Engagement (Community & Industry)
SDG 17: Focus Areas
17.2.1 Relationships with regional NGOs and government for SDG policy
University of Bahrain – Government Hospitals Clinical Training & Research Partnership
The University of Bahrain (UoB) and the Government Hospitals signed a national cooperation agreement to strengthen strategic institutional partnerships supporting health education, clinical training, and evidence-based policy development. The agreement establishes a framework for collaboration between academic and healthcare institutions to align medical education and clinical practice with national development priorities.
Through this partnership, Government Hospitals contribute medical expertise, facilities, and professional mentors to enhance capacity-building, while UoB provides academic resources and research capabilities to advance health innovation and workforce development. The cooperation supports joint research projects, nursing and clinical placements, and the exchange of knowledge between faculty and healthcare practitioners, promoting knowledge transfer and continuous professional development.
The initiative reinforces a whole-of-government approach to strengthening Bahrain’s health system and aligns institutional efforts with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 for sustainable development. By fostering multi-stakeholder engagement, policy alignment, and public-sector collaboration, this partnership demonstrates UoB’s active contribution to SDG 17 — building robust national partnerships that integrate education, research, and public health for societal well-being.
Evidence Link: News press
Academia Joins Forces with Government to Shape National AI Law
The University of Bahrain has strengthened national cross-sector collaboration by contributing academic expertise to the government-led initiative to develop Bahrain’s first National Artificial Intelligence Law. Three leading AI scholars — Prof. Nabeel Mahmoud hewahi (Computer Science), Dr. Fatma Abdulqader Al-Balushi (Computer Engineering), and Dr. Abdullah Ibrahim Sabah (Computer Science) — were appointed to the public committee responsible for drafting the legislation.
This partnership demonstrates a strong model of multi-stakeholder cooperation and knowledge sharing between academia and government institutions. By integrating cutting-edge research, global best practices, and evidence-based insights, the academic experts will support the Judicial and Legal Studies Institute in shaping a law that promotes responsible innovation, ethical AI governance, and sustainable digital transformation.
The initiative reinforces national capacity for policy development, ensuring that emerging technologies are regulated through transparent, inclusive, and forward-looking frameworks. It also aligns with SDG 17.2.1, which highlights the importance of collaborative governance systems that leverage academic expertise to advance institutional effectiveness, innovation ecosystems, and sustainable national development.
Evidence:
Digital Information Integrity: A Consultation for a UN Code of Conduct
The University of Bahrain continues to strengthen its regional partnerships with governmental bodies, NGOs, and policy-focused organizations to advance national and regional efforts related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through active participation in joint committees, policy consultations, and cross-sector working groups, the university contributes academic expertise to support evidence-based policymaking, institutional capacity-building, and multi-stakeholder cooperation.
These collaborations foster meaningful knowledge sharing between academia, civil society, and government entities, enabling the co-creation of SDG-aligned strategies in areas such as education, sustainability, innovation, governance, and social development. By engaging with regional NGOs and ministries, the University of Bahrain plays a key role in shaping inclusive policy frameworks, strengthening regional cooperation, and ensuring that sustainable development priorities are embedded within national planning processes.
This work directly supports SDG 17.2.1, which emphasizes the importance of strategic partnerships that bring together diverse institutions to advance SDG policy integration, cross-sectoral dialogue, and coordinated action for long-term sustainability. Through these relationships, the university reinforces its position as a leading partner in the region’s sustainable development landscape, contributing to resilient, knowledge-driven, and future-oriented policy systems.
Evidence:
Nanotechnology Research for Breast Cancer
The University of Bahrain (UoB) advances SDG 17.2.1 through a structured academic–government–industry partnership that supports national development priorities in health innovation and strengthens regional capacity for SDG policy implementation. UoB collaborates with Alexandria University (Egypt), the Cancer Nanotechnology Research Laboratory, and the Harvard Wyss Institute to drive joint research, knowledge sharing, and consultation with regulators on emerging nanotechnology applications for breast cancer treatment.
