Leading Through Innovation: Developing International Best Practices for the SDGs

• Najah2Twin Smart Campus Digital Twin (EU partners)
  ANNU co-develops a cross-campus digital-twin playbook (GIS/BIM/IoT) for monitoring energy, water, mobility, and waste, with shared KPIs and open dashboards that peers can replicate—advancing international best practice for campus sustainability (SDGs 7, 9, 11, 13, 17).

• Med-EcoSuRe “Universities as Living Labs” (Mediterranean network)
  Joint retrofitting pilots generate comparative measurement protocols (M&V plans, indoor-environment indices) and design guidelines for cost-effective energy upgrades in higher-education buildings (SDGs 7, 11, 13, 17).

• BASE – UFM Labled Project : Capacity Building for Sustainable Higher Education (EU consortium)
  With multi-country partners, ANNU co-authors curriculum toolkits, QA rubrics, and staff-training modules that harmonize sustainability learning outcomes and evaluation methods across institutions (SDGs 4, 8, 9, 12, 17).

• Pearl Accelerator Project: In partnership with leading international universities and research institutions, ANNU has significantly contributed to the development of the innovative Pearl accelerator, based on Energy Recovery LINAC (ERL) technology. This project enhances energy efficiency in particle physics, aligning with SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). 

• Erasmus+ Projects: In 2024 ANNU secured funding for eight new Erasmus+ projects that extend our international, comparative work on curriculum innovation, mobility, and capacity building. The projects use shared EU–MENA work packages, common M&E indicators, and joint toolkits/micro-credentials—all designed for transferable best practice across partner institutions. This portfolio strengthens SDGs 4, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, and 17.

• Virtual Exchange Collaborative: Established in response to travel restrictions, the An-Najah Virtual Exchange Collaborative connects students and faculty with international peers, fostering global dialogue and collaboration. This initiative promotes SDG 4 (Quality Education) by providing equitable access to international educational opportunities. 

• SHABAP – Sustainable, Healthy, Affordable Building Application
  International research on thermal comfort, IAQ, and low-carbon materials yields context-adaptable design guides and health-centric building checklists validated across climates (SDGs 3, 7, 9, 11, 12, 13).

• UNESCO Chair on Sustainable Water Resources Management (multi-country studies)
  Comparative research on water efficiency, groundwater governance, and drought resilience produces shared indicators, datasets, and policy briefs adopted by partner institutions (SDGs 6, 13, 17).

• Climate Risk & Resilience Modeling (regional & global partners)
  Joint work on seismic/climate hazard mapping and risk communication provides open models and community engagement templates for resilient cities and campuses (SDGs 11, 13, 17).

• Energy–Water–Food Nexus Research Collaborative
  Cross-border case studies (arid and semi-arid contexts) develop benchmarking methods for irrigation efficiency, circular water reuse, and renewable-powered pumping, with transferable decision tools (SDGs 2, 6, 7, 12, 13, 17).

• Open SDG Data & Methods Harmonization
  Through ANNU’s sustainability dashboard, the university co-leads method sheets, KPI dictionaries, and reproducible code that allow partner universities to benchmark and compare SDG performance transparently (SDGs 12, 16, 17).

• Global/Public Health Collaboratives (One-Health focus)
  With international universities, ANNU codesigns community-screening protocols, ethics frameworks, and digital data standards for population health projects, enabling cross-site comparability (SDGs 3, 10, 17).

• Green Mobility & Campus Decarbonization Network
  Joint pilots on active mobility, EV charging, and fleet electrification produce shared KPI packs and transition roadmaps that partner campuses reuse and adapt (SDGs 11, 13, 17).

• Innovation & Entrepreneurship for the SDGs (Najah Innovation Park + partners)
  Multi-country incubator tracks provide common impact metrics (jobs, CO₂e avoided, resource savings) and replicable accelerator playbooks for green startups (SDGs 8, 9, 12, 13, 17).

Bibliometrics & Evidence Synthesis for SDG Policy
ANNU teams collaborate internationally on mapping reviews and bibliometric analyses (e.g., health, environment, AI-for-SDGs), yielding global evidence maps and methodology notes that inform best practice (SDGs 3, 9, 12, 17).

• AAC&U Global Learning Conference (Washington, DC, 2024) – ANNU showcased leadership in equitable virtual exchange and North–South partnerships, sharing comparative models for scalable international learning. 

