ANNU’s Role in International Collaboration for SDG Data Collection

ANNU collaborates with a network of institutions worldwide to gather data related to health (SDG 3), water and sanitation (SDG 6), and renewable energy (SDG 7). For instance:

• Through the joint efforts with UNESCO, ANNU contributes data on water quality and usage through the UNESCO Chair on Sustainable Water Resources Management, vital for SDG 6, which is shared in international sustainability reports and databases.

• Through the joint efforts with UNESCO, An-Najah National University (ANNU) contributes data on human rights, democracy, and peace through the UNESCO Chair on Human Rights, Democracy, and Peace. This initiative aligns with multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), notably SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). The data collected and research conducted under this chair are shared in international reports and databases, enhancing global efforts to monitor and advance human rights and peaceful societies.

• Through the research and data initiatives at the Energy, Water, and Food Security Research Center, An-Najah National University (ANNU) contributes vital data on sustainable resource management, directly supporting SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy). By focusing on the intersection of energy, water, and food security, the center provides insights and data shared in international sustainability reports and databases. These efforts support global collaboration to address essential resources, helping to shape policies and strategies that promote resilience and sustainability.

• Through the Urban Planning and Disaster Risk Reduction Center, An-Najah National University (ANNU) actively contributes to international data and research on sustainable urban development and resilience, supporting SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). By focusing on urban planning, disaster preparedness, and climate resilience, the center gathers and shares critical data that aid in global efforts to create safer, more resilient communities. This research and data are disseminated in international sustainability reports, disaster risk reduction frameworks, and urban planning best practices databases, reinforcing ANNU’s commitment to building sustainable and resilient urban environments.

• Through the research and data initiatives at the Medical and Health Sciences Research Center, An-Najah National University (ANNU) contributes vital health data to international research efforts, supporting SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). The center focuses on areas such as public health, infectious diseases, mental health, and preventive medicine, gathering data that is essential for improving health outcomes and shaping global health policies. This data is shared in international medical and public health databases, contributing to evidence-based practices that inform health improvements and policy-making on a global scale.

• Through the initiatives at the Economic and Social Development Research Center, An-Najah National University (ANNU) actively contributes data and research to support international efforts on SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). By focusing on issues such as economic development, social equity, labor market trends, and inclusive growth, the center gathers and shares crucial data that informs policies and supports sustainable economic practices globally. These research findings are shared in international economic and social development reports, helping to shape policy recommendations and promote equitable economic development on a global scale.

An-Najah National University (ANNU) actively collaborates with international bodies to support data gathering and quality measurement initiatives that align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Recently, ANNU responded to a request from the Palestinian Ministry of Education and Higher Education as part of a broader initiative with UNESCO. This collaboration focuses on collecting data for a comprehensive quality management report in Arab countries for 2023–2024. This report contributes to SDG 4 (Quality Education) by assessing and improving educational standards and ensuring alignment with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

• An-Najah National University (ANNU) actively engages in multiple international projects focused on gathering and measuring data that contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These projects, in collaboration with universities, research centers, and international organizations, underscore ANNU's role in supporting global sustainability initiatives through data-driven solutions and innovative methodologies.

• Med-EcoSuRe (Mediterranean University as Catalyst for Eco-Sustainable Renovation)
  ANNU is a key partner in this Mediterranean-wide initiative focused on improving energy efficiency in public buildings across the region, which aligns with SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy). By gathering data on energy performance and integrating renewable energy solutions in public facilities, ANNU contributes to an international framework for sustainable renovation. This collaboration aims to reduce the environmental footprint of public buildings and serves as a model for eco-sustainable infrastructure across the Mediterranean.
   

• EU-Funded Project on Sustainable Food Systems
  In partnership with European universities and research centers, ANNU participates in a project aimed at building community resilience and enhancing food security in the West Bank. This initiative, conducted in collaboration with the Palestinian Agricultural Relief Committees (PARC), supports SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by promoting sustainable agriculture practices and improving local food systems. Data collected from this project addresses food security challenges exacerbated by climate change, with a focus on sustainable agriculture in Palestine.

• Tomorrow’s Cities Project
  ANNU is involved in the Tomorrow’s Cities project, a global initiative that brings together universities and research institutions to reduce disaster risk in urban areas, especially for vulnerable populations. This project supports SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by focusing on risk-informed, people-centered urban planning. Through this partnership, ANNU researchers contribute data on urban resilience, disaster preparedness, and inclusive urban development strategies.

• Climate Futures Exchange Project
  In collaboration with Arizona State University (USA), ANNU is part of the Climate Futures Exchange project, which addresses SDG 13 (Climate Action) by promoting awareness of climate change through innovative technologies like Virtual Reality (VR) and Immersive Experience Design (IXD). This project involves gathering data on climate vulnerability and resilience in Palestine and the United States, aiming to develop sustainable building solutions for climate-sensitive areas.

• BREEDTECH: Building Capacity in Plant Breeding and Biotechnology
  ANNU collaborates with institutions from Kenya, Ethiopia, Italy, Sweden, and Serbia on the BREEDTECH project, which supports SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 15 (Life on Land). This initiative enhances research and educational capacity in plant breeding and biotechnology, particularly in food security and sustainable agriculture. Data from this project will aid in developing more resilient crop varieties, improving productivity, and conserving biodiversity across different regions.

