University collaboration with NGOs and/or businesses to tackle the SDGs
For the fourth consecutive year, the Human Rights Center at BAU concludes the “Fourth Regional Summer Session” on the “Implementation of the Human Rights Agreements in National Systems”, in collaboration with the Arab Academic Network for Human Rights, and the Raoul Wallenberg Institute for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law.
The event which was hosted 34 students from eight Arab countries, namely Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, Egypt, Iraq, Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia.
The course ran for 10 days, during which staff members at BAU, the Jordanian University and the University of Algeria, in addition to a group of experts in the field, such as Jordanian ex-Minister of Justice, Dr. Ibrahim Al Jazi, and Judges Yehia Ghabboura and Khaled Akkari, presented lectures.
Various topics were dealt with, most important of which is the current state of human rights in the Arab World, the status of International Agreements in National Systems, Women’s Rights, Children’s Rights, Enforced Disappearances, and the Rights of Migrant Workers.
Research & development is in action for defining the optimal conditions and technologies to decontaminate Lebanese zaatar mixtures through a partnership with the University of Glasgow and Beirut Arab University.
Dr. Ian WATSON and Dr. Nada EL DARRA conducted research on the optimal conditions and technologies to decontaminate Spices under the project “Strengthening Job Creation and Creativity in the Agri-food sector in Lebanon through technology transfer and skills training” funded by Italy and implemented by UNIDO in partnership with the Ministry of Industry and in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture in Lebanon.
Zaatar (Origanum Syriacum) is a traditional edible plant with high demand within Lebanon and in the surrounding Middle Eastern countries.
In the age of global trade and high safety measures; decontamination is a critical process to ensure safe Zaatar consumption by reducing the load of microorganisms. Once optimized, the decontamination of Zaatar products will facilitate export market access and international trade for Lebanese zaatar producers. This collaboration contributes to SDG4.
Agreement and cooperation between BAU and Link University Campus of Italy to exchange resources, human experiences and scientific research for Health and Well-being. This agreement contributes to SDG3.
The Faculty of Health Sciences - Department of Nutrition & Dietetics at Beirut Arab University collaborated in the international research project that was held in partnership with University of Oxford (UK) and Gunma Paz University (Japan).
This project resulted in publishing a journal paper entitled “Association between Sarcopenic Obesity (SO) and Metabolic Syndrome (Mets) in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis” at the Current Cardiology Reviews (Q2 peer-review journal).
The research aimed to assess the prevalence of Mets among individuals with Sarcopenic Obesity (SO), and to determine if the latter may increase the relative risk of the former.
The major finding of the study was that no higher prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome (Mets) among individuals with Sarcopenic Obesity (SO) when compared to those with obesity only, nor a significant association between Sarcopenic Obesity (SO) and a higher risk of Metabolic Syndrome (Mets) was found. This collaboration contributes to SDG4 and SG3.
Faculty of Architecture- Design and Built Environment, Beirut Arab University (BAU) in its second collaboration with University of Leeds (UK) are inviting you to the online public seminar ‘Building Capacity & Designing Participatory Approaches to Preserve Cultural Heritage by the Youth’ as a part of the funded project with the title ‘(Re)contextualizing contested heritage project’, #ReConHeritage, funded by Research England GCRF. This collaboration contributes to SDG11.
Prof. Dr. Ibtihal Youssef El-Bastawissi represented Beirut Arab University at “the regional meeting on the role of Arab universities in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals” workshop, which was held under the patronage of Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research in the Arab Republic of Egypt, Dr. Khalid Abdul Ghaffar.
The workshop was attended by a large number of Arab universities from Egypt, Mauritania, Sudan, Oman, Yemen, Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan and Palestine, as well as representatives of UNESCO regional offices in Egypt and Beirut.
Prof. Ibtihal El-Bastawissi presented the projects and activities carried out by Beirut Arab University in supporting the 17 sustainable development goals SDGs set by the United Nations focusing on Goal 9 since BAU was selected last year to represent and lead SDG 9 (industry, innovation and infrastructure) in the International Association of Universities (IAU) HESD (Higher Education and Research for Sustainable Development) Cluster.
