Al-Ayen Iraqi University – SDG 2 Progress Report (2024)

Introduction and Overview

Al-Ayen Iraqi University is dedicated to promoting sustainable development, aligning its goals with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The university actively engages in initiatives to support SDG 2: Zero Hunger, focusing on sustainable agriculture, food security, and community outreach to reduce hunger and support vulnerable populations.

1. The Engineering Technical College organized a voluntary visit to Al-Tadhamun First Orphanage School in Al-Nasiriya, accompanied by a group of students from the Computer Engineering and Biomedical Engineering departments. This initiative reflects the college’s belief in the community’s duty to care for orphans and supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). The visit included a shared breakfast with the children and various interactive and service activities and was warmly welcomed by the orphanage administration, which expressed its readiness for future collaboration.

Link: https://alayen.edu.iq/news/details/2154

2. Al-Ayen Iraqi University organized a communal Ramadan Iftar that brought together students from dormitories, orphans, faculty members, and university staff in a spirit of compassion and unity. This humanitarian initiative is part of the university’s annual program to support orphans and students from other provinces during the holy month. It supports SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by promoting social solidarity, inclusion, and care for vulnerable groups.

Link: https://alayen.edu.iq/news/details/2155

3. On Monday, November 18, 2024, the College of Dentistry at Al Ayen Iraqi University organized a charity bazaar with the aim of supporting charitable and community activities and providing opportunities for students to participate in volunteer work that benefits the community. This effort contributes to (SDG1: No Poverty), (SDGs 2 :No Hunger).

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

4. On Wednesday, December 11, 2024, Assistant Professor Dr. Haider Marhoon, Vice President of Al-Ayen Iraqi University, announced the allocation of 15 free seats in the university's departments and colleges for orphans from the Al-Yateem Charitable Foundation. This initiative was coordinated with the Al-Ayen University Foundation, a humanitarian organization. The Vice President received Ahmed Hussein Al-Madani, head of the Al-Yateem Charitable Foundation's branch in Dhi Qar, at his office, where he expressed his gratitude for this initiative, which encourages orphans to persevere and strive for excellence in their studies. He added that this initiative is part of the university's ongoing humanitarian program to combat poverty and hunger. This effort contributes to (SDG1: No Poverty), (SDGs 2 :No Hunger), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering a sustainable research environment and supporting innovation within the academic community.                                

Link: https://alayen.edu.iq/news/details/3279

5.Believing in the principle that caring for orphans is a duty incumbent upon society and continuing to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG1: No Poverty), (SDGs 2 No Hunger), and (SDGs 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), the College of Engineering Technology launched its volunteer campaign with an initiative to visit the Al-Tadhamun First School for Orphans in Nasiriyah, accompanied by a delegation of students from both departments (Computer Engineering Technology, Medical Devices Engineering Technology) for both morning and evening studies. The delegation was headed by the Assistant Dean for Administrative Affairs, Dr. Moudi Lafteh, and a number of faculty members.

Link: https://alayen.edu.iq/news/details/2154

6. In a remarkable humanitarian gesture, continuing to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG1 1: No Poverty), (SDGs 2 No Hunger), and (SDGs 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions). The College of Engineering at Al-Ayen Iraqi University organized a visit to the Al-Zuhour Orphanage, with the participation of several faculty members and students. This visit aimed to promote social responsibility and a spirit of giving among the participants, as well as to combat poverty. This visit is part of the college's ongoing efforts to support the local community and underscores its active role in achieving community development.

Link: https://alayen.edu.iq/news/details/3120

7. As part of Global Entrepreneurship Week, the College of Education at Al-Ayen Iraqi University organized a charity bazaar aimed at supporting community initiatives and fostering a spirit of cooperation and philanthropy among students and faculty members. The charity bazaar featured a variety of displays and products, most notably handicrafts, traditional foods, and art exhibitions. The proceeds were dedicated to supporting charitable projects and humanitarian activities, reflecting the university's mission to achieve sustainable development and serve the community.  It supports SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by promoting social solidarity, inclusion, and care for vulnerable groups.

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

Al-Ayen Iraqi University demonstrates a strong and sustained commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger) through an extensive portfolio of 26 peer-reviewed publications in 2024 addressing food security, sustainable agriculture, environmental resilience, and smart farming technologies. These research contributions span a wide spectrum of disciplines, from agricultural sciences and environmental engineering to biotechnology and data-driven precision farming, highlighting the university’s global engagement in tackling hunger and improving agricultural sustainability. Below is a list of these publications: