Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)

Globally, the number of people living in extreme poverty declined from 36 per cent in 1990 to 10 per cent in 2015. But the pace of change is decelerating and the COVID-19 crisis risks reversing decades of progress in the fight against poverty. New research published by the UNU World Institute for Development Economics Research warns that the economic fallout from the global pandemic could increase global poverty by as much as half a billion people, or 8% of the total human population. Source

his goal embodies the contributions of the university towards poverty alleviation by understanding the percentage of students receiving financial assistance to enroll due to poverty, the university’s poverty mitigation programs, and community initiatives to fight against poverty.
To achieve this goal within the policy of the University of Baghdad, the efforts may encompass:
Admission to the university entails a general free admission policy without any financial obligations. Student housing is offered for a nominal fee, followed by ongoing facilitations and aids. The university has also accommodated a group of students by exempting them from housing fees. Furthermore, the university annually provides educational activities and humanitarian aids through its formations to serve the economically disadvantaged local population and donation campaigns.

After decades of steady decline, the number of people who suffer from hunger – as measured by the prevalence of undernourishment – began to slowly increase again in 2015. Today, there are over 820 million people accustomed to going to bed hungry, with around 135 million suffering from acute hunger due to human-made conflicts, climate change, and substantial economic downturns. Source

Aims to eradicate hunger, achieve food security, enhance nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. To accomplish this goal within the framework of the University of Baghdad, efforts may include the following:
The university houses within one of its departments a specialized division tasked with monitoring food prices within campus cafeterias and restaurants, where the prices of most items range from $2 to $7 at maximum. Furthermore, the university operates a specialized center dedicated to monitoring food quality on campus, maintaining services for students, and inspecting food storage and preparation areas under the priority of the Market Research and Consumer Protection Center.

Ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being at all ages is essential to sustainable development. Currently, the world is facing a global health crisis unlike any other — COVID-19 is spreading human suffering, destabilizing the global economy and upending the lives of billions of people around the globe. Source

Ensuring a healthy life and enhancing well-being for all individuals of all ages. To achieve this goal within the policy of the University of Baghdad, efforts may include the following:
Raising awareness about health issues and disease prevention through awareness campaigns and workshops, and providing the necessary facilities and infrastructure for healthcare, including hospitals and clinics where all graduates of medical specialties are qualified to participate in government hospitals, in addition to student internships in the final stages. Also, supporting programs and services that promote mental health and provide support for students and staff through a specialized center called the Psychological Research Center and medical centers spread across the university (the medical center in Al-Jadriya compound, the medical center in Bab Al-Moatham, the medical center in the College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, and the counseling and specialty clinics in the College of Dentistry and the College of Medicine). Enhancing medical research by supporting research in the field of medicine and health sciences to improve our understanding of diseases and develop effective treatments, and participating in international and local efforts to combat infectious diseases, such as providing vaccinations and adequate care for affected individuals.

Education enables upward socioeconomic mobility and is a key to escaping poverty. Over the past decade, major progress was made towards increasing access to education and school enrollment rates at all levels, particularly for girls. Nevertheless, about 260 million children were still out of school in 2018 — nearly one fifth of the global population in that age group. And more than half of all children and adolescents worldwide are not meeting minimum proficiency standards in reading and mathematics.Source

The fourth goal of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) pertains to education, aiming to ensure quality education, promote lifelong learning, and enhance educational opportunities available to all regardless of gender, ethnicity, or social class, as well as sustainable learning opportunities until 2030.
Within the policy of the University of Baghdad, achieving this goal can encompass several aspects, such as:
Offering high-quality educational programs that enhance academic standards and provide university education opportunities to as many students as possible, including providing opportunities for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Utilizing technology to enhance students’ access to educational resources and online courses through centers for continuing education in the university (Continuing Education Center, Computing Center, Ibn Sina Center for Electronic Education), in addition to continuing education units in all university formations (colleges, institutes of postgraduate studies, research centers).

Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right, but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world. There has been progress over the last decades: More girls are going to school, fewer girls are forced into early marriage, more women are serving in parliament and positions of leadership, and laws are being reformed to advance gender equality . Source

Achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls aims to eliminate discrimination and violence targeting women and girls, and to enhance opportunities for full and equal participation in all areas. Achieving this goal requires changes at the level of policies, laws, and culture to achieve gender equality.
In the policy of the University of Baghdad, this goal can be achieved through several aspects, such as:
women’s representation in administrative structures as department heads and deans of colleges, as well as in many leadership positions. Additionally, the university provides educational opportunities for women and girls and reduces the gender gap in access to education. The university has a specialized center for women’s studies to ensure measures are taken to reduce discrimination and gender-based violence under the name “Women’s Studies Center,” and an administrative unit under the president of university’s office named “Women’s Empowerment Division.”

