Poverty is a persistent and major problem in Iraq, one that has been ongoing for years. Various factors contribute to poverty within our beloved country, Iraq. These factors include conflict and instability, terrorism and insurgency, political instability, economic challenges, displacement and migration, infrastructure, and services.
Together with governmental and non-governmental organisations, the Islamic University has made efforts to address poverty and its underlying causes. These endeavours include social welfare programmes, development initiatives and projects aimed at strengthening governance and security. However, given the nature of poverty in the country, solving this issue poses many challenges that lead to slow progress. Researchers at the university have conducted extensive research to study the effects of poverty in a rich country like Iraq and focus on multidimensional indicators of poverty in society.
In its endeavour to achieve social justice and embody human values, the Islamic University works to completely eradicate hunger and seeks to provide a real opportunity for a society free from food poverty, inspired by the saying of Imam Ali (peace be upon him): ‘If poverty were a man, I would kill him’, and in compliance with his blessed approach that embodied the highest forms of mercy and giving, when he (peace be upon him) roamed the alleys and knocked on the doors of orphanages to feed their children and save them from the clutches of hunger.
Today, the university seeks to revive this noble humanitarian scene through its direct contact with poor and needy families, providing them with financial and food aid, in addition to organising charitable food tables on a number of public occasions, hoping that these initiatives will serve as a balm to alleviate their pain and restore some hope and dignity to them.
The Islamic University attaches great importance to the issue of public health, as it is an essential pillar for the well-being and progress of society. Since its establishment, the university has set its sights on providing various health services, targeting the Iraqi community in general, and the people of Najaf in particular, through medical projects and initiatives aimed at alleviating the suffering of patients and providing a safe and free treatment environment.
In this context, the university has opened specialised dental clinics in the old city of Najaf to provide free treatment services under the supervision of a group of professors from the Faculty of Dentistry. These clinics receive hundreds of patients of different ages and groups on a daily basis, and provide them with a wide range of medical services, including: Dental cleaning, whitening, tooth extraction, root canals, and regular fillings are performed by students under the supervision of their professors. The clinics are open seven days a week, except on Fridays, from early morning until 3 pm.
The university’s efforts did not stop there, but its vision expanded to include the establishment of a pioneering medical project represented by the opening of Imam Al-Hasan (PBUH) Medical Complex, which provides integrated medical services under the supervision of renowned medical professionals from Najaf Al-Ashraf. The complex includes a large number of consultancy clinics in multiple specialities, including: Internal Medicine, Cardiology, General Surgery, Gynaecology, Gynaecology, Paediatrics, Dermatology, ENT, Ophthalmology, Fractures and Orthopaedics, as well as a dental clinic.
The medical complex also organises extensive medical campaigns on various occasions, including free circumcision campaigns and medical services provided to visitors coming to the city of Najaf during the millions of visits, underlining the university’s commitment to its humanitarian and social mission.
It is worth mentioning that the number of beneficiaries of the services of these clinics exceeds 100 patients per day, which reflects the confidence of the local community in the high level of health care provided by the university, in addition to the fact that these initiatives represent an ideal training environment for medical college students and enhance their practical and professional communication with the community.
Ensuring Quality Education
The Islamic University is one of the leading universities that pays great attention to providing high-quality education and ensuring that all students have access to a suitable study environment. The university has been keen to provide the best educational atmosphere in its faculties and departments, while providing an appropriate university environment that supports the educational process and meets the needs of students.
The Islamic University has invested in the latest educational technologies, relying on digital tools and advanced modern means in classrooms and laboratories, reflecting its keenness to keep pace with technological development in education. During the coronavirus pandemic, the university moved to full e-learning to ensure that the educational process continues without interruption, and after overcoming the repercussions of the pandemic, it adopted a blended education model that combines in-person and online education. The university continues to offer various training workshops and seminars through its online platforms, enhancing the expertise of students and professors alike.
The University’s headquarters in Najaf includes the Continuing Education Centre, which is an important tributary of training and education, and pays great attention to developing the capabilities of students and professors through comprehensive evaluation and professional qualification programmes in various fields. The Centre also supports postgraduate students by organising teaching competency tests, Arabic and computer proficiency tests, as well as specialised workshops and seminars in these fields.
