Applied Science University Bahrain’s Collaboration on SDGs

Applied Science University (ASU) in Bahrain actively collaborates with non-governmental organizations (NGOs), government bodies, and businesses to advance all 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These collaborations span student volunteering programs, research initiatives, and the development of educational resources, reflecting ASU’s institutional commitment to sustainable development [1]. Below, we detail ASU’s efforts across these areas, highlighting key policies, partnerships, and events that demonstrate its impact on goals such as health, education, climate action, gender equality, economic growth, and more.

Student Volunteering and Community Engagement

ASU’s Community Engagement Office and student-led Volunteer Club coordinate a wide range of volunteering programs that partner with NGOs, charities, and local businesses to serve the community and address SDGs. These initiatives give students hands-on opportunities to contribute to society while tackling issues like poverty, hunger, health, inequality, and environmental sustainability. Notable examples include:

– No Poverty & Zero Hunger (SDG 1 & 2)

Every year during Ramadan, ASU volunteers organize food aid campaigns for low-income families. In 2024, the university’s Community Engagement Office and Volunteer Club distributed iftar meals and 500 food baskets to families in need in coordination with local charities (e.g. Al-Eker Charity Society) [1]. Such programs not only alleviate hunger but also involve students, staff, alumni, and community members in supporting underprivileged groups. Additionally, ASU has provided full scholarships through the Royal Humanitarian Foundation to enable disadvantaged students to pursue higher education [1], and it waived new student registration fees in 2024/25 to ease financial burdens on families [1]. These actions directly reduce economic barriers to education and opportunity.

– Good Health & Well-Being (SDG 3)

ASU encourages its students and faculty to promote public health through volunteer service and awareness campaigns. At the end of 2020, the university even created a student-led “Health Volunteer Group” dedicated to community health outreach – organizing free health check-ups, wellness days, and routine medical screenings for the public [2]. ASU volunteers regularly participate in national health initiatives: for example, staff and students joined the Bahrain Cancer Society’s Pinkathon 2020 breast cancer awareness event, raising donations to support the Society’s work [2]. Likewise, in October 2019 the ASU community took part in the “Spread Hope” Walkathon organized by the Bahrain Cancer Society to show solidarity with cancer patients [2]. These collaborations with health NGOs enable students to contribute to disease prevention and health education efforts in Bahrain. The University also values mental health and well-being on campus – a point reinforced by health awareness workshops and sports/recreation programs offered to students [3].

– Quality Education & Reduced Inequalities (SDG 4 & 10)

ASU’s volunteering efforts extend to supporting education and inclusion for all. The University hosts an annual NGO Fair where students engage with various NGOs and even secure internships on sustainable development projects [1]. Through this fair, some ASU students have undertaken internships in low-income countries focused on poverty reduction and education, directly contributing to SDGs abroad [1]. Locally, ASU volunteers work with special-needs organizations to foster inclusivity. For instance, the University has an ongoing partnership with the Friendship Society of the Blind – ASU’s President, faculty, and students have joined the Society’s “Walking with the Blind” awareness marches (in 2019 and 2022) under the patronage of Bahrain’s Capital Governorate [2]. These events, which carry the slogan “Society’s support for the blind… is our duty,” demonstrate ASU’s commitment to integrating persons with disabilities into community life and advocating for their rights [2]. Similarly, ASU’s Cultural Club organized a public Sign Language Workshop during Arab Deaf Week, delivered by experts to promote communication skills and awareness for the deaf community [4]. Such activities – often done in collaboration with civic associations – help reduce inequalities by empowering marginalized groups (people of determination, orphans, etc.) and by sensitizing students to diversity and accessibility. Indeed, ASU has a formal Equality and Diversity Policy that prohibits discrimination and guarantees equal opportunity for all staff, students, and visitors regardless of gender, disability, age, or background [4]. This policy underpins the University’s inclusive ethos and aligns with SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 10. In practice, ASU ensures its campus facilities are accessible (e.g. equipping buildings for wheelchair access and providing assistive technologies) and offers counseling support for students with special needs [4].