While substantial progress has been made in increasing access to clean drinking water and sanitation, billions of people-mostly in rural areas-still lack these basic services. Worldwide, one in three people do not have access to safe drinking water, two out of five people do not have a basic hand-washing facility with soap and water, and more than 673 million people still practice open defecation.Source

Ensuring the provision of clean water and sanitation for all, in accordance with national plans until 2030, is crucial. The university must work on improving access to clean water and providing sanitation for both staff and students, which includes enhancing water management and promoting sustainability in water resource usage.
In the policy of the University of Baghdad, achieving this goal involves several aspects, such as:
Ensuring the provision of clean water for students and staff within the campus, where each college hallway is equipped with water coolers supplemented with plastic bottles sold at a very reasonable price. Additionally, the university possesses an efficient and hygienic sewage system for the university community. The university conducts awareness campaigns for students and staff on the importance of using water efficiently, and collaborates with local authorities (Ministry of Water Resources) and other institutions to achieve water resource sustainability.

The world is making progress towards Goal 7, with encouraging signs that energy is becoming more sustainable and widely available. Access to electricity in poorer countries has begun to accelerate, energy efficiency continues to improve, and renewable energy is making impressive gains in the electricity sector..Source

Ensuring universal access to clean and affordable energy and promoting sustainable energy until 2030 is crucial. The university must work on improving access to energy, achieving diversification in energy sources, and enhancing energy efficiency.
Within the policy of Baghdad University, achieving this goal entails various aspects, such as ensuring sustainable and cost-effective access to electricity within the university campus and increasing the share of renewable energy in the energy mix. This includes solar and wind energy, with solar panels being deployed in various areas of the campus. Additionally, there is a focus on harnessing water energy through turbines placed at water gates leading to the watercourse surrounding the campus.
The university supports innovation and scientific research in the development of clean energy technologies. The Department of Energy Engineering and the Department of Petroleum Engineering at the College of Engineering play a significant role in reinforcing the university’s efforts in this field.

 

Sustained and inclusive economic growth can drive progress, create decent jobs for all and improve living standards. COVID-19 has disrupted billions of lives and endangered the global economy. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) expects a global recession as bad as or worse than in 2009. As job losses escalate, the International Labor Organization estimates that nearly half of the global workforce is at risk of losing their livelihoods. Source

Promoting comprehensive and sustainable economic growth, and achieving effective production and decent work for all.
To realize this objective within the framework of the University of Baghdad, several dimensions may be encompassed:
The university supports research endeavors that foster economic advancement and innovation across various domains. Additionally, it offers educational and training programs aimed at enhancing students’ skills and preparing them for integration into the workforce. Furthermore, the university aids students and alumni in developing their entrepreneurial projects and bolstering innovation in diverse fields. Moreover, the university provides employment opportunities that uphold labor rights and furnish a healthy and secure work environment through a dedicated administrative unit, referred to as the Qualification and Employment Department, overseen directly by the president of university, tasked entirely with ensuring the attainment of these goals.

Inclusive and sustainable industrialization, together with innovation and infrastructure, can unleash dynamic and competitive economic forces that generate employment and income. They play a key role in introducing and promoting new technologies, facilitating international trade and enabling the efficient use of resources. Source

Building industrial infrastructure, fostering innovation, encouraging the transition towards sustainable industries, and stimulating research and innovation.
Within the policy of the University of Baghdad, achieving the ninth goal can be accomplished through several dimensions. The university undertakes the modernization of research and technological facilities within the campus to enhance research and innovation activities. Additionally, it supports students and staff in developing entrepreneurial projects and fostering an innovative culture within the university. The university also updates curricula to provide an educational environment that promotes interest in engineering and technology. Furthermore, the university takes measures to make its daily operations more sustainable, including energy and waste management.

Reducing inequalities and ensuring no one is left behind are integral to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Inequality within and among countries is a persistent cause for concern. Despite some positive signs toward reducing inequality in some dimensions, such as reducing relative income inequality in some countries and preferential trade status benefiting lower-income countries, inequality still persists. Source

This goal aims to achieve social and economic equality and justice, as well as to plan for comprehensive economic growth that benefits all segments of society.
Within the policy of Baghdad University, the tenth goal can be achieved through various aspects. Firstly, the university emphasizes that educational opportunities are available to all students regardless of their economic or social backgrounds. It also provides job opportunities and technical training for students and graduates, ensuring accessibility for all, which is among the university’s policies approved within the University Council sessions. The university promotes full and equal participation of women and men in all areas of university life. Additionally, the university ensures student participation in decision-making processes at the university level and includes them in the evaluation of professors responsible for them as part of annual performance evaluations. Moreover, efforts are made to improve accessibility and provide necessary support for students with special needs. The university has an administrative unit directly linked to the president of university, known as the “Special Needs Unit,” which is responsible for providing access requirements and administrative facilitations for both staff and students with special needs.