In addition, based on the university’s keenness to serve the community and its interest in science and education, it has adopted free initiatives aimed at elementary, middle and preparatory schools. In cooperation with its students and under the guidance of its founder, His Eminence Hojjat al-Islam and Muslims Sayyid Sadr al-Din al-Qabanji, and with the follow-up of the University President, Prof. Dr Abdul Amir al-Salami, the University has maintained and renovated many classrooms and equipped them with all necessary supplies that create a suitable learning environment, in addition to providing the necessary logistical support to ensure the quality of education and provide a suitable atmosphere for students.
The Islamic University pays great attention to the role of women and highlights it in many different forums and occasions, as it celebrates them as half of society and the basis of its development. Among these occasions, the university celebrates International Women’s Day by organising educational seminars that shed light on women’s issues and rights.
The events are not limited to Women’s Day only, but the university dedicates a large portion of the Cultural Week activities to women, where a variety of seminars, courses and workshops are held. The most prominent of these events is a seminar entitled ‘Coercion in the Marriage Contract’ organised by the College of Law, in addition to many workshops and seminars aimed at educating the community about women’s rights and empowering them socially.
These events resulted in several recommendations aimed at strengthening women’s ability to defend their rights, raising community awareness of the dangers of forced marriage, and emphasising the effective role of civil society organisations in supporting and empowering women. These recommendations come within the framework of the university’s keenness to enhance the status of women and empower them to have an active and constructive role in society.
The Islamic University is one of the academic institutions that is aware of its social responsibility and commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, and has taken a number of initiatives and concrete actions that contribute to achieving the sixth goal, most notably:
Water and sanitation infrastructure improvement projects:
Develop and optimise the on-campus water supply system to ensure clean and safe drinking water for all students and staff.
Implementing projects to modernise sewage networks to ensure the safe disposal of wastewater and reduce environmental pollution.
Research and Academic Initiatives:
Encouraging scientific research in the fields of water purification, water reuse, and water pollution reduction techniques.
Plan the establishment of specialised research centres to study water-related challenges and develop sustainable solutions that focus on environmental protection.
Awareness and Education:
Integrate sustainable development topics, especially water management, into school curricula to enhance students’ awareness of the importance of sustainable water resources.
Organising workshops and awareness seminars to highlight the importance of preserving water resources and improving sanitation systems.
Cooperation with the local and international community:
Coordinating efforts with local and international entities to implement projects aimed at improving water and sanitation services in the surrounding communities through joint programmes and action plans.
Active participation in international conferences and exhibitions on water and sustainable development issues to promote the exchange of expertise and knowledge.
Technology and Innovation:
Adopting and utilising modern and innovative technologies in water resources management, such as smart irrigation systems and water recycling technologies.
Support student initiatives and creative ideas that contribute to addressing water and sanitation challenges.
Through these integrated efforts, the Islamic University reaffirms its commitment to its role as a socially and environmentally responsible educational institution, actively contributing to the achievement of SDG 6 and promoting a better future for its community and environment.
Goal 7 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is a key pillar that seeks to ensure that everyone has access to clean and affordable energy. This includes promoting energy efficiency, increasing reliance on renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, and ensuring that energy is sustainably available to everyone around the world.
Sustainable Development Goals: Advancing Goal 7
Ensure access to modern, reliable and affordable energy services: This axis aims to provide energy to all people regardless of their geographical location or economic status.
Increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix: Focuses on promoting the use of clean and renewable energy sources and reducing reliance on polluting fossil fuels.
Doubling the rate of improvement in energy efficiency globally: This means relying on new technologies and innovations to increase energy efficiency and minimise waste.
Achievements of the Islamic University in Najaf Al-Ashraf in Supporting the Seventh Goal
The Islamic University in Najaf Al-Ashraf is one of the leading educational institutions committed to actively contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, including Goal 7, through various initiatives and projects, most notably:
Renewable Energy Projects:
The university has installed solar panels on the roofs of its buildings to provide a large part of its electricity needs through renewable sources, reducing dependence on the traditional electricity grid and minimising the environmental impact.
Research and studies in sustainable energy:
The university seeks to establish a research centre specialised in renewable energy and energy efficiency studies, aiming to develop innovative and sustainable solutions.
The university encourages its students to engage in research projects aimed at designing advanced solar energy systems and other clean technologies.
