Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)‎ in the University of Thi-Qar, Thi-Qar, Iraq‎

 

Under the auspices of Iraqi Vision 2030 and the National Transformation Programs, the University of Thi-Qar collaborates with the local and national governments of Iraq and other national partners to support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals to address the opportunities and challenges for development in Iraq.

The Sustainable Development Goals are an international initiative to put an end to poverty, safeguard the environment and climate, and guarantee that everyone can live in peace and prosperity.

Cooperation between the University of Thi-Qar and a group of civil society organizations (NGOs) has been continuing since the university’s inception in 2002. The university has supported and given financial aid to dozens of low-income families and orphans as a result of this cooperation, in addition to giving financial aid to low-income students so, they could complete their degrees at the university. Additionally, the university established a committee to lower tuition, and it has already lowered tuition for many low-income families.

The University of Thi-Qar has chosen a specialized university committee to conduct research and create plans to carry out sustainable development goals following the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Real collaboration is required with the surrounding community and all interested local, regional, and international groups and agencies.

Many training courses and workshops have been conducted by the University of Thi-Qar to deal with different kinds of society issues such asclimate change,dust storms, air and water pollution, Drug addiction, etc.

The following are the results of the University of Thi-Qar most recent accomplishments and future objectives in relation to the SDGs:

1. SDG1- A large number of students from low-income families have applied for financial aid. Furthermore, the university gave financial aid to tens of students so they can finish their degrees at the university through its partnership with many civil society organizations, which operates internationally and has been registered as an NGOs in Iraq. Both men and women were included in this without any distinction. Additionally, the university established a committee to lower tuition, and it has already done so for many low-income families in the Thi-Qar governorate.

 

2. SDG2: “Zero hunger” The University of Thi-Qar works to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities through sustainable development. Several students receive financial support each year. Moreover, the university has a plan to pay for the food services provided on campus as part of its broader policy to aid low-income students. For families with limited resources and children, the university also offered meals.

 

3. SDG3- The college of Medicine/ University of Thi-Qar has the responsibility in graduating medical leaders who are responsible for developing the reality of health in the world society on a continuous and renewable basis (this is represented by the graduation of twelve batches of students Bachelor’s degree in medicine and surgery). Community service has become one of the most prominent functions of medical education at present. It provides the atmosphere to contribute in building society and solving its problems by linking scientific research with the needs of the health sectors and medical services. Therefore, the main tasks of the faculties of the medical group became the development of knowledge of all kinds through the following activities click here:

 

a- Conducting studies and research to cover the developments and future predictions that will face society, especially those related to issues of environmental pollution and depletion of natural resources. Examples of these problems are water, sanitation, and food security, and a study of the causes of neonatal mortality and new epidemic patients such as tuberculosis, malaria, viral hepatitis, and others.

b- Directing medical education to contribute to the prevention of non-communicable diseases such as cancer diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, and others, almost all of whose weight is in low- and middle-income countries Including our country Iraq.

c- Education and dissemination of research to combat smoking, as the data indicate that people who People with more education are less likely to become addicted to smoking Poor and rich countries alike who have obtained secondary education at least.

d- Conducting mass medical media campaigns to convince smokers and others of the harmful effects of Smoking and urging them to quit and/or reduce this practice. The design of this campaign is better to target vulnerable groups of the population.

 

e- Medical education helps build capacity to implement development strategies for sustainable health improvement by providing a sufficient number of skilled professionals and training Physicians who serve their communities (our college is a training center for board students) in many clinical specialties that are urgently needed in the governorate).

 

f- Unifying visions between health departments and the medical academic institution to guide research For an applied approach that aims to address community health problems by developing effective solutions to them and studying ways to treat them) samples of marketing approvals for medical college research that preceded carried out with the approval of the county health department.

 

g- Highlighting community health, achieving universal health coverage, and mainstreaming Access to basic health care, vaccinations, free essential medicines Family planning, reproductive health, etc.

 

h- The advising committees of the Thi Qar Provincial Council included many university professors. They have many medical and health specialties.

 

4. SDG4- Quality Education: The University of Thi-Qar has worked with the Thi Qar Provincial Council to make sure that all boys and girls finish primary and secondary education that is free, accessible, and of high quality, resulting in relevant and Goal 4.

The university keeps its laboratories up to date with the latest standards. On the other hand, the number of graduates and projected graduates who possess strong academic and intellectual credentials in every area of the university is encouraging. With the implementation of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), the university obtained ISO certificates. Many workshops have been implemented to deal with quality education in the Thi Qar province click here.

