Collaborative with NGOs for SDGs

An-Najah National University is committed to empowering its students to become catalysts for change through extensive volunteering opportunities. In collaboration with NGOs, our student volunteers address critical issues such as equitable access to education, disability inclusion, and public health.

The Community Service Center, along with Student Associations and Clubs under the Deanship of Student Affairs, serves as a vital hub for volunteer initiatives at ANNU, engaging approximately 2,000 student volunteers yearly. These students actively participate in impactful programs and organize events and outreach activities that further SDG objectives, reaching local and marginalized communities in partnership with prominent NGOs.

Example Initiatives:

• Health and Disability Support with GUPWD (General Union of Persons with Disabilities): ANNU’s student volunteers participate in programs that offer support to individuals with disabilities. This includes organizing health awareness workshops, distributing necessary resources, and advocating for accessibility in public spaces. Through these initiatives, students contribute to promoting inclusivity (SDG 10) and improving public health (SDG 3).

• Education and Youth Development with UNRWA: In collaboration with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), ANNU student volunteers tutor and mentor children in refugee camps, providing educational support to underserved students. This initiative addresses SDG 4 by helping to improve educational outcomes and encouraging children to continue their studies.

• Women Empowerment with Arab Women Union Society: Student volunteers work with the Arab Women Union Society to run workshops focused on women’s rights, gender equality, and professional skills training for women in the local community. This supports SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 10 by reducing gender-based inequalities.

ANNU pioneers research initiatives that drive innovation and sustainability, partnering with NGOs to tackle urgent global issues like sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and climate resilience.

Example Projects:

• Agriculture and Food Security Research with Palestinian Agricultural Relief Committees: Faculty and students collaborate on projects exploring sustainable agriculture techniques, such as drought-resistant crops and efficient irrigation methods. This research supports SDG 2 by helping Palestinian farmers improve food security.

• Renewable Energy Innovation with Palestinian Energy and Environment Research Center: ANNU’s Energy Research Center develops affordable solar and wind energy systems, especially suited for remote areas. In partnership with NGOs, they create prototypes aimed at reducing energy costs and promoting clean energy (SDG 7).

• Climate Change and Water Resource Management with Palestinian Hydrology Group: Researchers at ANNU investigate the impacts of climate change on local water resources, developing water conservation strategies and drought adaptation models. This supports SDG 13 by addressing climate resilience and adaptation.

• Biodiversity Conservation with Palestine Wildlife Society: ANNU researchers document local flora and fauna, focusing on protecting endangered species and maintaining biodiversity. This work supports SDG 15, helping to safeguard ecosystems that are critical to Palestinian wildlife.

ANNU takes a proactive approach in developing educational resources that inspire and educate both students and the wider community on sustainable practices and responsible global citizenship.

Example Initiatives:

• Public Health Education with Dental Health Without Borders (DHWB): In partnership with DHWB and the Palestinian Relief Society, ANNU’s dental faculty and students develop resources to educate communities on oral health and hygiene practices. This includes training dental students to provide health education and dental services in underserved areas, aligning with SDG 3 by improving community health.

• Sustainability Awareness and SDG Workshops: ANNU’s Sustainability Center creates workshops and educational materials in collaboration with NGOs to raise awareness about the importance of sustainability practices, responsible consumption, and waste reduction. By educating the public and students on these issues, the university advances SDG 12.

• Citizenship and Environmental Responsibility Programs: Partnering with local NGOs, ANNU develops curricula that teach students and community members about the SDGs, environmental protection, and civic responsibilities. This program promotes sustainable c itizenship and aligns with both SDG 4 and SDG 12 by fostering an understanding of responsible resource use.

Palestinian Resilience and Development Program

• Description: In collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), ANNU works on resilience-building programs aimed at enhancing the socio-economic resilience of Palestinian communities. This includes infrastructure projects, vocational training, and support for micro-businesses, especially in rural areas.

• Key SDG Contributions:

  • SDG 1 (No Poverty): Alleviating poverty through economic empowerment.

  • SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): Providing job skills training and entrepreneurship support.