Education and Awareness:
The university organises workshops and training courses to enhance student and community awareness of the importance of clean energy and energy efficiency.
Partnerships and International Cooperation
The university holds cooperation agreements and partnerships with specialised international institutions and research centres to exchange knowledge and advanced technologies in the field of renewable energy.
Through these initiatives and continuous efforts, the Islamic University confirms its pioneering role as an educational institution that keeps pace with the requirements of sustainable development and works to promote sustainability and clean energy in the community.
Sustainable Development Goal 8: Promote inclusive economic growth and decent work for all
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8 focuses on achieving sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth with full and productive employment and decent work that guarantees workers’ rights and improves working environments. It aims to increase gross domestic product (GDP), reduce economic and social gaps between different groups, achieve decent employment for all individuals, including women and youth, and eliminate forms of forced and child labour.
Key Areas of Goal 8
Sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth: Aimed at increasing economic productivity and achieving a fair distribution of wealth, with a focus on sustaining growth and not depleting resources.
Full and productive employment: Seeks to provide suitable employment opportunities that meet the needs of all groups, with a focus on empowering youth and women.
Decent work: It is concerned with guaranteeing workers’ rights, providing safe and healthy working environments, and reducing forced labour and child labour practices.
Achievements of the Islamic University in Najaf Al-Ashraf in Supporting the Eighth Goal
The Islamic University in Najaf Al-Ashraf plays a pivotal role in supporting the achievement of the eighth goal through a range of initiatives and programmes, most notably:
Delivering quality education: The University provides advanced and diverse academic programmes that respond to the demands of the labour market, equipping graduates with competitive skills that increase their employability in productive and rewarding careers.
Economic and social research and studies: The university encourages scientific research that addresses important economic and social issues, contributing to the development of effective strategies that support sustainable economic growth.
Vocational training and entrepreneurship: The university offers training programmes aimed at honing the skills of young people and enabling them to enter the labour market efficiently, and supports entrepreneurship through workshops and business incubators that help students launch their own projects.
Promoting workers’ rights and safe working environments: The university organises conferences and awareness seminars that highlight the importance of workers’ rights and decent working conditions, which contributes to spreading a culture of respect and justice in the labour market.
Community initiatives: Through community development projects, the university endeavours to improve the living conditions of the local community, supporting inclusive economic growth and reducing poverty and social inequality.
Through these various efforts, the Islamic University of Najaf affirms its commitment to its active role in achieving SDG 8, contributing to building a prosperous society based on education, decent employment and sustainable development.
Sustainable Development Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
SDG 9 focuses on promoting strong and resilient infrastructure, supporting sustainable industrialisation, and fostering innovation as key pillars of inclusive and sustainable development. This goal is central to driving economic growth, creating new job opportunities, and promoting new technologies that improve the quality of life.
Achievements of the Islamic University in Najaf Al-Ashraf and linking them to the Ninth Objective
The Islamic University of Najaf plays an active role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 9, through a range of achievements and initiatives that include:
Development of educational infrastructure: The university has modernised and expanded its teaching facilities and research laboratories, creating an advanced teaching and research environment that supports innovation and the development of scientific knowledge.
Encouraging scientific research and innovation: The university supports several scientific research projects that focus on sustainable solutions in multiple fields, such as renewable energy and ICT, which enhances innovative capabilities and stimulates the development of new technologies that benefit society.
Collaboration with industry: The university has entered into strategic partnerships with various local industries to enhance the integration between higher education and the requirements of the labour market, which contributes to the development of study programmes in line with the needs of industry and enhances students’ practical skills.
Entrepreneurship programmes: The university provides training programmes and workshops in the field of entrepreneurship aimed at enabling students to establish their own businesses, supporting innovation and creating new job opportunities that contribute to local economic development.
Adoption of technology in education: The university has adopted e-learning and distance learning techniques, which facilitates students’ access to education and enhances the quality of the educational process, and this use of technology is an important step in the development of educational infrastructure.
Through these diverse initiatives and ongoing efforts, the Islamic University of Najaf is actively contributing to the realisation of SDG 9, cementing its position as a beacon of science, research and innovation in the region.
Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reduce inequalities within and between countries
Goal 10 focuses on reducing economic, social and political disparities and ensuring equal opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their economic, social, ethnic, racial, sexual or other backgrounds.