– Gender Equality (SDG 5)

To empower women and girls, ASU supports numerous initiatives led by its Women’s Club and Student Affairs Department. Each year the University celebrates Bahraini Women’s Day with events highlighting women’s achievements and the importance of gender equality [5]. ASU’s policies explicitly promote an inclusive environment that “ensures equal opportunities for all members”, with programs designed to support female students and staff in leadership and academia [5]. For example, in March 2023 ASU organized an International Women’s Day exhibition (in collaboration with the Women’s Club and the Entrepreneurship Center) to showcase innovative projects by female students and graduates [5]. The event encouraged women’s entrepreneurship and skills development, and senior leadership attended to demonstrate support [5]. ASU also participates in national forums on women’s empowerment in science and education – working closely with the Supreme Council for Women and Bahrain’s Higher Education authorities – to share best practices for preparing women in future sciences and technology fields [5]. Through these efforts, ASU aligns with SDG 5 by fostering women’s leadership and ensuring its campus culture and opportunities are equitable.

– Community Development & Poverty Alleviation

Many of ASU’s volunteer collaborations target broader community development goals. The University frequently works with local charities to assist vulnerable populations. For example, ASU staff and students organized recreational activity days for orphans at the Batelco Home for Child Welfare and the Al Sanabel Orphan Care Society, coinciding with national celebrations and World Children’s Day [1]. These events, hosted in public venues, not only brought joy to children without parental care but also raised community awareness about their needs. ASU has also partnered with the International Organization for Child Protection (INOCPT): the Community Engagement Office visited INOCPT and convened meetings with various child welfare associations to discuss cooperation, even initiating a fundraising drive among students and staff to support INOCPT’s work [2]. Likewise, ASU volunteers annually visit elderly care centers (such as Dar Al-Ber and Muharraq Social Care Centre) to spend time with senior citizens and coordinate support with those institutions [2]. Notably, ASU was honored by Bahrain’s Minister of Labour & Social Development in 2019 for its role in building an online platform to train NGO workers (described more below) – a recognition of the University’s meaningful community service and partnership with government to strengthen civil society [2].

– Environmental Sustainability & Climate Action (SDG 13)

ASU engages students in hands-on environmental projects through NGO partnerships. A flagship example is the ongoing collaboration with the Al Eker Charitable Society to protect Bahrain’s coastal ecosystem. In 2019, ASU’s Community Engagement Office organized multiple volunteer campaigns to clean up the East Al Eker coastline, with participation from ASU staff, students, alumni, local residents, and NGO volunteers [2]. Under the patronage of the Capital Governorate, these clean-ups removed plastic and waste from mangrove areas and public beaches, and volunteers even planted mangrove saplings to rehabilitate the shoreline [2]. By raising environmental awareness and responsibility among students and community members, this initiative contributes to SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water). It has continued in subsequent years – for instance, another coast clean-up campaign took place in Nov 2022 as a “continuation of the series of campaigns” run jointly by ASU and Al Eker Charity, again mobilizing a large team of student and community volunteers [2]. Beyond clean-ups, ASU volunteers have helped improve local living conditions in sustainable ways: in 2019 the University partnered with Al Eker Charity and the student Volunteers Club to paint and renovate houses for underprivileged families in Al-Eker village during Ramadan [2]. And in 2022, ASU teams worked with the charity to rehabilitate home bathrooms for elderly residents in the village, improving sanitation and accessibility [2]. These projects not only uplift the community (supporting SDG 11 for sustainable communities) but also strengthen student social responsibility.

In summary, student volunteering at ASU is deeply intertwined with external collaboration. The University’s strategic plan emphasizes public outreach and partnership “with…charities, prominent figures, institutions, schools and the media” to maximize its social impact [1]. By engaging with dozens of NGOs, government initiatives, and even corporate social responsibility programs, ASU ensures its students actively contribute to Bahrain’s sustainable development efforts. This approach instills civic responsibility in students and leverages their energy to advance the SDGs at the grassroots level [1].

Research and Innovation Programs Supporting the SDGs

Research is another pillar of ASU’s contribution to sustainable development. The University encourages faculty and student research projects that address national challenges and inform solutions aligned with the SDGs. ASU often collaborates with government agencies, health organizations, and industry partners to focus research on priority areas such as poverty reduction, public health, economic growth, and inclusive education. For example, under SDG 1 (No Poverty) ASU explicitly “promotes research focused on poverty alleviation and economic development,” recognizing that academic studies can yield insights into effective anti-poverty strategies for Bahrain [1]. Similarly, for SDG 3 (Good Health & Well-Being), ASU faculty and students undertake research on prevalent health issues in Bahrain – from non-communicable diseases to mental health – in order to develop evidence-based solutions and support public health policies [3]. By aligning research topics with community needs, ASU’s academic output supports informed decision-making to achieve the SDGs.

