, the Director of the Bachelor of Management Information Systems Program, Dr. Ibrahim Abu Al-Sondos, the Associate Professor in the Department and the Director of the Community Service Office, Dr. Muhammad Al-Hamami. In addition to external advisory board members.
ASU Hosted a Public Debate Titled “Allocation of Seats for Youth in the House of Representatives”
https://www.asu.edu.bh/latest-news-digest/
Within the initiatives and activities of the Community Engagement Office at Applied Science University; the University hosted a public debate titled “Allocation of seats for youth in the House of Representatives”. The event was organised by Bahrain Talent and Creativity Society and CE Office at Applied Science University. The event was held at Dome Hall in the University campus on Wednesday, 7 November 2018. Public figures, media personalities, local community, University Academic and Administrative Staff and Students attend the event.
ASU Hosted Second Public Debate Titled “This Council Will Grant Maternity Leave to Parents”
https://www.asu.edu.bh/latest-news-digest/
Within the initiatives and activities of the Community Engagement Office at Applied Science University; the University hosted the second public debate titled “This Council Will Grant Maternity Leave to Parents”. The event was organised by Bahrain Talent and Creativity Society and Community Engagement Office at Applied Science University. Public figures, media personalities, local community, University Academic and Administrative Staff and Students attended the event. During the event, participants’ during their speech thanked and appreciated Applied Science University for its efforts in supporting the community and youth in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Also at the end of the event, Bahrain Talent and Creativity Society thanked the University for supporting the Society in organising its events. The event, which is a part of Bahrain Debates Project was held at Dome Hall in the University campus on Wednesday, 28 November 2018
.