• IVEC 2024 – International Virtual Exchange Conference – ANNU led MENA representation, presenting best-practice frameworks for VE course design, co-assessment, and inclusion. 

• CEES 2024 – First International Conference on Civil & Environmental Engineering – ANNU represented by Prof. Sameer Abu Eisheh, contributing to regional infrastructure and sustainability dialogues. 

• World Conference on Earthquake Engineering (WCEE 2024, Milan) – ANNU researchers shared advances in seismic risk reduction and resilient cities, informing global practice. 

• International Conference on Bio-Nano Materials (2024) – ANNU presented applications in medicine and industry, highlighting cross-disciplinary innovation aligned with SDGs. 

• Arab-Turkish & Euro-Asian Summits (2024) – ANNU took the spotlight in multi-regional university summits, strengthening international academic cooperation and visibility. 

• Association of Arab Universities – General Conference (Baghdad, 2024) – ANNU advanced academic collaboration at a high-level regional forum, reinforcing recognition among partner universities. 

• Keynote Recognition – 9th Jordan International Civil Engineering Conference (2024) – Prof. Jalal Dabbeek delivered an invited keynote address, underscoring ANNU’s scientific leadership. 

• 11th Conference on Environment & Renewable Energy (Vietnam, 2024) – ANNU contributed to international dialogue on clean energy and sustainability solutions. 

• SRIAATU 2025 Conference & Forum (China) – ANNU enhanced its international presence, engaging architectural and technological networks on innovation and cooperation. 

• 2nd International Conference on Debate & Resilience (2024) – ANNU’s APDC presented research on debate as a tool for resilience, sharing transferable educational practice. 

• LCOY Palestine 2024 – Local Youth Conference on Climate Change – ANNU students earned recognition at a UN-affiliated youth forum, amplifying climate action engagement. 

• ANNU earned significant recognition across major global ranking systems—THE Impact Rankings, QS (World, Arab, Subject, and QS Stars), U.S. News Best Global Universities, UI GreenMetric, WURI, and AD Scientific Index—with multiple #1-in-Palestine distinctions and strong global/Arab placements.

• Collaboration with Amman Arab University – Climate Risk Conference (Springer / Scopus-indexed)
  ANNU co-organized the conference “The Role of National Institutions in Addressing Climate Risks.” Proceedings were published with Springer and indexed in Scopus, enabling broad international dissemination of comparative best practices in climate adaptation and risk governance—advancing SDG 13 and SDG 17.

• Joint Scientific Conference with the University of Jordan – Innovation, Business Intelligence & Sustainability
  Cross-border panels showcased comparative case studies on energy efficiency, sustainable campuses, and data-driven decision-making. Outcomes included co-authored guidelines and session communiqués used by partner institutions (SDGs 7, 9, 11, 12, 13, 17).

• Erasmus+ Dissemination Weeks & Multiplier Events (EU–MENA)
  Across BASE, Med-EcoSuRe, and allied consortia, ANNU teams presented toolkits, curricula, and M&E frameworks; these events are hosted by European partners and indexed/published in conference proceedings, supporting transferability of best practice (SDGs 4, 7, 9, 11, 12, 13, 17).

• UNESCO Chair Network Symposia – Water Security & Drought Resilience
  Through the UNESCO Chair on Sustainable Water Resources Management, ANNU contributes policy briefs, shared indicators, and open datasets presented at regional/global symposia—informing international standards for SDG 6 and SDG 13.

• Med-EcoSuRe “Universities as Living Labs” Conferences
  ANNU presented measurement & verification (M&V) protocols, indoor-environment quality (IEQ) indices, and retrofit playbooks validated across Mediterranean campuses—recognized as replicable models for SDG-aligned campus retrofits (SDGs 7, 11, 13, 17).

• Smart Campus / Digital-Twin Forums
  Najah2Twin results (GIS/BIM/IoT) were shared at international events on smart, low-carbon campuses, highlighting KPI harmonization and real-time monitoring dashboards adopted by peers (SDGs 7, 9, 11, 12, 13, 17).

• Global/Public Health Conferences (One-Health tracks)
  ANNU researchers delivered talks on screening protocols, equity in access, and digital standards, contributing comparative approaches that partners can adapt in diverse contexts (SDGs 3, 10, 17).

