17.3.4 : SDG 4 Progress Report for Al-Ayen Iraqi University (2023) 

1. Introduction and Overview:

Al-Ayen Iraqi University, located in An Nasiriyah, Dhi Qar, Iraq, demonstrates a firm commitment to sustainable development and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The university actively aligns its educational activities, community engagement, and international collaborations with the SDGs, especially SDG 4: Quality Education, emphasizing accessibility, quality, and innovation in educational practices.

1. As part of its commitment to advancing research excellence, Al-Ayen University is proud to highlight a selection of successfully completed research grants. These projects, funded by the University through competitive internal programs, reflect the dedication of our researchers to addressing real-world scientific and technological challenges. This effort contributes to SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), 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/1948

Link: https://en.alayen.edu.iq/grants/sub/2   

2.Al-Ayen Iraqi University organized a workshop on technological and scientific incubators as a pathway to foster innovation and entrepreneurship. The workshop highlighted the role of incubators in supporting startups, linking academia with the private sector, and aligning learning outcomes with market needs. This initiative supports SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by promoting innovation and sustainable academic development.

Link: https://alayen.edu.iq/news/details/3385

3. A delegation from the College of Law, headed by the Dean, Assistant Professor Dr. Khalid Kadhim Awda Al-Ibrahimi, and including the Assistant Dean, Dr. Ghassan, and Assistant Lecturer Hussam Ali Aziz, visited the Dhi Qar Court of Appeals. This visit was part of the College's initiative to explore avenues for cooperation between the two institutions and to establish a virtual court at the university. This effort contributes to 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/2241

4. Assistant Professor Dr. Hussein Muhibis, Head of the Student Activities Department, received a delegation from the Iraqi Athletes Syndicate – Dhi Qar Branch, headed by the Syndicate President, Captain Sarmad Mohammed Redha, to explore prospects for joint cooperation between the two institutions. The two parties discussed avenues of collaboration, including organizing several developmental training courses, as well as various events and festivals aimed at supporting all sports champions in the province across different athletic disciplines. This effort contributes to 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/2809  

5. A delegation from Al-Ayen Iraqi University visited Mansoura University in the Arab Republic of Egypt to explore opportunities for academic and scientific collaboration. The discussions focused on establishing partnerships in medicine, artificial intelligence engineering, and other academic fields, as well as exchanging expertise and strengthening international cooperation. This initiative supports SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering cross-border collaboration, research excellence, and global academic integration.

Link: https://alayen.edu.iq/news/details/1948

6. The Engineering Technical College at Al-Ayen Iraqi University signed a scientific cooperation memorandum with the Electrical Engineering Technical College to strengthen academic partnership and exchange expertise between institutions. The agreement includes joint curriculum development, laboratory upgrades, mutual scientific visits, and collaboration in cybersecurity education and research. This initiative supports SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by promoting innovation, academic excellence, and strong institutional collaboration.

Link: https://alayen.edu.iq/news/details/3125

7. The College of Health and Medical Technologies at Al-Ayen Iraqi University signed a twinning and cooperation agreement with Al-Furat Al-Awsat University to strengthen academic and scientific collaboration. The agreement focuses on enhancing education, research, and professional training, as well as exchanging expertise and scientific visits between the two institutions. This partnership supports SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by promoting medical innovation, skill development, and sustainable cooperation in the health sector.

Link: https://alayen.edu.iq/news/details/3191

8. Al-Ayen Iraqi University signed a pioneering twinning agreement with Al-Muthanna University to strengthen academic and research collaboration between the two institutions. The partnership includes joint conferences, workshops, exchange of academic materials, and collaborative programs in dentistry, pharmacy, engineering, and humanities. This initiative advances SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering innovation, research excellence, and sustainable educational development.

Link: https://alayen.edu.iq/news/details/2659

9. The Colleges of Pharmacy and Engineering Technology at Al-Ayen Iraqi University signed an administrative twinning agreement to enhance academic and administrative collaboration. The partnership covers key areas such as quality assurance, sustainable development, continuous education, women’s affairs, and community service. This initiative supports SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering cooperation, innovation, and inclusive academic progress. 

 Link: https://alayen.edu.iq/news/details/3373

10- As part of Al Ayen Iraqi University's sustainable international cooperation and training plan for third-year students nominated for summer internships outside Iraq, students from the Petroleum Engineering Department at the College of Engineering in Iraq undertook an educational visit to Sharif University of Technology in the Islamic Republic of Iran on Tuesday, July 30, 2024. This visit aimed to enhance the students' scientific knowledge and practical skills through direct interaction with the advanced infrastructure and laboratories at Sharif University. In addition to the academic component, the program also included cultural tours of the city, where the students learned about Iranian history and culture. These tours added a cultural dimension to their training experience, contributing to a deeper understanding of their surrounding environment. This visit reflects Al Ayen Iraqi University commitment to providing outstanding educational opportunities for its students and developing their skills. It also demonstrates the university's dedication to building strong academic partnerships with leading international universities, which helps prepare a generation of distinguished petroleum engineers. This initiative supports SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering innovation, research excellence, and sustainable educational development.

