Al-Ayen Iraqi University – SDG 11 Progress Report (2024)

This report provides an overview of Al-Ayen Iraqi University’s Communities , Initiatives and Activities and research contributions in 2024, specifically aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11) - Sustainable Cities and Communities.

1.The Dean of the College of Education, Dr. Hussein Barghouth Marhoon Al-Husseini, and the Assistant Dean for Scientific Affairs, Dr. Jalal Shinta Jabr, represented Al-Ayen University in the Dhi Qar Forum for the Sustainability of Antiquities and Marshes, held under the theme “Our Heritage and Marshes Are the Identity of Our Nation.” Hosted by the Southern Technical University – Al-Shatra Technical Institute, the event emphasized cultural and environmental preservation. This participation supports SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 15 (Life on Land) by promoting heritage conservation and environmental sustainability.

Link: https://alayen.edu.iq/news/details/2079

2. In coordination with the Dhi Qar Police Command and the Ministry of Water Resources, the College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences at Al-Ayen Iraqi University organized a field visit to the Al-Chibayish Marshes in Dhi Qar Governorate on Sunday, March 3, 2024. The visit included several key activities, the first of which was a scientific seminar led by Dr. Ammar Zuhair Sabri, Head of the Theoretical Sciences Department at the College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences. The seminar addressed the Ministry of Higher Education’s curricula and the university presidency’s directives on preserving the cultural heritage of the marshes and promoting it as part of the world heritage. This effort contributes to SDG 6 ,  SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), Climate Action (SDG 13), Life Below Water (SDG 14) , 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/2074

3. The Dean of the College of Law, Assistant Professor Dr. Khalid Kadhim Awda Al-Ibrahimi, participated in the fifth Al-Rafidain Forum (RCD Forum) in Baghdad, in the presence of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani and more than 1,000 political and academic figures from 35 Arab and foreign countries.The fifth forum, entitled "The Future of Humanity: Crises and Solutions," aims to showcase a positive image of Baghdad. Participants will discuss international, regional, and local issues related to the future of humanity, the transformations in the general situation both domestically and internationally, and ways to overcome these crises. This initiative advances SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities)  and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).  

Link: https://alayen.edu.iq/news/details/2063

4.Al-Ayen Iraqi University and its Teaching Hospital have implemented smart emergency exit lighting systems to enhance safety standards across all facilities. These intelligent systems ensure continuous illumination and clear guidance during emergencies, supporting rapid and safe evacuation for patients, staff, and students. This initiative reflects the university’s commitment to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by integrating advanced safety technologies that foster a secure and sustainable educational and healthcare environment.

5. On Sunday, October 13, 2024, Al-Ayen Iraqi University hosted the third meeting of the Higher Committee for Education in the province, chaired by the First Deputy Governor of Dhi Qar, Professor Razzaq Kashish Al-Ghazi. Also in attendance were the Assistant Dean for Scientific Affairs at Al-Ayen University, Assistant Professor Dr. Haider Marhoon, and the presidents of the universities in the province. The meeting discussed the establishment of a "Dhi Qar Development Conference." The establishment of a Dhi Qar Heritage Museum, which would showcase the province's heritage, was also discussed, with the aim of preserving Dhi Qar's legacy and commemorating its significant role at the national level. This initiative advances SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), Climate Action (SDG 13) ,and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering innovation, research excellence, and sustainable educational development.

 Link:https://alayen.edu.iq/news/details/2859 

6. Al-Ayen Iraqi University and its Teaching Hospital have introduced new electric fire safety and emergency response vehicles to enhance safety and sustainability across their facilities. These environmentally friendly vehicles are equipped with advanced firefighting tools and systems, ensuring quick and effective response while reducing carbon emissions. This initiative supports SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by promoting clean energy use, improving safety infrastructure, and fostering a sustainable and secure environment for education and healthcare.

Al-Ayen Iraqi University’s 2024 research contributions: 

This report provides an overview of Al-Ayen Iraqi University’s Communities and research contributions in 2024, specifically aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11) - Sustainable Cities and Communities. The university has made significant strides in urban sustainability through various research projects and publications. The alignment with SDG 11 is evident in the following topics and subject areas, demonstrating AUIQ's commitment to promoting sustainable urban development and addressing critical challenges in urban environments.

