SDG 1
No Poverty
Sustainable Development Goal 1 (SDG 1) aims to eradicate poverty in all its forms and dimensions. Poverty is a complex and
SDG1: No Poverty
Sustainable Development Goal 1 (SDG 1), which aims to end poverty in all its forms everywhere, is a critical objective for nations worldwide, including Bahrain. The Bahraini government has implemented various strategies and initiatives to address poverty and enhance social welfare as part of its broader economic vision.
Government Efforts in Bahrain:
Economic Diversification: Bahrain’s government is actively working on diversifying its economy away from oil dependency. Initiatives aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have been crucial for job creation and income generation, which are key to reducing poverty.
Social Welfare Programs: The government has established social support programs that aim to assist low-income families and marginalized groups. These programs include financial aid, housing assistance, and access to basic services.
Education and Training: Investments in education and vocational training are central to Bahrain’s strategy to combat poverty. By enhancing educational opportunities and skills development, the government aims to equip citizens for better employment prospects and improve their overall quality of life.
Collaboration with NGOs: The government collaborates with non-governmental organizations and international agencies to address poverty-related issues, including providing social services, health care, and community development projects.
SDG 1 at Applied Science University (ASU):
Applied Science University (ASU) in Bahrain is also contributing to the achievement of SDG 1 through various initiatives:
Educational Programs: ASU focuses on providing quality education that equips students with the skills needed to succeed in the job market. Through programs in various fields, the university aims to foster employability and entrepreneurship among its graduates.
Community Engagement: ASU encourages students to engage in community service and development projects that assist underprivileged communities. This not only helps reduce poverty but also instills a sense of social responsibility among students.
Research Initiatives: The university promotes research focused on poverty alleviation and economic development. Faculty and student research projects can contribute valuable insights into effective strategies for tackling poverty within Bahrain.
Partnerships and Collaborations: ASU collaborates with governmental and non-governmental organizations to enhance its impact on local communities, contributing to broader efforts aimed at achieving SDG 1.
Through these combined efforts, both the Bahraini government and Applied Science University are working towards the goal of eradicating poverty and improving the living conditions of all citizens in Bahrain.
Full Scholarships presented to Royal Humanitarian Foundation
Press Release: https://www.alayam.com/online/local/1069055/News.html
Instagram Post: https://www.instagram.com/asu_bhce/p/DAlgMGwsIvY/?img_index=1
In September 2024, ASU presented the Royal Humanitarian Foundation with two full scholarships to study at ASU, an Engineering program with London South Bank University.
New students exempted from paying Registration Fees
https://www.instagram.com/p/C_0fzp2Mf5Y/?igsh=M2xkZ2JkdzB6dXps
For the start of the new academic year 2024/2025, ASU has exempted new students from paying registration fees.
Iftar meals distributed during the Holy month of Ramadan
https://www.instagram.com/p/C4n67RusVPu/?igsh=MTAxN2Y4amNsMGkwdQ
Every year, ASU distributes Iftar meals during the Holy month of Ramadan which is organized by the Community Engagement (CE) Office. This is done on a yearly basis. In 2024, the CE Office organized a campaign for distributing Iftar meals to the community in the Hoora area on Saturday, 16th March 2024. A number of ASU academic and administrative staff, students and alumni as well as the local community participated in this joyous activity.
Iftar meals distributed by the Volunteer Club during the Holy month of Ramadan
https://www.instagram.com/p/C5dPQmss-y2/?igsh=bHpudDRocjF4cmdv
On 7th April 2024, organized by the Volunteers Club, ASU distributed Iftar meals during the Holy month of Ramadan in Hidd area. The Volunteers Club is formed by ASU students.
Ramadan Food Baskets distributed to Families in need
https://www.instagram.com/p/C4sEmpisyHw/?igsh=MWdiZ2VubzVqYjVwdg
ASU in coordination with the Community Engagement (CE) Office, distributed 500 food baskets for the families in need through the Al-Eker Charity Society on Friday, 22nd March 2024. This will be done on a yearly basis to aid the local community during the holy month of Ramadan.
A Recreational Day organized for the children of Batelco Home for Child Welfare
https://www.instagram.com/p/C1HSZdhohpl/?igsh=MTVsdHNpcjJlN2Z6Ng
As part of the initiatives of Community Engagement (CE) Office at ASU organized a recreational day for the Batelco Home for Child Welfare (orphanage) on Saturday, 16th December 2023 at Oasis Mall in Juffair. This was organized in celebration of the National Day of Bahrain. A number of academic and administrative staff, students and the local community participated in this activity.
A Recreational Day organized for the children Al Sanabel Orphan Care Society
https://www.instagram.com/p/C0R6iTPMeDx/?igsh=Y2R3emRtd3U1bXRq&img_index=1
As part of the initiatives of Community Engagement (CE) Office and in celebration of World Children Day, ASU organized a recreational day for the children of Al Sanabel Orphan Care Society on Saturday, 22nd November 2023 at Dana Mall. A number of academic and administrative staff, students and the local community participated in this activity.