The Islamic University in Najaf seeks to actively contribute to achieving this goal through various initiatives and achievements aimed at reducing the educational, social and economic gaps within Iraqi society and between students from different backgrounds:
Providing higher education for all social groups: The university opens its doors to students from all socio-economic classes, giving them the opportunity to obtain a distinguished higher education without discrimination or financial barriers.
Diversity of study programmes: The university offers a wide range of academic programmes in various fields such as Islamic sciences, engineering, medicine and social sciences, which meets the needs of the diverse labour market and enables students to choose majors that suit their interests and ambitions.
Scholarships and financial support: The university provides scholarships and financial aid to deserving students, helping to alleviate economic burdens and minimise disparities between students.
Scientific research and community projects: The university encourages scientific research and projects that address vital social and economic issues such as poverty, unemployment and inequality, contributing to the creation of local solutions that meet the needs of the community.
Cultural and Awareness Events: The university organises workshops and events aimed at enhancing awareness of social justice and equality issues and developing students’ skills in dealing with cultural and social diversity.
Through these various initiatives, the Islamic University of Najaf continues its efforts in realising SDG 10, reinforcing the principles of social and economic justice and laying the foundations for a more equal and inclusive future.
Sustainable Development Goal 11: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
Goal 11 focuses on improving the quality of life in urban areas by promoting sustainable and affordable housing, developing infrastructure, supporting public transport, reducing pollution, and ensuring that all segments of society participate in decisions that affect their daily lives.
The Islamic University in Najaf Al-Ashraf is a prominent model in contributing effectively to achieving this goal through several concrete initiatives and projects. Among them:
Sustainable infrastructure projects: The university has implemented on-campus development projects in line with sustainability standards, including the construction of environmentally friendly buildings and the use of sustainable building techniques that minimise environmental impact.
Education and awareness: The university seeks to promote awareness of the importance of sustainability through its academic curricula and educational programmes by offering specialised courses in sustainable development and sustainable urban planning.
Scientific Research: The university encourages scientific research in the fields of urban planning, renewable energy, and water resources management, contributing to the creation of innovative solutions to urban and environmental challenges.
Community partnerships: The university works to establish effective partnerships with the local community and government agencies by organising workshops and conferences aimed at improving the quality of urban life and exchanging experiences and ideas.
Sustainable transport: The university adopts policies that encourage the use of environmentally friendly modes of transport among its students and staff, such as public buses and bicycles, to reduce carbon emissions and minimise traffic congestion.
Through these various efforts and initiatives, the Islamic University of Najaf continues to play a leading role in achieving SDG 11, reinforcing its position as an educational institution that seeks to improve the lives of the community and sustainably develop the urban environment.
SDG 12 is about achieving sustainable consumption and production patterns, including reducing waste, enhancing resource efficiency, and improving the management of chemicals and waste throughout their life cycle, thereby reducing negative environmental impact. Achieving this goal requires international and local cooperation between governments, businesses and educational institutions, as well as changing the behaviour of individuals and communities to adopt more sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.
The Islamic University of Najaf Al-Ashraf is one of the leading academic institutions that has taken on the responsibility of promoting sustainable development and has achieved several tangible achievements in support of Goal 12, through the following initiatives and projects:
Specialised educational programmes:
The university has launched educational programmes and workshops aimed at spreading awareness of the importance of sustainability and sustainable consumption and production patterns, including study materials that aim to introduce students to the importance of reducing waste and managing resources efficiently.
Waste management initiatives:
The university has implemented an effective waste management system on campus, which includes collecting and sorting waste for recycling and safe disposal of chemicals, minimising negative environmental impacts.
Scientific research projects:
The university has supported research projects focused on sustainability, such as studies of new technologies aimed at reducing waste and improving resource efficiency, contributing to the development of innovative solutions to environmental challenges.
Collaboration with the local community:
The university organised awareness campaigns in collaboration with the local community, including workshops and lectures that promote a culture of sustainability and explain how to achieve more responsible consumption and production patterns.
Developing a sustainable infrastructure:
The university has developed its infrastructure using energy- and water-saving technologies and applying environmentally friendly architectural solutions in its buildings, in line with sustainability standards.