• Innovation & Entrepreneurship Showcases (Najah Innovation Park + partners)
  At international expos and university-industry forums, ANNU presented impact metrics for green startups (CO₂e avoided, resource savings), establishing shared evaluation templates used by accelerator partners (SDGs 8, 9, 12, 13, 17).

• International Recognition (chairs, keynotes, committees)
  ANNU faculty chair sessions, serve on scientific committees, and deliver invited keynotes at conferences hosted by Springer Nature and other Scopus-indexed venues, reinforcing the university’s role in codifying and disseminating best practice for the SDGs (SDGs 4, 9, 17).

• April 20, 2024 — Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) Program: Earned international accreditation via TEPDAD, recognized by WFME. 

• July 10, 2024 — University Journal (Natural Sciences): Journal for Research – A (Natural Sciences) was accepted into Scopus. 

• September 29, 2024 — NNUH Urology Center of Excellence: Achieved SRC global accreditation for surgical services. 

• September 2024 — NNUH Hospital rating: Awarded a 4-Star global rating by Newsweek/Statista (noting prior JCI accreditation).

• ANNU’s role in TAIEX–Twinning (EU instruments)
  ANNU supports EQA in EU-aligned policy approximation and capacity building through TAIEX/Twinning activities. The work develops comparative roadmaps, legal gap analyses, and guidance notes that strengthen national environmental governance—advancing SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land) while codifying international best practice in policy and environmental management.

• National Environmental Policy & EU Approximation
  Joint technical working groups (EQA–ANNU–international experts) co-draft by-laws, compliance checklists, and enforcement toolkits aligned to EU directives; outputs are designed for replication by peer agencies. (SDGs 13, 15, 12, 16, 17)

• Shared Monitoring & Data Infrastructure
  Collaboration on air, water, and soil monitoring (methods, QA/QC, calibration traceability) and open, interoperable datasets that enable cross-site benchmarking and public dashboards. (SDGs 6, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17)

• MRV for Greenhouse Gases & SLCPs
  Capacity building on IPCC-aligned inventories, facility-level reporting, and MRV frameworks that integrate municipal/utilities data and feed national submissions. (SDG 13)

• EIA/SEA Standards & Reviewer Training
  Co-developed templates, scoping matrices, and sector guidelines; creation of a trained reviewers’ pool and periodic calibration workshops with international partners. (SDGs 9, 11, 12, 15, 16)

• Hazardous & Healthcare Waste Management
  Joint pilots on segregation, tracking manifests, treatment options, and safe disposal protocols aligned with Basel/Stockholm conventions. (SDGs 3, 6, 12, 13)

• Biodiversity & Land Stewardship
  Comparative field studies and ecosystem services mapping, restoration protocols for degraded rangelands and riparian zones, and community co-management models. (SDG 15)

• Circular Economy & Plastics Reduction
  Evidence-led action plans for e-waste, single-use plastics, and industrial by-products, including producer-responsibility and return-logistics pilots with international know-how. (SDG 12)

• Environmental Justice & Community Science
  Co-designed citizen-science air-quality campaigns, grievance-data analysis, and risk-communication toolkits to widen participation and equity. (SDGs 10, 11, 16, 17)

• Emergency Response & Incident Management
  Joint spill/contamination drills, rapid water-quality assessment protocols, and after-action learning notes benchmarked against international standards. (SDGs 3, 6, 11, 13)

• Education, Certification & Internships
  Co-branded certificate courses, policy labs, and student internships/secondments with EQA and international experts to sustain capacity. (SDGs 4, 17)

• Policy Briefs & International Reporting
  ANNU contributes evidence syntheses to EQA policy briefs and supports national reporting to UNFCCC, CBD, Basel/Stockholm, ensuring comparability and transparency of indicators. (SDGs 12, 13, 15, 17)

Digital-Twin Integration (Najah2Twin ↔ EQA)
Linking EQA datasets with Najah2Twin (GIS/BIM/IoT) for hotspot mapping, trend analytics, and decision dashboards, creating a replicable model for data-driven environmental governance. (SDGs 9, 11, 12, 13, 16, 17)