 

5. SDG5- Gender Equality. The University of Thi-Qar has worked with a new policy of providing women with skills and knowledge, developing and developing them to be effective and efficient community members and leaders, participating in decision-making and influencing its formulation and strategic activation, in a way that meets the needs of the nation in the current and future stage. The University of Thi-Qar has established Women Empowerment Unit. This unit has the following activities:
   a-Work to increase the percentage of women leaders in the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research by highlighting women’s competencies and achievements.
   b- Developing the scientific capabilities of women in higher education by facilitating and supporting their participation in local and international conferences.
   c- Enhancing women’s participation in economic development by supporting entrepreneurial projects and technology incubators. Obtaining the support of the international community and local and global organizations to contribute to the implementation of United Nations resolutions on women.
   d- Increasing society’s awareness of the status of women and their rights and combating violence by holding more courses and conducting research with specialized centers.
   e-Improving the image of women in the media in all its visual, audio and print forms click here.
6. SDG6- Clean water and sanitation: The University of Thi-Qar has worked with many local organizations to discuss and solve many issues related to water pollution. Some plans have done toimprove water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing the release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater, and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally some academic staff members at the university have developed a future research plan to investigate the effects of proper water supply, sanitation, and hygiene on human life, agriculture, and aquaculture in the Thi Qar governorate. Much research work and workshops have been done at the University of Thi-Qar related to water pollution click here.

 

7- SDG7- Affordable and clean energy: Every day, renewable energy sources get more affordable, dependable, and effective. The University of Thi-Qar has adapted how we can create and use energy because the current reliance on fossil fuels is unsustainable and bad for the environment. To combat climate change, one of the largest risks to our survival, it is imperative that these new energy alternatives be put into place as soon as feasible. The University has looked at a study strategy to identify sustainable energy options, such as solar energy. Many workshops have been done to discuss the benefits of using solar energy  click here.

8- SDG8- Decent work and economic growth: The university believes that economic growth that is sustained and inclusive can advance society, produce good jobs for all, and raise standards of living click here. The university offers competitive pay rates with intensives and steadily expands the number of employment prospects within the institution without engaging in gender discrimination.

9- SDG9- Industry, innovation, and infrastructure: The University of Thi-Qar believes that Infrastructure and innovation, along with sustainable and inclusive industrialization, may release dynamic and competitive economic forces that create jobs and income. They are crucial in the introduction and promotion of new technology, in facilitating global trade, and in enabling resource efficiency.

 

10- SDG10- Reduced inequalities: The university of Thi-Qar believes that achieving the Sustainable Development Goals depends on reducing inequality and making sure no one is left behind. Unevenness within and between men and women is a continuous source of worry. Disparity still exists despite some promising signals of progress in some areas, such as declining relative income inequality in some families and preferential trade treatment for lower-income families. A substantial number of men and women enroll at the university each year to start their degree programs. The university, on the other hand, actively encourages women to participate fully in campus life as both students and members of the academic staff and employees and doesn’t discriminate based on gender click here.

11- SDG11- Sustainable cities and communities: The university welcomes visitors to its structures, libraries, and other amenities. To improve the quality of both living and city services, the university is always grateful for the mentorship it offers to those who ask for help.

12- SDG12- The foundation of the global economy, which is based on production and consumption on a worldwide scale, is the continued exploitation of the planet’s natural resources and environment. The university is closely monitoring how the university’s food supplies are used, both in terms of consumption and production. We also account for hazardous materials and food waste.

 

13- SDG13- Climate action: The university of Thi-Qar is aware that Significant effects of climate change are being seen on both human life and the diversity of life on our planet. Oceans are warming and sea levels are rising. Droughts that last longer and are more severe imperil crops and freshwater resources, jeopardizing efforts to feed a growing global population. In nations and regions that are already high food insecure, the changing climate will seriously threaten food production if nothing is done. Food availability will be impacted by decreased production of crops, animals, and fisheries, and food access will be hampered by the disruption of the livelihoods of millions of rural residents who depend on agriculture for a living.To track and evaluate the institution’s anticipated low-carbon energy use, which is expected to be a relatively small quantity, numerous plans and studies have been prepared. several free training sessions and workshops havebeen heldat the university such as energy saving, crisis, and disaster management, dust storms, etc, click here.‎

14- SDG14-Life: below water: The university of Thi-Qar has conducted many workshops related to improving public awareness of water management and conservation, including irrigation, fisheries management and conservation, aquaculture, and tourism. Other neighborhood institutions will work with us to accomplish this.

15- SDG15- Life on land: Climate change will affect agriculture and influence food and feed security in the Nordic and Baltic regions in several ways. Some consequences can be positive, such as a longer growing season or an increase in CO2 to stimulate photosynthesis, while others, such as increased CO2 emissions due to an increase in respiration, drought, floods, or influx of new pests and diseases, will have a negative effect. Consumer demands are expected to change, resulting in an increased demand for locally produced plant-based agricultural products produced in an environmentally and climate-friendly way. Climate change and diversified market demand are global trends.The university would want to propose some studies on sustainable food production and land usage on campus. The research plan described earlier will also look at the fascinating environments.

16- SDG16- Peace, justice, and strong institutions: The University of Thi-Qar has conducted some workshops to explain the values of peace, fairness, and the significance of creating solid institutions. Therefore, having a vibrant student union is crucial. This calls for periodical elections and adherence to all pertinent directives and regulations from the Iraqi Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.

17- SDG17- Bolster implementation strategies and resurrect the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development. The university has collaborated on several projects with local and foreign institutions and organizations to address issues of poverty, health, and education. To hasten the adoption of the best SDG practices, coordination with more institutions must be expanded.