• Establishing a Climate Change Center with the German DAAD Foundation
  ANNU is working with the German DAAD Foundation to establish a climate change center, which will address SDG 13 (Climate Action). This center will support research on climate adaptation and resilience and will offer scholarships for doctoral studies in climate change-related fields at German partner universities. The project includes community outreach activities to gather local climate data and raise awareness about climate resilience in Palestine.
  Link: DAAD Climate Change Center Project

• TESI: Technical Education Support for Higher Education Students Initiative
  In collaboration with the Mediterranean Universities Union (UNIMED), ANNU participates in the TESI project, which provides remote learning resources to support students in Gaza affected by educational disruptions due to conflict. This initiative aligns with SDG 4 (Quality Education) and contributes data on educational resilience and digital learning access in crisis settings.

• GREENLAND Project
  The GREENLAND project focuses on social inclusion and poverty reduction by developing green economy skills among youth and women in the Mediterranean region, contributing to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). ANNU helps gather data on skill gaps and labor market needs in the green economy, supporting inclusive job creation and sustainability.
  Link: GREENLAND Project Overview

• TESI: Technical Education Support for Higher Education Students Initiative
  ANNU collaborates with the Mediterranean Universities Union (UNIMED) on the TESI project, providing remote learning support to students in Gaza. This initiative aligns with SDG 4 (Quality Education) by offering educational continuity in conflict-affected areas.

•  Palestinian Research and Library Platform (PaLib)
  As a partner in the PaLib project, funded by Erasmus+, ANNU contributes to the development of a digital library and research portal for Palestinian universities. This platform enhances access to academic resources and strengthens research infrastructure in Palestine.
  Link: PaLib Project

•  REACH Project: Reinforcing Access to Cross-Border Employment at Palestinian Higher Education Institutions
  Through the Erasmus+ REACH project, ANNU partners with Palestinian and European institutions to improve cross-border employment opportunities for Palestinian students and graduates. This project supports SDG 8 by enhancing career center services and providing training in essential employability skills.
  Link: REACH Project

• 5TOI 4EWAS: Quintuple Helix Approach to Innovation in Energy, Water, Agriculture
  Under Horizon 2020, this project brings together Mediterranean partners, including ANNU, to innovate in energy, water, and agriculture sectors. It aligns with SDGs 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) by promoting sustainable practices and resource efficiency.
  Link: 5TOI 4EWAS Project

• ETRERA 2020: Empowering Trans-Mediterranean Renewable Energy Research Alliance for Europe 2020
  ANNU participated in this FP7-funded project to advance renewable energy technologies across the Mediterranean, contributing to SDG 7. The project focused on sustainable energy systems and reducing regional carbon footprints.
  Link: ETRERA 2020 Project

• MoreThanAJob: Social and Solidarity Economy for Unemployed and Refugees
  As the coordinator of this ENI CBC MED project, ANNU supports the unemployed, uneducated, and refugees in creating job opportunities within the social and solidarity economy, addressing SDG 8 and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

• MedRiSSE: Replicable Innovations of SSE for Post-COVID-19 Job Creation
  ANNU participates as a partner in the MedRiSSE project, which focuses on creating sustainable jobs in the social and solidarity economy post-COVID-19, supporting SDG 8.

• Let’s Start Up – Inclusive Business and Self-Employment for Women and People with Disabilities in Palestine
  This project, funded by EducAID, promotes self-employment opportunities for disadvantaged groups, contributing to SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 10.

Our university hosts and participates in international conferences focused on the SDGs, presenting findings and data collection methodologies that benefit the global academic and scientific communities. Recently, An-Najah National University (ANNU) co-hosted the Joint Scientific Conference on Innovation, Business Intelligence, and Sustainability with The University of Jordan. This conference provided a platform for sharing insights and data on sustainable business practices, economic resilience, and innovation-driven sustainability, directly contributing to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). Researchers from ANNU presented studies on sustainable economic models and innovative data tools that support the measurement and tracking of SDG indicators, demonstrating ANNU’s commitment to advancing sustainability goals on a global scale. 

ANNU’s faculty and research centers are dedicated to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals through impactful studies that address critical sustainability and health challenges, while also contributing essential data to international frameworks. For example, Dr. Amira A. Shaheen from An-Najah National University co-authored a study titled “Global estimates on the number of people blind or visually impaired by cataract: a meta-analysis from 2000 to 2020.” This publication provides important global data on cataract-related blindness and visual impairment, contributing significantly to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). By aggregating data on visual health across regions, the study supports international efforts to improve healthcare accessibility and address preventable blindness.

• Participation in an international scientific conference on earthquake engineering in Italy. This reflects ANNU's involvement in gathering data related to natural disaster resilience, aligning with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
• Participation in a regional workshop organized by the World Health Organization to launch a network for poisons centers in the Mediterranean region. This contributes to gathering data on public health and safety, aligning with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).
• An initiative led by the UNESCO Chair at ANNU, in collaboration with the Arab Water Network and the Palestinian National Committee for Education, Culture, and Science. This conference focused on water diplomacy in the Arab region, contributing to data collection and knowledge sharing on water resources, which aligns with SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).
• ANNU's Geography and Geomatics Department's participation in a workshop organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). This involvement contributes to data collection on agricultural practices and environmental sustainability, supporting SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).
• Participation in an international conference on biological models and their medical and industrial applications, held in Fez, Morocco. This collaboration allows for data collection and research development in biological sciences, supporting SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).
• A visit by the team working on the Al-Maqdisi project from ANNU to Lille University in France to enhance international partnerships in scientific research and technological development. This partnership involves data sharing and measurement practices, contributing to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).