Through these ongoing efforts, the Islamic University of Najaf is emerging as a key player in the realisation of SDG 12, enhancing its ability to contribute to building a more sustainable future for the region and the world.
Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
The thirteenth goal of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) focuses on the need to take effective and urgent measures to address climate change and mitigate its effects. This includes strengthening adaptive capacity to climate-related risks, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, raising public awareness, and developing national and international policies that are supportive of the environment and climate.
Detailed Objectives :
Strengthen resilience and adaptation to climate risks and natural disasters in all countries.
Integrate climate policies into national development strategies and plans.
Improving education and awareness on climate change and strengthening human and institutional capacities to address climate change.
Implementation of financial commitments by developed countries to support the efforts of developing countries in adapting to climate change and mitigating its effects.
Efforts of the Islamic University in Najaf Al-Ashraf in supporting the Thirteenth Objective
The Islamic University of Najaf is one of the educational institutions that is seriously seeking to contribute to the realisation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including the climate change goal. The university has taken several notable steps in this direction. Among them:
1. Academic programs:
Providing postgraduate programmes and specialised research in the fields of environment and climate change, aimed at qualifying scientific cadres capable of addressing climate challenges.
Organising workshops and scientific seminars on a regular basis, addressing environmental and climate change issues from a scientific and applied perspective.
2. On-campus sustainability projects:
Implementing renewable energy projects, including the installation of solar panel systems to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Support applied research that seeks to create effective and sustainable solutions to climate change.
3. Awareness-raising and community participation:
Launching awareness campaigns targeting students and the local community to spread the culture of environmental awareness and encourage sustainable practices.
Engage in national and regional initiatives related to climate change, in collaboration with government institutions and civil society organisations.
4. International co-operation and partnerships:
Strengthening partnerships with international universities and research centres to exchange expertise in the field of sustainability and climate change.
Participating in global conferences and forums on environment and climate, reflecting the university’s commitment to a global approach to climate challenges.
Through these initiatives and practices, the Islamic University in Najaf affirms its pioneering role in addressing the risks of climate change and effectively contributes to building a sustainable and environmentally balanced future, in line with global trends that seek to protect the planet for future generations.
Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14, ‘Life underwater’, addresses the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans, seas and marine resources as a key element of sustainable development. This goal includes several targets, most notably: Protecting marine ecosystems, reducing marine pollution, regulating fishing activities, and conserving biodiversity in marine environments.
Contribution of the Islamic University in Najaf Al-Ashraf
As part of its commitment to support the sustainable development agenda, the Islamic University in Najaf Al-Ashraf is making effective scientific and awareness-raising efforts to achieve this goal through the following initiatives and activities:
Scientific Research and Environmental Studies
Through its research centres and specialised faculties, the university contributes to academic research focusing on aquatic environment issues, especially marine pollution and biodiversity in aquatic ecosystems. This research aims to provide sustainable scientific solutions to relevant environmental issues.
Environmental Education and Education
The university adopts a comprehensive awareness approach that targets students and the local community by organising lectures, seminars and workshops that highlight the importance of protecting the oceans and seas, and promoting the concepts of sustainability in relation to water resources.
Partnership Building and Organisational Collaboration
The university seeks to build strategic partnerships with a number of local and international organisations related to environmental affairs, with the aim of exchanging experiences and knowledge, and benefiting from modern technologies to support efforts to protect the marine environment.
Environmental Initiatives and Applied Projects
The university participates in the implementation of environmental projects aimed at protecting water resources, such as cleaning campaigns for rivers and water bodies, and submitting proposals for managing liquid waste and reducing water pollution, thus enhancing the local environment.
Academic Programmes and Postgraduate Studies
The university provides specialised academic programmes in environmental sciences and natural resources, as well as supporting graduate and postgraduate projects on topics related to environmental and marine development, enabling the training of scientific cadres capable of leading environmental protection efforts in the future.
These efforts represent a concrete example of the role of academic institutions in supporting the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 14, by combining scientific research, education, community engagement, and integrated institutional action to protect marine ecosystems.
The 15th Sustainable Development Goal (SDG), endorsed by the United Nations, focuses on protecting and restoring terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably managing forests, combating desertification, and halting land degradation and biodiversity loss. This goal is central to the conservation of natural resources, which are the basis for the sustainability of human life and the health of the planet.