• Website: UNDP Palestine

Supporting Environmental Sustainability Initiatives with PENGON

• Description: ANNU collaborates with the Palestinian Environmental NGOs Network (PENGON) on initiatives to promote environmental conservation and sustainable development in Palestine. Projects include awareness campaigns, community clean-ups, and workshops on waste management and renewable energy.

• Key SDG Contributions:

  • SDG 13 (Climate Action): Raising awareness and promoting local action for climate resilience.

  • SDG 15 (Life on Land): Protecting natural resources and biodiversity.

• Website: PENGON - Friends of the Earth Palestine

Women’s Economic Empowerment Program with UN Women

• Description: ANNU partners with UN Women to promote women’s economic empowerment through training, mentorship, and support for women entrepreneurs. This program includes workshops on financial literacy, leadership skills, and sustainable business practices.

• Key SDG Contributions:

  • SDG 5 (Gender Equality): Empowering women to achieve economic independence.

  • SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): Enhancing women’s participation in the workforce.

• Website: UN Women Palestine

Health and Nutrition Program with Action Against Hunger

• Description: This program addresses malnutrition and promotes healthy practices in marginalized communities. ANNU collaborates with Action Against Hunger to provide community workshops on nutrition, safe drinking water, and hygiene practices.

• Key SDG Contributions:

  • SDG 2 (Zero Hunger): Addressing malnutrition and food insecurity.

  • SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): Promoting health through nutrition and hygiene education.

• Website: Action Against Hunger - Palestine

Community Mental Health Support Program with the Palestinian Medical Relief Society

• Description: ANNU partners with the Palestinian Medical Relief Society to offer mental health services and psychological support to vulnerable communities. The program includes training sessions, counseling, and awareness-raising campaigns on mental health.

• Key SDG Contributions:

  • SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): Improving access to mental health services.

  • SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): Ensuring equal access to health services for marginalized communities.

• Website: Palestinian Medical Relief Society

Youth Empowerment through Environmental Education with EcoPeace Middle East

• Description: ANNU collaborates with EcoPeace Middle East on youth programs that focus on environmental education and cross-border water conservation projects. These initiatives engage young people in environmental activism and promote sustainable water management practices.

• Key SDG Contributions:

  • SDG 4 (Quality Education): Providing environmental education to youth.

  • SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation): Supporting sustainable water management practices.

  • SDG 13 (Climate Action): Encouraging youth involvement in climate resilience efforts.

• Website: EcoPeace Middle East

Community-Led Disaster Risk Reduction Program with the Palestinian Red Crescent Society

• Description: ANNU works with the Palestinian Red Crescent Society on a community-led disaster risk reduction program. This initiative focuses on preparedness training, emergency response, and community resilience to natural and human-made disasters.

• Key SDG Contributions:

  • SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): Enhancing community resilience to disasters.

  • SDG 13 (Climate Action): Promoting preparedness for climate-related hazards.

• Website: Palestinian Red Crescent Society

Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

• Description: ANNU partners with the FAO on projects that promote sustainable agricultural practices and improve food security. The partnership includes research on crop resilience, training for farmers, and support for eco-friendly farming techniques.

• Key SDG Contributions:

  • SDG 2 (Zero Hunger): Enhancing food security through sustainable agriculture.

  • SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): Promoting sustainable farming practices.

• Website: FAO Palestine

Water and Sanitation Projects with Oxfam

• Description: ANNU collaborates with Oxfam to improve water and sanitation infrastructure in underserved areas. The project includes building water and sanitation facilities, as well as community training on safe water practices.

• Key SDG Contributions:

  • SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation): Improving access to clean water and sanitation.

  • SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): Ensuring safe water practices to prevent disease.

• Website: Oxfam in Palestine

Youth Employment and Skills Development with Mercy Corps

• Description: ANNU partners with Mercy Corps to address youth unemployment by providing skills training and employment opportunities. This program focuses on enhancing job skills, entrepreneurship, and creating pathways to meaningful employment.

• Key SDG Contributions:

  • SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): Reducing youth unemployment and promoting economic opportunities.

  • SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): Ensuring equal access to employment opportunities.

• Website: Mercy Corps Palestine