• Regional Union of Environmental Sciences (West Asia)
  ANNU’s membership in the Regional Union of Environmental Sciences showcases its active role in regional and global environmental networks. Through this platform, ANNU engages in knowledge exchange on environmental policy and practice, joint working groups, and comparative projects across West Asia—promoting evidence-based, transferable best practice that advances SDG 6 (Clean Water & Sanitation), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption & Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 17 (Partnerships).
  ANNU representatives: • Dr. Abdel Haleem Khader — Quality Assurance , • Dr. Ghadeer Omar — Biological Diversity , • Dr. Sabri Naser — Environmental Monitoring
  • Dr. Sameer Shadeed — Water Resources , • Dr. Anan Jaousi — Urban Resources
  Added value & outputs: comparative policy briefs, harmonized monitoring protocols (air/water/soil), QA/QC practice notes, regional capacity-building workshops, and shared indicator dictionaries that partner institutions can adopt or adapt—directly supporting SDG 17 through structured collaboration and mutuallearning.

• UNIMED – Union of Mediterranean Universities (governance role)
  ANNU is an active member of UNIMED, with leadership representation that strengthens Euro-Mediterranean academic cooperation and SDG practice exchange.
  Value/outputs: joint policy dialogues, mobility toolkits, and comparative SDG playbooks for universities across the Mediterranean (SDGs 4, 9, 11, 13, 17).
  ANNU representatives: Dr. Kherieh Rassas (UNIMED President), Prof. Abdel Nasser Zaid (General Assembly delegate). najah.edu , najah.edu

• GUNi – Global University Network for Innovation (2023–2026 member)
  Membership in GUNi embeds ANNU in a global community advancing university innovation and societal impact, with shared case studies and policy briefs on SDG-aligned higher education transformation (SDGs 4, 9, 17). najah.edu

• INQAAHE – International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (Associate Member)
  Through INQAAHE, ANNU participates in international QA benchmarking and adopts shared standards for evidence-based program improvement and student protection (SDGs 4, 16, 17). 

• Silk Road International Alliance of Architectural & Technological Universities
  Membership enables comparative research and studios on sustainable architecture, urban resilience, and heritage, with co-taught modules and design rubrics shared across partners (SDGs 9, 11, 13, 17). najah.edu

• World Council of Optometry (WCO) – Departmental Membership (Renewed 2025) : The Optometry Department’s membership in WCO supports harmonized clinical education, competency standards, and public-health initiatives in vision care (SDGs 3, 4, 17). najah.edu

• IALS – International Association of Law Schools (Faculty of Law)
  As an IALS member, the Faculty of Law exchanges comparative curricula, clinics, and assessment rubrics, strengthening justice and governance education (SDGs 4, 16, 17). najah.edu

•   IAESTE – International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience (Associate Membership)
  ANNU (IAESTE Palestine) engages in structured international placements and shared learning outcomes for engineering and applied sciences internships (SDGs 4, 8, 9, 17). najah.edu

•   FIP – International Pharmaceutical Federation (Academic Institutional Member)
  Department-level membership in FIP connects ANNU to global pharmacy education standards, CPD frameworks, and public-health campaigns (SDGs 3, 4, 17). najah.edu

• AArU – Association of Arab Universities (membership + Executive Council seat) : Through AArU, ANNU contributes to regional higher-ed policy coordination and program benchmarking; ANNU has also served on the Executive Council of the General Conference (SDGs 4, 17). najah.edu

RMEI – Réseau Méditerranéen des Écoles d’Ingénieurs (Board of Administration) : Participation in RMEI links ANNU’s engineering programs to Mediterranean peers for sustainability curricula, ethics in engineering, and green skills cooperation (SDGs 4, 9, 12, 17).

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.

NEURODEV – Inclusive Education & Research (Erasmus+)

• Description: Builds modern curricula and research capacity on neurodevelopmental disorders through international university partnerships. igpc.najah.edu

• Best Practices Development: Co-designed course syllabi, inclusive-teaching rubrics, and shared research protocols for cross-institutional adoption.

• SDGs: 3, 4, 10, 17.

BASE – Empowering Higher Education (Bologna Process)

• Description: Enhances science education in Palestine & Jordan with Bologna-aligned curricula and institutional capacity building. igpc.najah.edu

• Best Practices Development: Joint curriculum templates, QA/credit-transfer frameworks, and mobility guidelines.

• SDGs: 4, 8, 9, 10, 17.

PhDGov – Reforming Doctoral Education

• Description: Strengthens PhD governance via clearer supervision standards, quality systems, and industry links. igpc.najah.edu

• Best Practices Development: Doctoral-handbook models, supervision KPIs, and external-examiner protocols shared across partners.

