SDG 1: No Poverty
Introduction
The University supports the Kingdom's efforts in achieving SDG 1. ASU works closely with the government and private sector to develop and implement innovative solutions to combat poverty, including entrepreneurship programs and community-based initiatives. Through these efforts, ASU is helping to create a more sustainable future for the Kingdom of Bahrain and contributing towards the achievement of SDG 1. The first Sustainable Development Goal aims to eradicate extreme poverty worldwide. Poverty is a major challenge facing many countries, including Bahrain. To address this issue, the Kingdom of Bahrain has taken various initiatives, including social welfare programs, employment opportunities, and initiatives to promote economic growth. The third main pillar of the University's strategic plan is community engagement which aligns with SDG 1: No Poverty by actively participating in national community activities through education, research, volunteerism, and partnerships, the university aims to raise awareness about poverty-related issues and provide support to individuals and families in need, and collaborate with various stakeholders to create opportunities for economic empowerment. By engaging with the community and addressing some causes of poverty, the university contributes to the global goal of ending poverty in all its forms.
The kingdom of Bahrain issued Law No. (18) [1] of 2006 on social security that resulted in the establishment of a special fund for social security. Work is being done to invest the proceeds of the social security fund in constructing new commercial complexes that allocate their profits to the Social Security Fund to support needy families. The purpose is to raise the standard of living of citizens and to meet the needs of people in each category by contributing appropriate income, narrowing the differences between the groups of society, and achieves social justice desired among all levels of society.
Besides that, the national plan for the development of society aims to raise the standard of living of families and to enhance self-reliance and financial independence. The Kingdom of Bahrain has developed several projects and programs to support the aim of the national plan. Bahrain has previously used the World Bank's experiences in developing and structuring a social safety net, developing social assistance systems, and implementing a program 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 & government 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.
As a higher education institution, ASU operates with a clear vision to become “A leading University promoting excellence in applied education and research in Bahrain and the region”.
Great attention was given by the University towards supporting the students, which they have been regarded as the core educational process and institutional sustainability. The University did not hesitate to invest in providing all facilities for the students who need financial aid.
This includes support and scholarships that are granted annually by the Student Aid Fund who experience financial difficulties during educational journey as it’s part of the University future investment for youth which enables them to step ahead to accomplish their studies and the improvement of social community in line with the strategies of Higher Education Council in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Moreover, ASU helps and supports SDG1 through different activities and events that allow all members of the University and the community to have opportunities that raise the quality of life of people.
Bahrain efforts for SDG 1:
https://www.sdgs.gov.bh/Goal/?ID=TXYu0NjodAYzBODQlLqdmg==