Crucially, ASU does not pursue research in isolation; it forms partnerships and participates in knowledge-sharing networks to amplify impact. The University has a history of contributing to cross-sector dialogues on sustainable development. For instance, ASU was an active participant in Bahrain’s 2023 Parliamentary Forum for Persons with Disabilities (termed “Determined Individuals”). At this national forum (held under the Parliament President’s patronage), ASU’s Head of Computer Science, Dr. Moayyad Khudhair, presented an academic paper on “Empowering Determined Individuals in the Education Sector… and the Role of Artificial Intelligence.” His presentation highlighted Bahrain’s progress and explored how technologies like AI can enhance inclusive education for students with special needs [4]. ASU students and graduates with disabilities also took part, sharing testimonials on how the University provided a supportive learning environment [4]. This example illustrates ASU’s research engagement for SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), in collaboration with policymakers and even private sector sponsors. (Notably, the forum and a related International Conference for People of Determination were supported by corporate partners like BENEFIT, a leading Bahraini fintech company [4]. ASU’s involvement thus formed part of a multi-stakeholder effort – academia, government, and business – to advance disability inclusion).

ASU also encourages applied research and innovation in areas like sustainable technology, entrepreneurship, and industry, which correspond to SDG 8 (Decent Work & Economic Growth) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure). The University’s commitment to entrepreneurship is evidenced by the award it won at GHEDEX Bahrain 2024 for Entrepreneurship Development [6], reflecting ASU’s emphasis on fostering innovation and supporting start-ups. Research centers and academic programs at ASU often collaborate with industry experts to give students real-world problem-solving experience. For example, ASU offers a BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering program in partnership with London South Bank University (LSBU), which integrates sustainable development topics into the curriculum. One module on Environmental Engineering (delivered as part of the LSBU collaboration) trains students in environmental management and sustainable design [7]. Such academic partnerships ensure that research and teaching keep pace with international best practices and local industry needs, producing graduates equipped to work on renewable energy, green building, and other SDG-related fields.

Moreover, ASU has forged formal agreements to link academia with professional practice. The University signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Bahrain Society for Human Resource Management, a national professional NGO, to strengthen cooperation in areas of business administration and HR development [6]. This MoU aims to “build bridges of communication with professional entities” so that ASU’s business and management research remains relevant to labor market needs [6]. By collaborating with industry associations, ASU can involve practitioners in research projects, jointly host workshops or studies, and better prepare students for careers that drive economic growth (addressing SDG 8). Likewise, in 2022 ASU signed an MoU with the At’aa Individual Social Responsibility Society, an NGO focused on social development, to expand community-oriented research and projects [2]. This partnership aligns with ASU’s strategy of community engagement and helps channel academic expertise into solving social issues.

At the policy level, ASU contributes research-based expertise to national development plans. The University was part of the task force that developed Bahrain’s National Higher Education Strategy, recognizing higher education as a catalyst for sustainable economic and social progress [1]. Through cooperation with the Higher Education Council, industry, and other stakeholders, this strategy outlines themes like “quality enhancement,” “skills for the future,” and “entrepreneurship” – goals that mirror several SDGs [1]. ASU’s involvement in shaping such strategies demonstrates how its institutional knowledge and research feed into broader policy frameworks (supporting SDG 17’s call for partnerships to strengthen implementation of the goals). Indeed, Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030 explicitly ties into the SDGs and emphasizes sustainability, and ASU has aligned its own strategic plan with these national visions [1]. The University’s research agenda and collaborations are thus deliberately oriented to national priorities: as the vision states, Bahrain aims to produce graduates with skills for the global knowledge economy while ensuring sustainable growth [1], a mission that ASU’s research and innovation programs actively support.

In summary, ASU’s research programs support the SDGs through targeted projects and collaborative partnerships. From health sciences research that improves well-being [3], to technological innovation for sustainability, to policy-oriented studies on education and inclusion [4], the University leverages academic inquiry as a tool for development. By working closely with government, NGOs, and industry, ASU ensures that research findings are translated into practice – whether via new policies, community interventions, or startup ventures – thereby tackling real-world problems in line with the 2030 Agenda.