Programs and policies done to end poverty:
https://www.asu.edu.bh/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/booklet-Final.pdf
Dealing ASU with SDGs including SDG1:
Sustainable Transport Strategy
https://www.asu.edu.bh/sustainable-transport-strategy/
OBJECTIVE 1: Maximize and promote access to the University by sustainable, healthy and safe means
Ensuring a good level of access to ASU, the University ensures a sustainable transport option where feasible that allow us to:
- Reduce inequities in access to higher education as far as possible through improvements in transport options.
- Reduce the vulnerability of the university community to fluctuating transport costs or fuel shocks by improving alternative transport options to single-occupant car uses and increasing community resilience.
- Support the continued growth and development of the University by enhancing accessibility to campuses for students, staff and visitors.
- Facilitate safe, active transport options, in turn promoting healthy lifestyles and work/study places and lower-cost travel options.
- Reduce the growth in demand for on-campus and neighborhood on-street parking, thereby reducing the significant cost of parking provision and reducing the impact of parking demand in surrounding areas of ASU to improve neighborhood amenity and traffic safety.
- Shrink the carbon footprint of the university community’s travel.
OBJECTIVE 2: Increase sustainable transport mode choice and reduce the incidence of unnecessary travel
- Increasing the proportion of people travelling via sustainable transport modes and minimizing single occupant vehicle use where there are opportunities to facilitate and encourage alternatives will help:
- Reduce the growth in demand for on-campus and parking in surrounding areas, thereby reducing the significant cost of parking provision and reducing the impact of parking demand in neighborhoods surrounding campuses.
- Reduce the costs of transport inefficiencies (time and financial) associated with university business travel and improve productivity.
- Shrink the carbon footprint as well as other environmental impacts of the university community’s travel.
- Improve neighborhood and city amenity, and traffic safety
The 6th NGO Fair and benefit from a variety of Internship Opportunities
ASU celebrated a sixth day of the NGO fair in which students, both men and women, took an active part in the event and also had the opportunity to do internships related to the SDGs. Internships are held in low-income countries in order to support the SDGs and reduce poverty [4].
Figure 4. The 6th NGO, taken from [4].
For ASU (one of its objectives is public outreach to engage with sectors of society including the government, policy-making bodies, charities, prominent figures, institutions, schools and the media) to promote outreach through the dialogue, commitment and collaboration. The international poverty line, which is currently $ 1.90 a day, is the threshold that determines whether someone is living in poverty. The line is based on the value of the goods necessary to support an adult in this sense. ASU recognizes these figures and its strategic plan has different methods to deal with these problems [5].
Figure 5. ASU Strategic Plan, taken from [5]
ASU has participated in the process of building the National Higher Education Strategy in which is considere the higher education sector as a factor central to the future development of the economy, public services and nation [6].
Figure 6. Building the National Higher Education Strategy, taken from [6]
Higher education in Bahrain has a central role to play in economic growth, investment and innovation. This important sector requires a strategic vision in order face the challenges of the future [6].
‘The vision is to position Bahrain as a regional hub for quality higher education, producing graduates with the skills, knowledge and behaviors required to succeed in the global knowledge economy while contributing to the sustainable and competitive growth of Bahrain’ [6].
This strategy sets out the direction for higher education in Bahrain. The Higher Education Council will work in co-operation with higher education institutes, industry, employers, government departments and agencies and other stakeholders to turn the vision into a reality. The strategy’s main guiding themes are “quality enhancement”, “skills for the future”, “strategic access”, “becoming a regional hub for higher education”, “technology in education” and “entrepreneurship” [6].
This strategy, in combination with the new national research strategy approved by the Higher Education Council, provides an integrated approach to providing skills, supporting students and contributing to the creation of jobs through enterprise and innovation [6].
The Economic Vision 2030
The Economic Vision 2030 which was launched in October 2008 by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and where different universities such as ASU participated through its directives, is a comprehensive economic vision for Bahrain, providing a clear direction for the continued development of the Kingdom’s economy and, at its heart, is a shared goal of building a better life for every Bahraini. The launch of the Vision followed four years of extensive discussions with a range of opinion leaders in the public and private sectors, including governmental institutions and organizations, as well as international consultancies and bodies. The Economic Vision 2030 focuses on shaping the vision of the government, society, and the economy, based around three guiding principles; sustainability, fairness, and competitiveness. Following the launch of the Economic Vision 2030, the Economic Development Board (EDB) initiated an on-going program of economic and institutional reform. The EDB led and coordinated with ministries to compile the first National Economic Strategy, which served as a roadmap to achieve the Vision. The vision 2030 also addresses the Sustainable Development Goals 2030. Also, the university complies with the national plan for the development of society which aims to raise the standard of living of families and to enhance self-reliance and financial independence [7].
Figure 7. The Economic Vision 2030, taken from [7]
The MLSD and ASU
The MLSD has developed several projects and programmes to support the aim of the national plan. MLSD has previously used the World Bank’s experiences in developing and structuring a social safety net, developing social assistance systems and implementing a Programme based on two important elements: The first aims to develop standards that define the minimum living requirements in the Kingdom of Bahrain, based on the results of the survey carried out by the Information & eGovernment Authority, which was the cornerstone for the development of government policies towards targeting and developing the most venerable groups at the time. The second aims to consider ways to promote income-generating activities for families and to enhance living conditions in the areas where these families live [8].
Figure 8 .The MLSD and ASU, taken from [8]
Impressive Ranking of 29th among the Best Universities in the Arab world
The Applied Science University is continuously advancing its high-quality education by achieving an impressive ranking of 29th among the best universities in the Arab world, making it into the top 15 in the Gulf region. Thus, the University remarkably maintained such a steady progress in the elite rankings for the third year in a row, from 45th to 37th and finally 29th, based on the assessment made by the QS Arab Region University Rankings 2021.
Yet, ASU has completed an impressive decade of excellence in various scientific and academic grounds, distinguishing itself as the first private University in the Kingdom Bahrain to be ranked 651-700 in the QS Global Ranking, in addition to being ranked among the top 150 emerging universities under the age of 50, and maintaining such rankings for three consecutive years. This just proves how significantly the University has improved its performance by moving eight places ahead of its former ranking in 2020, and 16 places from its classification two years ago.
In addition, ASU has achieved a four-star ranking in the QS Stars international classification. The University is also ranked 401+ in the World’s Times ranking for impact and achieving sustainable development goals, and 45th in the Arab world at the Green Metric Ranking For Green and Environmentally friendly universities, and is the first University in Bahrain and the Arabian Gulf to obtain the ISO 21001:2018 certification for educational institutions management systems for two consecutive years.
At the local level, the University succeeded in passing the institutional review by the Education and Training Quality Authority (BQA), as the official report of the authority showed that the University met all the required standards and indicators. ASU also obtained the institutional accreditation from the Higher Education Council (HEC).
Professor Waheeb Al-Khaja, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and Professor Ghassan Aouad, the President of the University, congratulated all the University’s academic and administrative staff members for this remarkable accomplishment. Prof. Waheeb highlighted that the fact that the University was able to maintain and even improve this high ranking both regionally and internationally cannot be a mere coincidence, but rather a testament and a result of all the hard work and commitment of all the university’s staff members to take ASU to an international level and make it a world-class university.
Prof. Ghassan congratulated Mr. Samir Nass, the Chairman of the Board of Directors and Prof. Waheeb Al-Khaja, as well as all the members of the Board of Directors and Board of Trustees on this achievement. He emphasized on the importance of sustaining the hard work that helped the University reach these new heights and make a huge progress in its internationalization efforts: “The objective has been and will always be to provide an exceptional educational experience to our students, and nurture a strong research and knowledge-producing culture”.
Moreover, the University President also thanked Dr. Majid bin Ali Al Nuaimi, the Minister of Education and members of the Higher Education Council and General Secretariat of the Higher Education Council for their tremendous efforts in raising the education standards in the Kingdom of Bahrain and supporting Bahraini universities. Dr. Muhammad Yusuf Ahmed, Vice President for Administration, Finance and Community Engagement, represented ASU by attending the QS honouring celebrations on this occasion, which was held in Dubai, in the presence of Prof. Amr Ezzat Salama, the Secretary General of the Association of Arab Universities who handed over the certificates to the participating universities.
Achievement of QS World University Ranking
A virtual celebration has been hosted under the patronage of Prof Waheeb Al-Khaja, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, for achieving the new QS World University Ranking 2021. ASU is now ranked 651-700 among the top 1000 out of 5500 universities in the world; thus, becoming the first private university in the Kingdom of Bahrain to achieve this superior position and making it one of the best universities in the world. This with accordance to the annual publication of university rankings by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), and it is one of the world’s most distinguished university ranking organizations.
Therefore, this virtual celebration witnessed Prof Waheeb Al Khaja; Prof Ghassan Aouad, the University President; Dr Ashwin Fernandes, The Regional Director for QS Quacquarelli Symonds in Middle East, North Africa & South Asia; CEO for QS IGAUGE Rating System; including both the University academic and administrative members. This even covered also the honoring moments of QS certificate handover, which was virtually presented by Dr Ashwin to the University President.
In a speech, Prof Aouad stated that this achievement is a reflection that translates the university’s commitment to nurturing a culture of innovation and academic excellence, which is in line with the vision of the educational future in the kingdom of Bahrain and its global competitiveness. He also congratulated both Mr Sameer Nass, the Chairman of the Board of Directors and Prof Waheeb Al Khaja, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, along with all the members of the BOT for their generous care and support for the University to achieve this ranking.
Dr Mohamed Youssef, VP for Administration, Finance and Community Engagement, expressed his happiness on this achievement, highlighting the University’s successful strategies that helped maintain its high educational and scientific standards at the international level.
Bahrain SDGs
