SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Al-Quds University’s Contribution

Goal 8 aims to make sure that financial progress creates decent and fulfilling jobs while not harming the environment, and protect labour rights.

The environment is an important aspect in economic and a key to support sustainable economic growth as the natural environment plays an important role in supporting economic activities. the environment contributes by providing resources and raw materials such as water, timber and minerals that are required as inputs for the production of goods and services. Natural and political disasters directly affect economic activities leading to very high economic losses throwing many households into poverty. Maintaining ecosystems and mitigating climate change can therefore have a great positive impact on countries` economic and employment sectors.

sustained and inclusive economic growth is a prerequisite for sustainable development, which can contribute to improved livelihoods for people around the world. Economic growth can lead to new and better employment opportunities and provide greater economic security for all.

countries and entities should promote policies to support job creation and growing enterprises, improve resource efficiency in consumption and production, provide promote youth employment education and training, end modern slavery and child labour, promote beneficial and sustainable tourism, universal access to banking insurance and financial services, and develop a global youth employment strategy and increase aid for trade support.

Al-Quds University is committed to promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth and decent work opportunities for all, recognizing their importance in achieving poverty reduction, social equity, and overall sustainable development. The university contributes to SDG 8 through various means:

Education in Business, Economics, and Social Sciences: Al-Quds University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in business, economics, and social sciences, equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to participate in and contribute to the global economy. These programs focus on topics such as entrepreneurship, management, finance, and economic development, helping to prepare students for careers in various sectors.

Research on Economic Growth and Employment: The university conducts research on issues related to economic growth, employment, and labor market dynamics, including studies on entrepreneurship, innovation, workforce development, and inclusive growth. This research provides valuable insights into the factors that drive economic growth and job creation and helps inform evidence-based policies and strategies to promote decent work opportunities.

Collaboration with Industry and Stakeholders: Al-Quds University works closely with industry partners, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations to address economic and employment challenges. Through joint research projects, internships, and knowledge sharing, the university helps strengthen the links between academia and the labor market, fostering innovation and creating job opportunities.

Entrepreneurship and Innovation Support: The university supports entrepreneurship and innovation by providing resources and support to students, faculty, and alumni interested in launching their own businesses or social enterprises. This includes mentorship programs, workshops, networking events, and access to funding opportunities, helping to foster a culture of entrepreneurship and create new job opportunities.

Skills Development and Lifelong Learning: Al-Quds University is committed to promoting skills development and lifelong learning for students and the broader community. The university offers continuing education programs, professional development courses, and community-based workshops that cater to diverse learning needs and interests, enabling individuals to acquire new skills, update their knowledge, and remain competitive in the labor market.

Community Engagement and Social Responsibility: The university is actively engaged in community development initiatives that contribute to economic growth and job creation, such as partnerships with local businesses, community-based organizations, and social enterprises. These collaborations help address local economic challenges, create employment opportunities, and promote social responsibility among students and faculty.

Some of the activities that Al-Quds University pursue to achieve the Goal are:

  • Committed to creating an educational, cultural and social work environment based on dignity and respect for employees.
  • Committed to employing and protecting people with disabilities and meeting all their needs.
  • Committed to complying with applicable law and regulations regarding intellectual property, copyright, and trademark matters.
  • Adopts a lot of research and projects on economic studies and productivity
  • Alumni annual meeting with students.
  • Helping recent graduates to facilitate access to job opportunities.
  • Alumni Follow-up Office.
  • Establishing new and distinguished programs for undergraduate and postgraduate students in university colleges that are concerned with issues of business administration, economic growth, self-resource management, and projects.
  • Dual studies programs.
  • Competitiveness and Development Economics center (CDE).
  • Career center.
  • Al-Quds Business Center for Innovation technology and Entrepreneurship (B-CITE).

In summary, Al-Quds University is dedicated to achieving SDG 8 through a comprehensive approach that includes education, research, collaboration with industry and stakeholders, entrepreneurship and innovation support, skills development and lifelong learning, and community engagement.

SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) Progress:

Al-Quds University demonstrates a strong commitment to SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, through a comprehensive and multifaceted approach.

Education in Business, Economics, and Social Sciences: The university offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs in business, economics, and social sciences. These programs are designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for participating in and contributing to the global economy. They cover critical areas such as entrepreneurship, management, finance, and economic development, preparing students for diverse career paths.

Research on Economic Growth and Employment: Al-Quds University conducts research on various aspects of economic growth, employment, and labor market dynamics. This includes studies on entrepreneurship, innovation, workforce development, and inclusive growth. The insights gained from this research are crucial in informing evidence-based policies and strategies that promote decent work opportunities.

Collaboration with Industry and Stakeholders: The university actively collaborates with industry partners, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations to address economic and employment challenges. Joint research projects, internships, and knowledge sharing initiatives help to strengthen the links between academia and the labor market, fostering innovation and creating job opportunities.

Entrepreneurship and Innovation Support: Al-Quds University supports entrepreneurship and innovation, providing resources and support to students, faculty, and alumni interested in starting their own businesses or social enterprises. Mentorship programs, workshops, networking events, and access to funding opportunities are key aspects of this support, fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and creating new job opportunities.

Skills Development and Lifelong Learning: The university is committed to promoting skills development and lifelong learning for students and the broader community. This commitment is realized through continuing education programs, professional development courses, and community-based workshops that cater to diverse learning needs and interests, enabling individuals to acquire new skills, update their knowledge, and remain competitive in the labor market.

Community Engagement and Social Responsibility: Al-Quds University is engaged in community development initiatives that contribute to economic growth and job creation. These initiatives, such as partnerships with local businesses, community-based organizations, and social enterprises, address local economic challenges, create employment opportunities, and promote social responsibility among students and faculty.

In addition to these strategic approaches, Al-Quds University has undertaken specific activities to achieve SDG 8, including creating a respectful and dignified work environment, supporting people with disabilities, complying with intellectual property laws, conducting research on economic studies and productivity, facilitating job opportunities for recent graduates, and establishing new programs and centers focused on business administration, economic growth, self-resource management, and projects.