• SDGs: 4, 9, 17.

TECGREMED – Green Engineering Skills for the Mediterranean

• Description: Advances VET in green engineering for youth (including refugees) across Jordan, Palestine, Morocco. igpc.najah.edu

• Best Practices Development: Competency frameworks, modular training packs, and labor-market alignment toolkits.

• SDGs: 4, 7, 8, 9, 13.

Boosting Innovation in Education & Research of Precision Agriculture

• Description: Modernizes curricula and research in precision agriculture to raise food-production efficiency. igpc.najah.edu

• Best Practices Development: Digital-farming labs, data standards, and field-trial protocols transferable to partner HEIs.

• SDGs: 2, 4, 9, 12.

TAP Palestine – Transforming Assessment Practices in First-Year Education

• Description: Improves assessment in large first-year courses with scalable, student-centered methods. igpc.najah.edu

• Best Practices Development: Shared item banks, analytics dashboards, and faculty training modules.

• SDGs: 4, 17.

METHODS – Modernization of Teaching Methodologies

• Description: Brings EU best practices to upgrade pedagogy and digital teaching in HEIs. igpc.najah.edu

• Best Practices Development: Active-learning guides, digital-tools playbooks, and peer-observation schemes.

• SDGs: 4, 17.

OpenMed – Opening Up Education in the South Mediterranean

• Description: Expands Open Education through OER capacity building and policy support. igpc.najah.edu

• Best Practices Development: OER policy templates, licensing guidance, and open-course exemplars for replication.

• SDGs: 4, 9, 17.

MED-HEALTH – Mediterranean Public Health Alliance

• Description: Builds regional alliance to strengthen public-health education and research. igpc.najah.edu

• Best Practices Development: Competency-based curricula and cross-country training pathways for the health workforce.

• SDGs: 3, 4, 17.

5TOI-4EWAS – Horizon 2020 Innovation Ecosystems (Energy–Water–Agri)

• Description: Uses a Quintuple Helix/NEXUS model to spark innovation across the South Mediterranean. igpc.najah.edu

• Best Practices Development: Open entrepreneurship pipelines, mobility schemes, and co-ownership models for startups.

• SDGs: 6, 7, 9, 13, 17.

Med-EcoSuRe – Universities as Catalysts for Eco-Renovation

• Description: Living-Lab retrofits, audits, and cross-border cooperation to scale energy-efficient campus renovation. najah.edu

• Best Practices Development: M&V protocols, IEQ indices, and retrofit playbooks validated across Mediterranean campuses.

• SDGs: 7, 9, 11, 13, 17.

GREENLAND – Green Skills for a Sustainable Development

• Description: Upskills NEET youth and women for green/circular-economy jobs via TVET–SME–public partnerships. igpc.najah.edu

• Best Practices Development: Work-based learning models, employment pathways, and policy co-design for inclusivity.

• SDGs: 4, 8, 10, 12, 17.

MedRiSSE – Replicable Social & Solidarity-Economy Innovations

• Description: Co-produces municipal services and decent jobs post-COVID across the Mediterranean. igpc.najah.edu

• Best Practices Development: Replication toolkits for SSE projects and multi-actor governance models.

• SDGs: 1, 8, 10, 17.

EPISODE – Digital & Social Entrepreneurship (Erasmus+)

• Description: Builds digital/social entrepreneurship skills via blended courses and micro-learning with UNIMED and partners. igpc.najah.edu

• Best Practices Development: Open courseware, mentoring frameworks, and impact-tracking metrics for startups.

• SDGs: 4, 8, 9, 17.

Palestinian Institute for International Humanitarian Law & Human Rights

• Description: EU-supported institute at ANNU advancing education/research in IHL & HR and empowering civil society. igpc.najah.edu

• Best Practices Development: Practitioner-oriented curricula, policy clinics, and reporting templates aligned to global standards.

• SDGs: 1, 4, 10, 16, 17.

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.

ANNU joins the international network for quality assurance in higher education institutions. This membership facilitates sharing best practices in education quality, aligning with SDG 4 (Quality Education) by promoting international standards in academic quality and excellence.

Through the Al-Maqdisi project, ANNU collaborates with Lille University in France, enhancing its research scope and technological development. This partnership involves comparative research and exchange of best practices, supporting SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) through international scientific cooperation.