Prof. El-Bastawissi also stressed within its presentation on how BAU community based projects, initiatives and research activities have been mapped to Goal 9 targets including supporting Sustainable and resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive industrialization and enhancing scientific research. The Dean ended up by highlighting on the new initiatives undertaken by Beirut Arab University to achieve the sustainable development goals as proposed in its strategy.
Beirut Arab University, represented by Prof. Ibtihal Y. El-Bastawissi (Dean, Faculty of Architecture – Design & Built Environment) and Siam University, represented by Prof. Pornchai Mongkhonvanit (President of Siam University) have been invited by the IAU (International Association of Universities) to share their experience in engaging with the Cluster and sustainability in the Networking Session in the York Virtual Conference on Sustainable and Inclusive Internationalization.
The conference was organized by York University – Canada, in partnership with the IAU, Okayama University – Japan, and Canadian Commission for Unesco.
The conference took place on 20-22 January 2021, while the Networking Session that has been hosted by the IAU was on 21 January 2021. In her presentation, Prof. El-Bastawissi focused on achieving the SDG goals generally and SDG9 particularly through education, research, conferences, new labs, innovation and community-based projects as well as wide-spreading BAU Journals, and developing partnerships with other universities.
Following this successful intervention in the conference, IAU represented by Hilligje van't Land, the Secretary General, welcomed BAU and Siam Universities to share concrete examples of community engagement focusing on social impact to be presented by IAU during the University World News Webinar entitled “Building Social Impact and Civic Engagement on 27 January 2021.
Prof. El-Bastawissi shared with the IAU seven examples on BAU Community Engagement and on the university’s role in promoting sustainable urban development.
The International Association of Universities IAU has launched a Global Cluster on Higher Education and Research for Sustainable Development (HSED) to advocate for the Key Role that higher education institutions play in achieving agenda 2030.
The global endeavour directly engages universities in addressing all 17 sustainable development goals SDGs. Beirut Arab University was selected to represent and lead SDG 9 Industry, innovation and infrastructure that aims mainly to promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, enhance scientific research, and 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 & Built Environment Professor Ibtihal El- Bastawissi is the BAU Institutional Coordinator at the IAU Global Higher Education Cluster.
The IAU HESD Cluster consists of 16 lead universities, one for each SDG; IAU leads the work on SDG 17 on global partnerships. The lead universities, which are based in all world regions, will work with ‘satellite’ universities to advance a particular SDG, all the while ensuring synergies among all goals.
The President of Beirut Arab University Professor Amr Galal El- Adawi hosted the Ambassador of Ukraine to Lebanon H.E. Mr. Ihor Ostash at Beirut Campus. Professor El Adawi informed the Ambassador about the latest aspects of development and modernization at the University, which paved the way for several future cooperation and collaborations between the University and the Universities of Ukraine.
In collaboration with the International Commission of the Red Cross (ICRC), the Physical Therapy Department at the Faculty of Health Sciences hosted 5 days training on rehabilitation of amputees (RAMP).
This practical training targeted the senior students of the Department and was divided into one day theoretical revision on rehabilitation guidelines the 26th of November and which was held virtually by trainers from BAU and ICRC, followed by 4 days hands on practical clinical training (30th November, 1st, 2nd, and 6th December 2021).
This activity was done in the Physical Therapy Out Patient Clinics (PTOC) and gave the students the opportunity to implement contemporary rehabilitation approach management for peoples with lower limb amputation. This collaboration contributes to advances in the health and well-being of people SDG3.
The International Association of Universities IAU has launched a Global Cluster on Higher Education and Research for Sustainable Development (HSED) to advocate for the Key Role that higher education institutions play in achieving agenda 2030.
