Al-Ayen Iraqi University – SDG 1 Progress Report (2024)

1. The event "College of Education Charity Bazaar (Global Entrepreneurship Week)" offered local artisans and student teams free stalls to sell crafts and local foods, helping micro-entrepreneurs generate income and gain market exposure. It represents in-kind financial assistance and business incubation support aligned with SDG 1 by facilitating early-stage, community-based enterprises.

Link: https://alayen.edu.iq/news/details/3232 

2. This College of Dentistry Charity Bazaar financed social initiatives through sales of handmade products and student innovations. By channeling proceeds toward humanitarian projects and reducing booth fees, it provided financial support to local and student-run ventures, fostering socially sustainable entrepreneurship consistent with SDG 1.

Link: https://alayen.edu.iq/news/details/3136 

3. The Engineering Innovation Fair combined exhibitions of prototypes with "College of Engineering Innovation & Student Bazaar" for student-made products. The university’s sponsorship, provision of materials, and free exhibition spaces acted as financial assistance for start-ups and innovators, strengthening the culture of practical entrepreneurship and supporting SDG 1.

Link: https://alayen.edu.iq/news/details/3229 

4. Health & Medical Technologies Entrepreneurship Conference showcased student projects providing innovative healthcare solutions and was attended by a national committee evaluating entrepreneurial outcomes. By linking research projects to market needs and offering mentoring and resource support, the initiative contributed to sustainable, health-focused business creation aligned with SDG 1.
Link: https://alayen.edu.iq/news/details/3211 

5. The Computer Engineering Technology Department supported a Laser-Sensor Project development through access to laboratories and materials, representing in-kind financial support for applied innovation. Such backing enables students and local partners to transform engineering ideas into commercially viable products, fulfilling SDG 1 through support for sustainable start-ups.
Link: https://alayen.edu.iq/news/details/2026 

6. Al-Ayen Iraqi University publicly promotes and supports students’ entrepreneurial and creative talents through a dedicated online platform titled “Student Talents”. This digital showcase highlights students’ work in photography, calligraphy, writing, poetry, and design, offering them free online visibility and marketing space for their skills and creative products. By providing cost-free promotion and exposure on the official university website, the institution gives students and young entrepreneurs a form of financial assistance in kind helping them reach audiences, attract clients, and establish socially and economically sustainable micro-businesses.
Link: https://en.alayen.edu.iq/talents

7. The Artificial Intelligence Forum at Al-Ayen Iraqi University serves as an entrepreneurial and educational hub that provides practical training, mentorship, and applied project support for students and community members interested in artificial intelligence and digital technologies. Through its workshops, hackathons, and innovation projects, the Forum helps participants transform their ideas into financially and socially sustainable start-ups, especially in fields such as healthcare, engineering, education, and business. By offering free access to training, resources, and university facilities, the Forum provides in-kind financial assistance that reduces the costs of developing prototypes and digital solutions. It also facilitates collaboration with local and international companies, enabling participants to secure internships, sponsorships, and funding opportunities.

Link: https://aiclub.alayen.edu.iq/en/

Al-Ayen Iraqi University contributes to advancing SDG1 through its engagement in impactful research addressing environmental and socio-economic resilience. One of the university’s 2024 publications is:

1.4.2 Local start-up financial assistance

Al-Ayen Iraqi University is dedicated to promoting local economic development through various initiatives, including financial assistance for start-ups. By fostering an entrepreneurial spirit among students and engaging with the community, the university actively supports efforts that empower individuals and families. This commitment aligns with its mission to enhance social welfare and reduce poverty.

1- The Medical Laboratory Technology Department at Al-Ayen Iraqi University organized a charity bazaar aimed at providing financial assistance to underprivileged families. By showcasing handmade crafts, artwork, and culinary creations from students, the bazaar served as a community fundraising event, raising essential funds to support local families in need. This initiative aligns with SDG 1 by fostering local start-up financial assistance and promoting social welfare within the community. Through such efforts, Al-Ayen demonstrates its commitment to addressing poverty and enhancing the economic resilience of disadvantaged families in the region.

Link: https://alayen.edu.iq/news/details/1769

2- Al-Ayen University Hosts the First Day of the Second Annual Shubad Women’s Festival, contributing to SDG 1: No Poverty by fostering economic opportunities for women. The festival's women's bazaar allowed female artisans to sell their handcrafted goods, enabling them to generate income and support their families. Such initiatives are essential in alleviating poverty, as they provide vulnerable groups with the tools and opportunities to improve their financial well-being and reduce poverty through economic empowerment and self-sustainability.

Link: https://alayen.edu.iq/news/details/1167

The Sustainable Development Goals: Al-Ayen Iraqi University's Evolving Strategy Towards 2027

https://en.alayen.edu.iq/public/en/save_file/files/88168e6e6c98e106163890bee72924b8_.pdf