 Link: https://alayen.edu.iq/news/details/2726

11- Visit of students from the College of Engineering at Al-Ayen Iraqi University in Iraq to the Science and Technology Research Institute in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Third-year students undertaking their summer training outside Iraq visited the Institute of Science and Technology Research in the Islamic Republic of Iran on Saturday, July 27, 2024. The visit included several important activities, most notably:

Interaction with local students: The students met with their peers from the Institute of Science and Nutrition, where they exchanged cultural and academic experiences, contributing to enhanced mutual understanding and strengthening academic ties between students from different countries.

Visiting research projects: Students were introduced to research projects and scientific initiatives, gaining insight into how research and innovation are conducted in an international academic environment. This visit aims to strengthen academic cooperation between educational institutions and provide students with an opportunity to gain new experiences and broaden their scientific and cultural horizons. This initiative supports SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering innovation, research excellence, and sustainable educational development.

Link: https://alayen.edu.iq/news/details/2714

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SDG 4 Progress Report for Al-Ayen Iraqi University (2023) 

1. Introduction and Overview:

Al-Ayen Iraqi University, located in An Nasiriyah, Dhi Qar, Iraq, demonstrates a firm commitment to sustainable development and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The university actively aligns its educational activities, community engagement, and international collaborations with the SDGs, especially SDG 4: Quality Education, emphasizing accessibility, quality, and innovation in educational practices.

2. Detailed SDG Contributions:

Research Initiatives and Publications:

In 2023, Al-Ayen University contributed 8 publications directly aligned with SDG 4, covering topics like educational technology, AI-assisted teaching methods, and innovative assessment models in education.

Key Educational Events and Workshops:

• Al-Ayen University’s Continuing Education Center enhances educational quality through workshops on lab standards, sustainable development, time management, and occupational safety. These initiatives equip students and staff with essential skills, promote well-being, and ensure high standards in educational practices, fostering a safe, sustainable, and effective learning environment aligned with global goals.

Community and Student Engagement Initiatives:

• Al-Ayen Iraqi University actively engages students in diverse initiatives that align with SDG 4.  Al-Ayen has been active in promoting extracurricular learning opportunities. For instance, the university’s Student Activities Department was recognized for its robust program, which encompasses arts, sports, and cultural events to support a well-rounded educational experience.

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• Empowering future generations, Al-Ayen University hosts interactive workshops, school visits, and scholarships, fostering educational opportunities and community support through partnerships with local schools, in alignment with SDG 4.

Collaborations and Partnerships:

• Al-Ayen University’s recent partnerships reflect its commitment to academic excellence, community engagement, and global collaboration. The university’s initiatives include agreements with local and international institutions, such as the Academics Syndicate in Dhi Qar, Sohar University in Oman, and Warith Al-Anbiya University, focusing on enhancing research, quality assurance, and knowledge-sharing. Meetings with bodies like the High Commission for Human Rights emphasize Al-Ayen’s dedication to social responsibility and human rights education. Additionally, engagements with institutions like the American University of Baghdad open global opportunities, preparing students for programs like Fulbright. These collaborations advance Al-Ayen’s educational standards and strategic growth.

• Al-Ayen Iraqi University has established key international partnerships to elevate educational standards and foster research collaboration. These include a partnership with Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP) in Malaysia, promoting academic exchange and scientific research. The university also collaborates with Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) and UCSI University, expanding opportunities for innovation and education. Additionally, Al-Ayen signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) to further enhance academic engagement. Partnerships with five prominent Iranian universities, including Khwarizmi and Shahid Beheshti, and collaboration with the Malaysian OXIS Center aim to bring advanced research, innovation, and academic resources to Iraq’s educational landscape.

3. Visual Elements:

• Charts and Graphs: The doughnut chart illustrates Al-Ayen Iraqi University's focus areas in SDG 4-related initiatives. Educational workshops form the largest segment, constituting 40% of activities, followed by student involvement in SDG programs at 30%. Climate support activities contribute 20%, while school awareness initiatives account for 10%. This distribution reflects the university's commitment to quality education through diverse engagements, prioritizing direct learning events and fostering environmental and community awareness among students and local schools.

• Images and Infographics: AUIQ offers diverse workshops, from performance evaluation and AI for sustainability to Fulbright scholarship guidance. Programs like the developmental course for scouting officials, university regulations workshop, and dental entrepreneurship activities support leadership, academic integrity, and innovation, emphasizing the university's commitment to holistic, sustainable education and global engagement.

4. Supporting Documents and Links:

For further details, please refer to:

• [Al-Ayen University SDG Contributions - University Website] (https://en.alayen.edu.iq/sdj/sub_details/88)
• Related publications and annual reports accessible via Scopus data base and relevant online platforms.