Prof. Dr. Amjad Saber Al- Delawi Highlights Integration of UN Sustainable Development Goals into Curriculum
Prof. Dr. Amjad Saber Al-Delawi, President of Cihan University- Erbil, announced that the institution is actively incorporating the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into its curriculum.
On Wednesday, December 18, 2024, a meeting was held in the VIP Hall of the Cihan University of Erbil, attended by both Vices of President, Deans, Heads of Scientific Departments, and faculty. The event featured a presentation by Prof. Dr. Salah Yahya titled “Transforming Our University: A Sustainable Journey with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.”
In a formal address, Dr. Amjad emphasized the university’s commitment to aligning its educational framework with global sustainability efforts, stating that the institution is undertaking comprehensive measures to support and achieve the objectives outlined in the SDGs. This initiative reflects the university’s dedication to fostering academic excellence while contributing to sustainable development on a local and international scale.
The seminar emphasized the critical importance of integrating sustainability into academic and institutional practices, aligning with the United Nations’ efforts to achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. These goals address pressing global challenges, including poverty, inequality, climate change, and environmental degradation. The presentation highlighted the university’s proactive role in contributing to these objectives, reinforcing its commitment to creating a more sustainable future through education and research.
In his address, Prof. Dr. Salah Yahya underscored the pivotal role of higher education institutions in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He emphasized the necessity of a well-structured, comprehensive plan to promote human well-being and ensure a healthy, prosperous environment for all.
As part of the university’s efforts, Dr. Yahya announced the introduction of a new module, titled “UN-SDGs,” which will be offered to first-year students during the second semester. This curriculum is designed to provide students with a foundational understanding of the SDGs, their significance, and the interdisciplinary nature of the goals. Dr. Yahya stated, “This module aims to empower students to become active agents of change, equipping them to contribute to a more sustainable future and play a vital role in achieving the United Nations’ objectives.”
In his address, Prof. Dr. Amjad Saber Al-Delawi thanked Prof. Dr. Salah Yahya for his presentation and elaborated on the importance of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He emphasized that these goals not only focus on academic subjects but aim to empower individuals, making the learner an active participant in achieving sustainability.
Dr. Amjad noted that while the university previously incorporated elements of the SDGs into its practices, this has not been done in a structured or systematic way. Moving forward, the university plans to streamline its efforts toward achieving these goals. He announced an institutional directive requiring that all seminars and research activities directly align with one or more of the SDGs. “The first step,” he stated, “is to ensure that teachers deliver seminars and conduct research only if they contribute to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals.” This initiative underscores the university’s commitment to embedding sustainability into its academic and institutional framework.
Addressing the role of students in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Prof. Dr. Al-Delawi, highlighted the responsibility of teachers and HoDs to guide students toward aligning their activities, both on and off campus, with the SDGs. He stressed the importance of educating students about the significance of these goals and providing them with a clear direction to contribute effectively to their realization.
Regarding the development of an SDG-focused curriculum, Mr. University President stated, “The details of the SDGs curriculum will be formulated in collaboration with departmental experts.” This initiative reflects the university’s commitment to fostering an academic environment where students are equipped to become proactive contributors to sustainability and global development efforts.
In his concluding remarks, Prof. Dr. Amjad Saber Al-Delawi focused on the universal importance of achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), stating, “Achieving these goals serves humanity above all else.” He called on faculty, students, and administrative staff to work diligently and collaboratively, noting that successfully implementing even 50% of the SDGs would contribute to creating a cleaner, problem-free country and a thriving academic environment at Cihan University-Erbil.
Prof. Dr. Al-Delawi also announced the establishment of an international professional board and a university-level committee to oversee and monitor the implementation of the SDG agendas, ensuring effective progress and integration at all academic stages. “We are committed to ensuring that these efforts are well-executed and firmly embedded within our academic framework,” he stated.
The meeting concluded with an interactive session, where participants shared questions and suggestions aimed at refining the strategies and ensuring the effective implementation of the SDG initiatives.