Development of Educational Resources and Partnerships

Beyond volunteering and research, ASU contributes to the SDGs by developing educational resources and programs that benefit both its students and the wider community. These efforts often involve collaboration with NGOs, businesses, and government to create learning opportunities, training courses, and knowledge platforms addressing sustainable development challenges. Key initiatives include:

– Training and Capacity-Building Platforms

One of ASU’s standout projects is the creation of an online training platform for NGO personnel, developed in partnership with Bahrain’s Ministry of Labour and Social Development (MLSD). In 2019, ASU’s Community Engagement Office built this e-learning platform to train 400 NGO volunteers and staff in financial management over a 12-month period [2]. The program awards a Professional Certificate in NGO Fund Management to participants, qualifying them to serve as financial officers or accountants in non-profit organizations [2]. The training is delivered through monthly online modules, allowing trainees to study at their own pace and take assessments for each unit [2]. This collaboration fills a crucial educational need in the NGO sector – strengthening the financial governance of charities – which in turn supports SDG 16 (Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions) by improving transparency and effectiveness in civil society groups. The impact of this project was significant enough that the Minister of Labour & Social Development publicly honored ASU’s President and team for “supporting the online platform system to train NGOs” [2]. The MLSD even provided 20 complimentary accounts for ASU students to participate in the training, ensuring students also gain skills in nonprofit management [2]. This is a prime example of ASU acting as an educational resource hub for the community – using its expertise to empower other organizations with knowledge and thereby magnifying its contribution to the SDGs.

– Open Educational Resources & Community Access

ASU extends its educational resources to the public as part of its commitment to lifelong learning (SDG 4). The University provides public access to its library and information services, enabling individuals outside ASU to benefit from academic materials. Community members can request a login to use the university’s e-library resources (books, journals, databases), expanding their knowledge beyond the campus [8]. Additionally, ASU’s library welcomes visitors on site – it offers a “research room” reservation system for external scholars or students from other institutions to use library space for their projects [8]. By opening up its library in this way, ASU supports quality education and reduces inequalities in access to information. It also regularly hosts public workshops and lectures in collaboration with NGOs to spread knowledge on important topics. For example, ASU partnered with the At’aa Social Responsibility Society to deliver a live public lecture on internet fraud awareness via Instagram Live, presented by the Director of ASU’s Community Engagement Office for the benefit of the general community [2]. Such outreach programs harness ASU’s academic expertise to educate citizens on practical issues (in this case, cybersecurity and fraud prevention), thereby building community awareness and resilience (contributing to SDG 11 on sustainable communities and SDG 16 on justice/institutions). ASU faculty and staff also serve as resource persons at external events – e.g. giving workshops at schools, speaking at community seminars – often in coordination with government or NGO initiatives on education, health, or environment [3] [2].

– Curriculum Development with SDG Focus

Internally, ASU continually develops its academic programs to incorporate sustainability principles and to produce graduates equipped to advance the SDGs. The integration of SDG topics into curricula is evident in several programs. As mentioned, the engineering programs (run jointly with LSBU) include dedicated modules on environmental engineering and sustainability practices [7]. The business programs embed social responsibility and ethics, and the law programs address issues like environmental law and human rights, aligning with SDG 16. ASU also offers specialized degrees in health sciences and nursing, directly contributing to SDG 3 by training the healthcare workforce [3]. These programs often involve practical projects or clinical outreach, which in turn serve community needs (for instance, nursing students might conduct health education sessions in the community as part of their training). Moreover, ASU has set up entrepreneurship and innovation centers on campus that act as incubators for student projects targeting SDG challenges (from fintech solutions to social enterprises). The success of these efforts is reflected in student achievements – e.g., ASU students have won national awards for innovation and have showcased projects at events like Expo 2020 Dubai [9]. By updating educational content and supporting student initiatives, ASU ensures that its graduates possess the knowledge and skills to drive sustainable economic growth (SDG 8) and innovation (SDG 9) in Bahrain’s future.