The global endeavour directly engages universities in addressing all 17 sustainable development goals SDGs. Beirut Arab University was selected to represent and lead SDG 9 Industry, innovation and infrastructure that aims mainly to promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, enhance scientific research, and 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 & Built Environment Professor Ibtihal El- Bastawissi is the BAU Institutional Coordinator at the IAU Global Higher Education Cluster. The IAU HESD Cluster consists of 16 lead universities, one for each SDG; IAU leads the work on SDG 17 on global partnerships.
The lead universities, which are based in all world regions, will work with ‘satellite’ universities to advance a particular SDG, all the while ensuring synergies among all goals.
In frame of the Lebanese community effort and response to Beirut massive explosion that occurred on 04/08/2020. As Beirut Arab University is committed to public engagement and social responsibility during the uncertain times, several initiatives on students’ level were organized hand in hand with more than 150 proud BAU students from all faculties and majors.
After performing a damage survey on affected areas, the Student Activities Department In collaboration with different BAU departments, BAU HRC, and social clubs such as the DSC, and the Lebanese Red Cross youth department organized a repair campaign that targeted damaged public schools in Beirut [12]:
Raml Al Zarif Mixed Public School.
Salma Sayegh Public School.
Tabaris Mixed Public School.
Basta Mixed Public School.
Omar Hamad Elementary School.
Amin Bayham Public School.
Tarik Al Jadida Public School.
Ending the week on 13/08/2020 the repair of our home, Volunteers from students, administrative and academic staff members patched the wounds of our beloved BAU that suffered hefty damages.
In line with the mission of Beirut Arab University to serve the Lebanese Community, and based on its partnership with the health sector in Lebanon, the Nursing students at the Faculty of Health Sciences- Tripoli Branch are participating in the National COVID-19 Pandemic Vaccination Program organized by the Ministry of Public Health. Students volunteered to assist the Medical Team at providing the vaccinations at Albert Haykel Hospital; which was approved by the Ministry of Public Health as a vaccination center in North Lebanon.
The team includes a group of administrators, clinicians and nurses assigned to follow up the vaccinated individuals during and after their vaccination process. However, this students’ commitment represents one of several activities organized by the Faculty of Health Sciences since the beginning of COVID - 19 pandemic, in order to raise the awareness about the disease and assist the nursing staff, especially during the peak of the deficiency of nurses.
Furthermore, the students of the Faculty are spreading massive awareness campaigns towards the importance of vaccination, in order to encourage the citizens, for achieving the required community immunization in a short period of time.
What is worth to be noted that the students of the Nursing Department will be endorsing their voluntary support action throughout all The National Vaccination Campaign period in Lebanon.
The Lebanese Red Cross Youth Department, Beirut Arab University Club, as part of the Activities Department of beirut, participated in a kermesse on the occasion of Eid al-Adha in a school complex in Chhim on Saturday 26/09/2015.
The activity targeted a large number of Syrian children refugees from different regions and features several activities and fun games.
The Lebanese Red Cross Youth Department, Beirut Arab University, as part of the university’s Activities Department, in cooperation with the Red Cross’s Emergency section, organized a first aid training for members of the club on Saturday 15/08/2015 in the university campus in Beirut.
Through this training the members acquired the basic skills in rescuing the injured as well as the ability to deal with various difficult situations.
The Lebanese Red Cross Youth Department, Beirut Arab University, as part of the university’s Activities Department, participated in the annual Peace Festival, organized by the Lebanese Red Cross management on 28/8/2015 in Hamra Street.
The Lebanese Red Cross cooperated with Vestige D’Orient Foundation under the supervision of artist Bernard Renno and the participation of more than a dozen painters, dispersed along Hamra Street and engaged in drawing live paintings inspired by peace, Lebanon, and the environment.
The live symposium was met with a great presence of passers-by who stopped to admire the paintingsand take photographs. The festival continued on Sunday 30/8/2015, in its Sports Zone in Afif El Tibeh Street, under the sponsorship of the Beirut Arab University.
More than 15 celebrities from different fields showed up to participate in the friendly street football match. The festival included two live performances from local bands and interviews with celebrities conducted by LBCI.