The world is becoming increasingly urbanized. Since 2007, more than half the world’s population has been living in cities, and that share is projected to rise to 60 per cent by 2030. Cities and metropolitan areas are powerhouses of economic growth-contributing about 60 per cent of global GDP. However, they also account for about 70 per cent of global carbon emissions and over 60 per cent of resource use. Sourc

Worldwide consumption and production – a driving force of the global economy – rest on the use of the natural environment and resources in a way that continues to have destructive impacts on the planet. Economic and social progress over the last century has been accompanied by environmental degradation that is endangering the very systems on which our future development – indeed, our very survival- depends. A few facts and figures. Source 

Ensuring the availability of clean water and sanitation services for everyone.
Within the policy of the University of Baghdad, efforts to achieve this goal may include several points. Firstly, developing and maintaining water and sanitation infrastructure on the university campus to ensure the provision of clean water and safe sanitation services. Additionally, encouraging the university community to conserve water and adopt healthy behaviors related to personal and environmental hygiene. The university supports research and innovation in water management and health technology to enhance the efficiency of water resource utilization. Moreover, incorporating environmental content into educational and research programs to raise students’ awareness about the importance of water conservation and environmental preservation.

2019 was the second warmest year on record and the end of the warmest decade (2010- 2019) ever recorded. Carbon dioxide (CO2) levels and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere rose to new records in 2019. Source

Taking immediate action to combat climate change and its impacts, and achieving international commitments in this regard.
To achieve this goal within the policy of University of Baghdad, the following measures can be taken: The university organizes awareness campaigns and educational events about the impacts of climate change and how to mitigate its negative effects. It encourages sustainability initiatives within the campus, such as transitioning to renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions. The university supports scientific research in the field of climate change and develops sustainable solutions. It also incorporates climate change issues into curricula to educate and empower students to contribute to sustainable solutions. Furthermore, enhancing cooperation with international organizations and other partners to fulfill international commitments in combating climate change is crucial. The Environmental Engineering Department at the College of Engineering at the University of Baghdad plays a significant role in achieving this goal.

The ocean drives global systems that make the Earth habitable for humankind. Our rainwater, drinking water, weather, climate, coastlines, much of our food, and even the oxygen in the air we breathe, are all ultimately provided and regulated by the sea. Source

The ocean drives global systems that make the Earth habitable for humankind. Our rainwater, drinking water, weather, climate, coastlines, much of our food, and even the oxygen in the air we breathe, are all ultimately provided and regulated by the sea.This goal focuses on protecting and restoring marine and oceanic environments, as well as achieving sustainable utilization of marine resources. It aims to address the degradation of marine ecosystems and safeguard marine biodiversity. Within the framework of the University of Baghdad, achieving this goal may encompass several facets, including: raising awareness about the importance of preserving marine environments among the university community members, supporting scientific research and advanced technologies to comprehend the human impact on marine ecosystems and to seek sustainable solutions. Participating in environmental projects and initiatives aimed at conserving oceans and marine life, and undertaking measures within the university campus to mitigate its impact on marine environments, such as proper waste management and the provision of renewable energy sources. Collaborating with local government, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector to bolster efforts in preserving marine ecosystems.

Nature is critical to our survival: nature provides us with our oxygen, regulates our weather patterns, pollinates our crops, produces our food, feed and fiber. But it is under increasing stress. Human activity has altered almost 75 per cent of the earth’s surface, squeezing wildlife and nature into an ever-smaller corner of the planet. Source

Preserving life on Land and enhancing natural resource management.
Within the policy of the University of Baghdad, achieving this goal may encompass several aspects: The university supports research activities and measures to conserve biodiversity within the university campus and surrounding areas. It also provides programs and events to raise awareness about the importance of preserving wildlife and environmental diversity, advocating for environmentally friendly practices in waste management, reducing negative environmental impacts, and maintaining green spaces within the university campus. Moreover, the university contributes to the establishment and maintenance of natural areas and collaborates with local authorities and the community to enhance wildlife conservation in the region.

Human rights place people at its core. Responses that are informed by and respect human rights lead to better outcomes in overcoming the pandemic, ensuring healthcare for all, and preserving… Source 

Peace and strong justice: This goal pertains to the promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies, ensuring fair access to justice for all, and building effective and accountable institutions. This includes combating corruption, developing robust legal systems, and enhancing civil participation.
Within the policy of the University of Baghdad, efforts to achieve this goal may include several initiatives, such as: providing a safe and secure environment within the university campus and incorporating human rights and justice issues into academic curricula and research. It also involves adopting policies and mechanisms to combat corruption in all aspects of university life, supporting effective interaction between the university and the local community, encouraging student involvement in social and political issues, and providing transparent information about administrative decisions and governance procedures.

The SDGs can only be realized with strong global partnerships and cooperation. A successful development agenda requires inclusive partnerships – at the global, regional, national and local levels – built upon principles and values, and upon a shared vision and shared goals placing people and the planet at the center. Source

Enhancing effective partnerships among diverse stakeholders and public-private partnerships to achieve sustainable development goals.
Within the policy of the University of Baghdad , achieving this goal could involve: collaborating with universities and institutions worldwide to exchange knowledge and experiences, enhance student exchange programs, research, and international cooperation mechanisms, building effective partnerships with local government, private institutions, and the local community to support sustainable development projects, involving local companies and industries in initiatives that support sustainable development goals, including supporting innovation and sustainable technology, and engaging them in the Quality Council chaired by the president of the university and comprising heads of department , assistants , and members from the Baghdad Chamber of Commerce and the Iraqi Industries Union