Based on its vision to achieve sustainable development, the Islamic University in Najaf has adopted a number of initiatives and activities that fall within this objective, the most prominent of which can be highlighted below:
The university has launched research programmes and projects aimed at enhancing the management of natural resources, especially in the areas of preserving agricultural land, combating desertification, and improving soil and water quality by adopting scientific methods and sustainable technologies.
The university has sought to support efforts to protect biodiversity through partnerships with local environmental organisations. These efforts have included conducting specialised studies on local flora and fauna, protecting vegetation and enhancing green spaces.
The university has paid great attention to spreading environmental culture among students and community members by organising workshops, scientific seminars and conferences aimed at enhancing awareness of the importance of preserving the environment and biodiversity and addressing the manifestations of pollution and environmental degradation.
The university encourages faculty members and students to conduct specialised scientific research on environmental and sustainability issues, and is keen to publish these studies in reputable scientific journals, in addition to participating in relevant international forums and conferences.
The university has implemented a number of reforestation projects in its surroundings and neighbouring areas to enhance green spaces and support global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and address climate change.
These initiatives reflect the commitment of the Islamic University in Najaf Al-Ashraf to its responsibility towards the environment and its serious endeavour to contribute to achieving the 15th goal of the Sustainable Development Goals. This comes within the framework of its comprehensive vision that integrates the principles of sustainability in all aspects of education, scientific research, and community service.
The 16th Sustainable Development Goal (SDG), endorsed by the United Nations, focuses on promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, facilitating access to justice for all, and building effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels. This goal is key to achieving societal stability, establishing the rule of law and guaranteeing rights.
Based on its academic and societal mission, the Islamic University in Najaf contributes to supporting this goal through a range of initiatives and programmes, most notably:
The university adopts an approach based on authentic Islamic values that call for tolerance, coexistence and acceptance of others. It is keen to consolidate these values among students from diverse cultural and social backgrounds, thus enhancing the spirit of brotherhood and co-operation, and supporting the building of a peaceful and cohesive academic community.
The university provides higher education opportunities to all segments of society without discrimination on the basis of gender, economic or social affiliation, thus consolidating the principles of social justice and equality, and enabling individuals to exercise their rights to education and personal and professional growth.
Through its advanced educational and research programmes, the university works to qualify its students to be active elements in building state institutions, capable of making rational decisions, providing highly efficient services, and contributing to the development of an administrative environment based on transparency and accountability.
The university organises many awareness seminars and lectures that highlight the importance of civil peace, means of resolving conflicts through dialogue, and mechanisms for achieving social justice. It also encourages academic research that addresses issues of conflict and community peace and contributes to the development of practical and applicable recommendations.
Through these initiatives, the Islamic University of Najaf affirms its deep commitment to contribute to the realisation of SDG 16. It works to spread a culture of peace, support justice, and train future leaders to build strong institutions that contribute to a more just, stable, and sustainable society.
The 17th Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) is a key pillar of the UN agenda, focusing on strengthening the means of implementation and reinvigorating the global partnership for sustainable development. It involves fostering constructive collaboration between governments, the private sector, academia and civil society at national, regional and international levels.
Based on its vision and community mission, the Islamic University in Najaf Al-Ashraf is making efforts to promote effective partnerships within a framework that contributes to achieving sustainable development goals through a number of initiatives:
The university has established cooperative relations with a number of educational and research institutions inside and outside Iraq, with the aim of exchanging expertise and knowledge and promoting opportunities for joint scientific research. It also has interactive relationships with civil society organisations to implement development programmes that serve the local community.
The university contributes to supporting the goals of sustainable development by organising scientific and cultural events that bring together a group of researchers and those interested in development to discuss vital issues facing society and discuss ways of cooperation to overcome challenges through effective strategic partnerships.
Through its academic programmes and extracurricular activities, the university works to raise awareness among students and the local community of the importance of partnership in the success of sustainable development plans, and promotes the principle of cooperation and integration in facing development challenges.
The university harnesses its academic resources to support collaborative initiatives with development stakeholders and continuously seeks to strengthen its institutional capabilities to enable it to be an effective partner in local and regional development paths.
With these ongoing efforts, the Islamic University of Najaf is a practical example of how academic institutions can contribute to the achievement of SDG 17 by fostering partnerships and collaborations for a more sustainable and equitable future.