– Collaborative Educational Events

ASU often co-hosts or sponsors events that disseminate knowledge on sustainability. For example, the University was a key academic partner in the 2022 International Conference and Exhibition for the People of Determination, which was supported by the Bahrain Association for Parents and Friends of the Disabled and sponsored by private companies like BENEFIT [4]. The conference brought global experts to Bahrain to discuss the latest technologies and services for persons with disabilities, providing a platform for educators, researchers, NGOs, and businesses to learn and network [4]. ASU’s involvement (through presentations and student participation) in such conferences helps share research findings and best practices widely, effectively turning the events into educational resources for the community and influencing stakeholders to adopt more inclusive practices (advancing SDG 10). Similarly, ASU has hosted NGO-related events on campus: in February 2020, the University provided its auditorium for the closing ceremony of the 11th “بيتكم بيتنا” (Your Home is Our Home) project organized by Ayadi Relief Organization. This project mobilized volunteer school teams to repair and furnish homes of needy Bahraini families [2]. By hosting the ceremony, ASU not only supported the NGO logistically but also highlighted the value of youth volunteerism in addressing poverty and housing issues (SDG 1 and SDG 11). These examples show how ASU’s facilities and expertise are leveraged in partnership with NGOs to educate, celebrate, and scale up successful sustainable development initiatives.

– Policy and Advocacy Education

ASU also plays a role in educating future policymakers and raising awareness of sustainable development at the national level. University leaders and students have been involved in high-profile dialogues like the “Role of Education in Promoting the Values of Forgiveness” conference (2016) under the patronage of the King, organized by the King Hamad Centre for Peaceful Coexistence and This is Bahrain Society [2]. By participating in such events, ASU contributes to the educational discourse on SDG 16 (peace, justice) and SDG 4 (quality education), emphasizing values of tolerance and coexistence in curricula. Furthermore, ASU’s academic publications and theses serve as knowledge resources on SDG topics. For instance, an ASU Master’s thesis in Law examined “Criminal Liability for Medical Errors in Bahraini Legislation” – research that can inform healthcare policy and patient safety (relevant to SDG 3) [5]. The University’s Dean of Research publicly commended this work, underscoring ASU’s support for student research that addresses real legal and social issues [5]. By encouraging such scholarly contributions and making them available (often through its library or online repository), ASU adds to the pool of educational resources on sustainable development challenges in Bahrain.

In essence, ASU functions as an educational catalyst beyond its campus – creating resources and partnerships that empower others to advance the SDGs. Whether it’s through online training for NGO workers, public access to knowledge, collaborative events, or SDG-oriented curriculum enhancements, the University is sharing its intellectual and physical resources for the greater good. This approach exemplifies SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), as ASU works hand-in-hand with government ministries, civil society, and the private sector to develop capacities and spread sustainable development education widely. The outcome is a virtuous cycle: ASU’s community benefits from enriched learning and networking, while Bahraini society gains skilled graduates, informed citizens, and stronger institutions to drive sustainable development.

Conclusion

From the above, it is clear that Applied Science University in Bahrain actively collaborates with NGOs, government, and businesses through volunteering, research, and education to tackle all 17 SDGs. The University’s multifaceted strategy includes mobilizing student volunteers for community service, pursuing research that addresses local sustainability challenges, and developing educational programs and resources in partnership with societal stakeholders. These efforts cover goals ranging from health and education to gender equality, economic growth, climate action, and beyond. Not only does ASU implement policies (such as its equality and diversity policy) to embed the SDGs in its own operations [4], but it also reaches outward to uplift the community – for example, by collaborating with charitable societies to fight poverty [1], integrating climate initiatives into campus life [7], and empowering women and disadvantaged groups through targeted programs [5]. ASU’s leadership has explicitly tied the university’s mission to sustainable development, noting that excellence in education and research goes hand-in-hand with community impact and global responsibility [6]. In fact, ASU is ranked among the top institutions globally for its social and environmental impact – it placed in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings and earned a high GreenMetric sustainability ranking as the first private university in Bahrain to do so [1].

Overall, ASU Bahrain demonstrates a comprehensive and proactive approach to the SDGs: through volunteer partnerships (e.g. with Al-Eker Charity, Bahrain Cancer Society, Friendship Society of the Blind, etc.), research collaborations (with health authorities, industry, and international forums), and educational resource development (from training platforms to open libraries). These collaborations illustrate that ASU, as an institution, sees itself as an integral part of the community and a key player in Bahrain’s 2030 Agenda efforts. By building bridges between academia and society, ASU is not only enriching student learning but also directly contributing to sustainable development outcomes in Bahrain and beyond [1]. The evidence of policies, events, and partnerships presented above affirms that the Applied Science University in Bahrain indeed leverages its full capacity – human, intellectual, and infrastructural – in collaboration with NGOs and businesses to drive progress on all SDGs.

References