This multi-institutional collaboration supports SDG 3 by leveraging complementary expertise, shared laboratory infrastructure, and coordinated research agendas to develop high-impact nanomedicine solutions. Led by Professor Adnan Bekhit, the partnership integrates medicinal chemistry, nanotechnology, and drug-delivery research to design advanced nanoparticles and nanomicelles capable of enhancing therapeutic efficacy while reducing toxicity. The initiative also includes capacity building for young researchers in Bahrain through specialised training on nanoparticle design and preparation.
Through sustained collaboration with regional and international partners, UoB engages in knowledge transfer, joint equipment utilization, computational modelling, and multi-agent formulation testing. These efforts have produced early successes, including engineered nanocarriers demonstrating significant tumour reduction in preclinical models and mechanistic analyses that inform future clinical potential.
The project’s forward strategy is anchored in evidence informed policy dialogue. UoB and its partners are preparing to engage national and regional regulatory bodies to explore pathways for clinical trial approval, aligning research outcomes with public health policy and national innovation frameworks. This approach strengthens cross-sector cooperation, enhances institutional capacity for translational research, and supports long-term SDG partnership ecosystems across the region.
Evidence: Times Higher Education News
UoB and Water Resources Management Partnerships
The University of Bahrain (UoB) advances SDG 17.2.1 through strategic, government-linked partnerships that strengthen national capacity for sustainable resource management, climate resilience, and evidence informed policy development. In collaboration with the Water Resources Council (WRC), the UNEP–Green Climate Fund (GCF) program, and national entities including the National Oil and Gas Authority, Tatweer Petroleum, the Ministry of Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning, and the Electricity and Water Authority, UoB contributes to a coordinated national framework for water and energy governance.
Under this collaboration, UoB supports the Kingdom of Bahrain’s climate and water-security agenda by conducting research on water demand management, institutional readiness, and sectoral climate adaptation. The partnership includes joint assessment activities, knowledge sharing with government stakeholders, and capacity building to enhance policy design and implementation aligned with SDG 6, SDG 13, and SDG 17.
Parallel to its water-focused collaboration, UoB plays a central role in a multi-agency initiative aimed at developing a national Energy Service Company (ESCO) market based on international best practices. The university leads analytical work to identify, quantify, and model the economic, environmental, and social value of ESCO development across Bahrain’s key sectors, including manufacturing, real estate, and public infrastructure. This research informs government policy and supports national strategies for energy efficiency, low-carbon development, and innovation-led growth.
The partnership also delivers long-term capacity building by enabling new academic specializations in energy systems, expanding professional certification programs, and strengthening national expertise across the energy and water value chains. This multi-stakeholder model underscores UoB’s role as a key national partner in supporting integrated climate policy, cross-sector collaboration, and sustainable development planning.
Evidence: UoB website
National Cyber Security Center (NCSC) – Cybersecurity Cooperation
In 2023, the University of Bahrain strengthened its strategic partnership with the National Cyber Security Center (NCSC) through a national cooperation framework focused on policy coordination, research collaboration, and capacity-building in cybersecurity. The partnership reinforces Bahrain’s digital resilience while advancing SDG-aligned institutional cooperation between government and higher education.
Key Activities & Cross-Sectoral Engagement
- Joint policy dialogue between NCSC’s Cyber Policy Department and UoB’s College of Information Technology leadership to align national cybersecurity priorities with academic research agendas.
- Collaborative research development, supporting innovation, knowledge exchange, and researcher empowerment in high-priority cybersecurity fields.
- Capacity-building efforts through skills development, mentoring, and enhancement of scientific research competencies for university researchers.
- Continuous coordination mechanisms between both institutions to ensure monitoring, follow-up, and policy relevance in cybersecurity initiatives.
- Promotion of participation in academic cybersecurity conferences, supporting evidence-based policymaking and expanding national research contributions.