ANNU leads the Erasmus+ "BASE" project, focused on developing scientific systems in Palestine and Jordan in collaboration with the European Association for Higher Education. This project fosters comparative approaches in science education and aligns with SDG 4 (Quality Education) by setting regional standards in science education.

Participation in an international earthquake engineering conference in Italy reflects ANNU's role in reviewing and sharing best practices for natural disaster resilience. This supports SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by promoting global knowledge exchange in earthquake engineering.

During the Barcelona Process for Education Systems and Management, ANNU emphasized the importance of international academic partnerships to enhance academic standards and address challenges. This aligns with SDG 4 (Quality Education) by developing best practices in higher education management through global collaboration.

ANNU's efforts in digital transformation within higher education, through a partnership with Arab and British institutions, aim to develop a modern evaluation model. This supports SDG 4 (Quality Education) by promoting best practices in digital education.

The UNESCO Chair at ANNU, in collaboration with the Arab Water Network and other organizations, organized a conference on water diplomacy. This initiative fosters regional best practices in water resource management, contributing to SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) by promoting sustainable water management policies.

ANNU's participation in a workshop organized by the FAO supports agricultural data collection and the development of sustainable farming practices. This aligns with SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by sharing best practices in agriculture.

ANNU’s participation in an international conference on biological models and their applications supports global knowledge exchange in biotechnology. This collaboration aligns with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by promoting best practices in biomedical applications.

AAC&U Global Learning Conference (Washington, DC): ANNU showcased leadership in equitable virtual exchange and inclusive global learning. (SDGs 4, 10, 17). najah.edu

IVEC 2024 (International Virtual Exchange Conference): ANNU led MENA representation and shared best-practice frameworks for VE course design. (SDGs 4, 10, 17). najah.edu

World Conference on Earthquake Engineering (Milan): ANNU contributed to global discussions on seismic risk and resilient cities. (SDGs 11, 13, 17). najah.edu

International Conference on Bio-Nano Materials (Medicine & Industry): ANNU presented cross-disciplinary advances in bio-nano applications. (SDGs 3, 9, 17). najah.edu

International Conference at Autonomous University of Madrid: ANNU engaged in global academic dialogue on Gaza. (SDGs 16, 17). najah.edu

Arab-Turkish & Euro-Asian University Summits: ANNU took the spotlight in multi-regional higher-ed cooperation forums. (SDGs 4, 17). najah.edu

Association of Deanships of Student Affairs Conference (Al-Ain): ANNU participated and earned recognition in the annual student affairs forum. (SDGs 4, 17). najah.edu

Erasmus+ EPISODE Annual Meeting (Brussels): ANNU delegation advanced digital/social entrepreneurship education with EU partners. (SDGs 4, 8, 9, 17). najah.edu

11th Conference on Environment & Renewable Energy (Vietnam): ANNU presented clean-energy research and collaboration outcomes. (SDGs 7, 13, 17). najah.edu

 “Role of Women in Scientific Research” (co-organized with Univ. of Naples Federico II): Two-day event with regional/international participation and recommendations. (SDGs 5, 4, 17). najah.edu

SRIAATU 2025 Conference & Forum (China): ANNU enhanced global visibility in architecture/technology networks. (SDGs 9, 11, 17). najah.edu

2nd International Conference on Debate & Dialogue (Doha): ANNU’s APDC presented research on debate-driven resilience. (SDGs 4, 16, 17). najah.edu

 Global University Mentorship Program (International launch): ANNU connected faculty, students, alumni, and global mentors for cross-border learning. (SDGs 4, 17).

• Water & Sanitation Research Awards — ceremony with EU/UN logos (policy-into-practice).
• Stakeholder & policy-makers workshop (Tomorrow’s Cities) — Urban Planning & DRR Center (use hero from this news item). Najah University
• Youth climate engagement (LCOY Palestine 2025) — ANNU students presenting outcomes. Najah University
• https://www.najah.edu/en/<wbr/>research/scientific-centers/<wbr/>urban-planning-and-disaster-<wbr/>risk-reduction-center/earth-<wbr/>sciences-and-seismic-<wbr/>engineering-unit/?utm_source=<wbr/>chatgpt.com
• An-Najah National University secured four cross-border projects under the EU-funded INTERREG NEXT MED programme, including one led by ANNU—strengthening international partnerships and advancing SDG-aligned best practices.