International Projects and Initiatives

An-Najah National University (ANNU) actively pursues projects and initiatives that align with global best practices and comparative approaches to address the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These efforts span key areas such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, water resource management, and public health, each designed to create measurable impact within and beyond the region. Collaborating with international institutions, ANNU integrates SDG principles into research, education, and community initiatives, developing scalable models that support sustainability, social equity, and economic resilience. Through these targeted actions, ANNU strengthens its role as a regional leader in sustainable development and a contributor to global SDG benchmarks.

Building Community Resilience and Improving Livelihoods and Food Security

• Description: This project exemplifies how ANNU, through international collaboration with development agencies, promotes sustainable agriculture. By implementing and sharing best practices in farming, market access, and climate-resilient techniques, ANNU contributes to international standards for rural development and food security.

• Best Practices Development: The project incorporates comparative approaches by training farmers in environmentally friendly practices and leveraging global insights on food security and economic stability, aligning with SDG 2, SDG 8, and SDG 13.

• SDGs: SDG 1, SDG 2, SDG 3, SDG 5, SDG 8, SDG 12, SDG 13.

Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP) - Strengthening WASH and Climate-Smart Agriculture

• Description: As part of the Netherlands’ OKP initiative, ANNU collaborates internationally to enhance capacity in water, sanitation, and climate-smart agriculture. The project focuses on comparative education and policy development, contributing to global standards in WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) and agricultural sustainability.

• Best Practices Development: By integrating climate-smart and WASH principles into curricula and advancing research, ANNU develops replicable models that align with SDG 6, SDG 9, and SDG 13, contributing to international best practices.

• SDGs: SDG 4, SDG 6, SDG 9, SDG 13.

SFI SDGs Challenges Preparatory Phase Project with the University of Limerick

• Description: This project, in partnership with the University of Limerick, focuses on identifying SDG challenges and developing a framework for sustainability initiatives. The collaboration fosters cross-institutional learning to create sustainable solutions.

• Best Practices Development: ANNU’s involvement in identifying SDG challenges through comparative research strengthens partnerships and fosters shared approaches for SDG-focused education and community projects.

• SDGs: SDG 4, SDG 11, SDG 17.

ETRERA_2020 - Empowering Trans-Mediterranean Renewable Energy Research Alliance

• Description: This project promotes renewable energy research across the Mediterranean, with a focus on technology transfer and clean energy solutions. ANNU’s role in this alliance helps create a shared knowledge base in renewable energy.

• Best Practices Development: By collaborating on clean energy solutions and technology transfer, ANNU contributes to establishing international best practices in renewable energy, aligning with SDG 7, SDG 9, and SDG 13.

• SDGs: SDG 7, SDG 9, SDG 13.

5TOI_4EWAS - Quintuple Helix Approach to Innovation in Energy, Water, Agriculture

• Description: This project applies a “Quintuple Helix” approach involving multiple stakeholders to drive innovation in energy, water, and agriculture. ANNU collaborates internationally to address critical resource challenges.

• Best Practices Development: ANNU’s work on this project helps establish and share sustainable models in water management, clean energy, and agriculture that can serve as best practices for the South Mediterranean region and beyond.

• SDGs: SDG 6, SDG 7, SDG 2.

CliVEx - Climate Virtual Exchange: Enhancing Climate Awareness and Education

• Description: Through Erasmus+ funding, this project focuses on educating youth and communities about climate change via virtual exchanges, aiming to improve climate literacy.

• Best Practices Development: By fostering climate awareness and education through international collaboration, ANNU contributes to a global understanding of climate action best practices, supporting SDG 13 and SDG 4.

• SDGs: SDG 4, SDG 13.

BREEDTECH - Building Capacity in Plant Breeding and Biotechnology for Sustainable Agriculture

• Description: This Erasmus+ project enhances ANNU’s capacity in plant breeding and biotechnology, focusing on resilient crop varieties and sustainable agriculture.

• Best Practices Development: The project supports comparative approaches by developing biotechnology and breeding techniques that can be shared as best practices in sustainable agriculture, aligning with SDG 2, SDG 12, and SDG 15.

• SDGs: SDG 2, SDG 12, SDG 15.

Sustainable Agriculture through Innovative Technologies Project (EU Funding):

• ANNU collaborates with European universities and research centers to implement sustainable agricultural practices using innovative technologies. This project promotes sustainable farming techniques and addresses SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). The project has introduced modern farming techniques in Palestine, such as hydroponics and organic farming, and is working towards setting a standard for sustainable agriculture in the region.

Water-Energy-Food Nexus in Palestine (WEF-Pal Project):

• In collaboration with regional and international universities, ANNU is part of the WEF-Pal project, which aims to develop an integrated approach to managing water, energy, and food resources. This project focuses on SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), aiming to create a sustainable model that can be adopted by other countries in similar arid and semi-arid regions.

Environmental Health Monitoring and Data Collection (in collaboration with WHO):

• ANNU has partnered with the World Health Organization to conduct a large-scale environmental health monitoring program. The program collects data on air quality, water pollution, and waste management to assess and improve environmental health standards in Palestine. The findings contribute to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by establishing best practices that are being shared regionally.

Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation Program (in Partnership with UNDP):

• ANNU collaborates with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to support social entrepreneurship initiatives among students. This program encourages young innovators to develop solutions to pressing social and environmental challenges. The program aligns with SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), fostering sustainable business models that contribute to economic growth and sustainable development.

Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Project (in Partnership with USAID):

• ANNU has worked with USAID to establish renewable energy projects on campus, including solar panel installations and energy-efficient systems. This project aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and decrease energy costs, contributing to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). The outcomes of this project are shared with other universities and institutions to promote renewable energy practices across the region.

Education for Sustainable Development Program:

• ANNU has integrated the concept of sustainability into its curriculum through a program focused on education for sustainable development (ESD). This program ensures that students across all faculties are exposed to sustainability principles. ANNU collaborates with global educational institutions to develop and refine the curriculum, aligning with SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). This program supports the development of a sustainability-conscious generation that can contribute to local and global sustainability goals.

Palestinian Archaeological Heritage Preservation Project (in collaboration with UNESCO):

• ANNU collaborates with UNESCO and other international heritage organizations to preserve and protect Palestinian archaeological sites. This project aligns with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 15 (Life on Land), aiming to develop best practices in cultural heritage preservation. The project includes research on sustainable tourism and heritage management, which has implications for similar preservation efforts globally.

Joint Research on Climate Change Impact and Adaptation Strategies:

• ANNU is engaged in joint research with European and Middle Eastern universities on climate change impact and adaptation strategies specific to the Mediterranean region. This research addresses SDG 13 (Climate Action) and provides valuable insights into climate adaptation for arid and semi-arid areas, contributing to international best practices in climate resilience.

Inclusive Education Project (in collaboration with Erasmus+):

• Through the Erasmus+ program, ANNU works on promoting inclusive education for students with disabilities. This project aims to make higher education more accessible and inclusive, aligning with SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequality). The project includes sharing methods and strategies with other universities in the region to foster a more inclusive educational environment.

Public Health Awareness and Vaccination Campaign (with the Ministry of Health and WHO):

• ANNU collaborated with the Palestinian Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization to conduct a public health awareness and vaccination campaign during the COVID-19 pandemic. This initiative aimed to educate the public on health practices and ensure access to vaccines, supporting SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). This campaign served as a model for community engagement in public health that can be adapted to other health crises.