Overview of Research Contributions for SDG 11

• Urban Climate Resilience: Research examining the impacts of climate change on urban environments, including heat stress management in tropical cities, to enhance urban resilience.
• Sustainable Energy Infrastructure: Studies on optimal site selection for solar photovoltaic power plants, aiming to promote clean energy integration in urban areas.
• Air Quality Improvement: Development of advanced predictive models for air quality forecasting, contributing to cleaner and healthier urban environments.
• Disaster Risk Management: Assessing environmental impacts of dam breaches using remote sensing technology to improve urban safety and disaster preparedness.
• Flood Risk Mitigation: Innovative data-driven approaches to enhance flood risk management, ensuring the safety and sustainability of urban communities.
• Smart Energy Optimization: Research on energy-efficient solutions for smart buildings, focusing on demand-side management to reduce energy consumption.
• Urban Heat Island Mitigation: High-resolution studies on the urban heat island effect, aimed at developing strategies to cool cities and improve livability.
• Efficient Water Resource Management: Advanced techniques for flood mapping and drought forecasting, supporting effective water resource management in urban areas.
• Soil Moisture and Drought Analysis: Spatiotemporal analysis of soil moisture to understand and mitigate drought impacts in urban and surrounding areas.
• Hydrological Forecasting: Application of soft computing techniques for improved forecasting of hydrological events, helping cities better manage water resources.

Al-Ayen Iraqi University has demonstrated its commitment to sustainable urban development through extensive research efforts. Over 2024, the university has produced 45 publications that align with Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11). These publications cover a broad range of topics, from climate change impacts on urban areas, renewable energy solutions for cities, to advanced techniques for flood risk mitigation and air quality monitoring. This volume of work highlights the university’s proactive approach in contributing to global efforts for building sustainable, resilient, and inclusive cities. The diversity and depth of the research outputs underscore AUIQ’s role as a leading institution in promoting sustainable urban development practices.

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SDG 11 Progress Report: Al-Ayen Iraqi University

1. Introduction and Overview

This report provides an overview of Al-Ayen Iraqi University’s Communities and research contributions in 2023, specifically aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11) - Sustainable Cities and Communities. The university has made significant strides in urban sustainability through various research projects and publications. The alignment with SDG 11 is evident in the following topics and subject areas, demonstrating AUIQ's commitment to promoting sustainable urban development and addressing critical challenges in urban environments.

Overview of Research Contributions for SDG 11

• Urban Climate Resilience: Research examining the impacts of climate change on urban environments, including heat stress management in tropical cities, to enhance urban resilience.
• Sustainable Energy Infrastructure: Studies on optimal site selection for solar photovoltaic power plants, aiming to promote clean energy integration in urban areas.
• Air Quality Improvement: Development of advanced predictive models for air quality forecasting, contributing to cleaner and healthier urban environments.
• Disaster Risk Management: Assessing environmental impacts of dam breaches using remote sensing technology to improve urban safety and disaster preparedness.
• Flood Risk Mitigation: Innovative data-driven approaches to enhance flood risk management, ensuring the safety and sustainability of urban communities.
• Smart Energy Optimization: Research on energy-efficient solutions for smart buildings, focusing on demand-side management to reduce energy consumption.
• Urban Heat Island Mitigation: High-resolution studies on the urban heat island effect, aimed at developing strategies to cool cities and improve livability.
• Efficient Water Resource Management: Advanced techniques for flood mapping and drought forecasting, supporting effective water resource management in urban areas.
• Soil Moisture and Drought Analysis: Spatiotemporal analysis of soil moisture to understand and mitigate drought impacts in urban and surrounding areas.
• Hydrological Forecasting: Application of soft computing techniques for improved forecasting of hydrological events, helping cities better manage water resources.

Al-Ayen Iraqi University has demonstrated its commitment to sustainable urban development through extensive research efforts. Over 2023, the university has produced 45 publications that align with Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11). These publications cover a broad range of topics, from climate change impacts on urban areas, renewable energy solutions for cities, to advanced techniques for flood risk mitigation and air quality monitoring. This volume of work highlights the university’s proactive approach in contributing to global efforts for building sustainable, resilient, and inclusive cities. The diversity and depth of the research outputs underscore AUIQ’s role as a leading institution in promoting sustainable urban development practices.

2. Detailed SDG Contributions

Initiatives and Activities

Al-Ayen University's scouting team organized an outdoor trip for members of the Scouts and Guides team, along with faculty from the College of Physical Education and Sports Science to the ancient city of Ur. Such activities enrich students' personal development through adventure, practical outdoor skills, and an appreciation of cultural heritage. This initiative aligns with SDG 4 by enhancing experiential learning and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities by promoting cultural preservation.

Link: https://alayen.edu.iq/news/details/1115

President of Al-Ayen University, Professor Shafiq Shakir Al-Mawla, honored the archaeologist Amer Abdul Razzaq for his significant efforts, particularly his lecture titled Nasiriyah: The World Museum of Antiquities. This event took place during an evening celebrating the winners of the Al-Ayen University Award for Academic Scientific Research 2023, attended by university presidents and researchers from various Iraqi institutions. This recognition aligns with SDG 4 by promoting academic excellence and cultural heritage awareness, as well as SDG 11 through the celebration of heritage and preservation efforts. Link: https://alayen.edu.iq/news/details/1119

3. Supporting Documents and Links

References and links to relevant reports, publications, and university web pages that further elaborate on Al-Ayen’s efforts and achievements related to SDG 11.

Link: https://en.alayen.edu.iq/sdj/sub_details/95

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