Contribution to SDG 17.2.1
This government–university partnership advances SDG 17.2.1 by:
- fostering multi-stakeholder cooperation with a national governmental body;
- integrating policy coherence, knowledge-sharing, and technical collaboration into cybersecurity development;
- supporting inclusive, cross-sectoral engagement that strengthens national digital security ecosystems;
- enabling joint planning and institutional alignment that advances Bahrain’s cybersecurity policy framework.
Evidence: UoB website
UoB Judicial Capacity Building Partnership
The University of Bahrain (UoB) strengthens national governance systems and advances SDG 17.2.1 through formal collaboration with the Kingdom’s judiciary to enhance institutional capacity, policy development, and evidence based decision making. Through the College of Law, UoB provides specialized academic expertise to the Supreme Judicial Council, reinforcing cross sector cooperation between higher education and government.
Dr. Basem Mohammed Al Sharji, Assistant Professor of Criminal Law, serves as Judicial Planning and Development Advisor at the Supreme Judicial Council, where he contributes legal expertise, research insights, and academic analysis to support judicial planning, institutional development initiatives, and policy implementation. His work facilitates knowledge sharing between academia and the justice sector, ensuring that policy reforms and judicial programs are informed by current legal research and international best practices.
This partnership advances national development by supporting effective, transparent, and accountable judicial institutions and by strengthening Bahrain’s legal and institutional frameworks. The collaboration promotes continuous capacity building, fosters innovation in judicial processes, and embeds a sustainable model of cooperation between UoB and national governance bodies.
Through this engagement, UoB contributes meaningfully to SDG 16 and SDG 17 by supporting evidence informed judicial reform, enhancing institutional performance, and expanding the role of academia in shaping national policy agendas.
Evidence: UoB News Press
UoB–MOIC Collaboration on National Industrial Property Strategy
The University of Bahrain (UoB) contributes to national policy development and institutional capacity building through its collaboration with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MOIC) on the formulation of the Kingdom of Bahrain’s National Industrial Property Strategy. This partnership strengthens the national intellectual property (IP) framework, supports innovation-driven economic growth, and aligns with Bahrain’s long-term industrial development priorities.
As part of this initiative, Dr. Hanan Mohamed Almawla, Associate Professor of Intellectual Property Law, was appointed in 2023 as UoB’s focal point for coordination with MOIC. Through this role, the University provides academic expertise, legal analysis, and research support to inform evidence based policy design and enhance the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights. The collaboration also facilitates knowledge sharing between academia and government, reinforcing institutional capacity in IP governance and innovation management.
This partnership advances SDG 9 by fostering an enabling environment for industrial development, stimulating creativity, and supporting national innovation ecosystems. It also contributes to SDG 16 by strengthening legal institutions, supporting the rule of law, and enhancing policy frameworks that safeguard intellectual property rights.
Through this sustained engagement, UoB reinforces its role as a strategic partner in national development, supporting effective cross-sector collaboration and contributing to Bahrain’s broader SDG policy agenda.
Evidence: UoB News Press
UoB–Shura Council Academic and Legislative Collaboration
The University of Bahrain (UoB) advances SDG 17.2.1 through its longstanding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Shura Council, which provides an institutional framework for collaboration in education, research, and public policy development. This partnership strengthens national governance systems by integrating academic expertise into legislative processes and enabling structured knowledge sharing between higher education and government.
Through this MoU, UoB faculty contribute to conferences, workshops, specialized studies, and analytical research initiated by the Shura Council, supporting evidence based policymaking and the Council’s legislative and research functions. The collaboration also creates experiential learning pathways for students, including attendance at Council sessions, participation in seminars, and engagement in practical training programs. UoB further supports the Council by providing academic resources, digital materials, and research findings, while outstanding graduates may be recommended for internship or employment opportunities.
As part of the partnership’s capacity building activities, Dr. Marwan Mohammed AlModers, Associate Professor of Constitutional Law, delivered a workshop titled “Skills for Identifying Constitutional Defects in Legal Texts.” The session strengthened the competencies of legal professionals and advisors by enhancing their ability to analyze draft laws and legal documents from a constitutional perspective, contributing to the development of sound, constitutionally compliant legislation.
