Beirut Arab University (BAU) participated in the global cluster on Higher Education and Research for Sustainable Development (HSED) that was launched by the International Association of Universities IAU. The first international workshop of the cluster was held in Paris at the UNESCO Headquarter. The global cluster advocates for the Key role of Higher Education Institutions to achieve in Agenda 2030. It engages the universities in addressing the17 SDGs sustainable development goals.
The IAU’s HESD Cluster consists of 16 lead universities, one for each SDG. The Lead universities covering several world regions, North America, Latin America, Europe, Africa, Asia, Middle East and Far East, will work with satellite universities to advance a particular SDG while ensuring synergies among all goals.
BAU was selected to represent and lead SDG 9 Goal including: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure. SDG 9 aims mainly to promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, to enhance scientific research, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all.
The Dean of the Faculty of Architecture- Design and Built Environment Prof. Ibtihal Youssef El- Bastawissi, represented Beirut Arab University, as the Institutional Coordinator for SDG 9 of the International Association of Universities IAU thematic Cluster on Higher Education and Sustainable development HESD, while attending this workshop with Ms. Salam Zahran the Specialist at the Human Rights Center at BAU.
Prof. El-Bastawissi’s presentation highlighted on the main projects and research activities implemented by BAU and targeting SDG9. She also shed the light on the new initiatives such as the Urban Lab and BAU incubator.
The workshop created a unique cooperation platform in which the leading universities discussed how to advance the SDGs on national and international levels and how to work jointly on mutual projects through each goal satellites.
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