This initiative reinforces UoB’s role in advancing sustainable development by supporting transparent, effective, and accountable governance systems, enhancing legislative quality, and promoting continuous collaboration between academic institutions and national policymaking bodies.
Evidence: UoB News Press
University of Bahrain and Shanghai University: Strategic Partnership Advancing Education, Research, and Innovation
The University of Bahrain (UoB) and Shanghai University (SHU) have established a long-term strategic partnership that strengthens global cooperation, promotes sustainable development, and enhances cross-border research, education, and innovation ecosystems. This collaboration advances the goals of SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals, specifically Target 17.2.1 (international research collaboration) and Target 17.3.1 (cross-sector partnerships for SDG implementation).
Advancing Global Partnerships for Sustainable Development (SDG 17)
In October 2023, UoB and SHU signed a Strategic Framework Agreement along with a Tripartite Agreement on the Confucius Institute, formalizing a comprehensive partnership across research, innovation, cultural diplomacy, and academic mobility. Senior leaders, including UoB President Dr. Fuad Mohammed Al-Ansari and SHU Vice President Dr. Ouyang Hua, presided over the agreements.
Key Achievements Since 2023
These milestones demonstrate strong knowledge sharing, resource mobilization, and capacity-building that directly support SDG 17.
In 2024, SHU was selected as a member of the China–Arab Universities 10+10 Cooperation Plan, coordinated by China’s Ministry of Education and ALECSO. The UoB–SHU partnership was recognized as a model case of international educational cooperation under this initiative.
Cross-Sector and Governmental Collaboration (SDG 17.16 & 17.17)
This partnership extends beyond academia and is supported by key government and diplomatic institutions:
- Bahrain’s Ministry of Education
- Center for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC), Ministry of Education of China
- Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Bahrain
These entities contribute to policy alignment, program sustainability, and multi-stakeholder coordination, advancing SDG Targets 17.16 (global multi-stakeholder partnerships) and 17.17 (public, private, and civil society partnerships).
Promoting SDG 4: Quality Education and Lifelong Learning
The Confucius Institute at UoB, jointly operated by UoB, SHU, and CLEC, serves as a national platform for inclusive access to language and cultural education.
Impact Highlights
These initiatives promote intercultural competence, lifelong learning, and inclusive education pathways.
Institutionalization of Educational Cooperation
Chinese language education is formally integrated into UoB’s undergraduate curriculum through CHL 101 and CHL 102, open to students across multiple colleges.
Additional institutional outcomes include:
- Embedded faculty development programs
- Annual evaluation through the UoB Internationalization Policy and SDG Progress Report
- Structured curriculum-sharing mechanisms between UoB and SHU faculties
Strengthening SDG 9: Innovation, Research, and Industry Collaboration
The partnership drives innovation-oriented cooperation that supports Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030.
Innovation and Research Achievements
- Joint symposiums on sustainable technology and digital transformation
- Faculty mobility and co-supervision frameworks in science, engineering, and management
- Collaborative research initiatives in renewable energy, AI, applied sciences, and sustainable technology systems
These efforts promote research excellence, industry linkages, and technology-driven development aligned with SDG 9.
Measurable Outcomes and Ongoing Impact
By 2026, UoB and SHU will launch a Collaborative Research Fund focused on AI in education and sustainability research, reinforcing long-term impact.
Evidence 1 – Press Release
Evidence 2 – Joint Research Outputs
Nine co-authored, Web of Science–indexed publications demonstrating measurable research collaboration.
Evidence: Official Photos and Documentation
Chairman of Shanghai University visits UoB (Dec 2024)
Signing ceremony of the Strategic Framework Agreement and Tripartite Agreement on the Confucius Institute (Oct 2023)
Vice President of UoB visits Shanghai University (June–July 2023)
Faculty Delegation from UoB visits Shanghai University (July 2024)
Evidence 3: Academic Meetings and Research Collaboration (2023–2024)
