Goal 9 aims to build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation, enhance research and upgrade industrial technologies, support domestic technology development and industrial diversification, significantly increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the Internet in least developed countries.
There is a need to develop quality, reliable infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all, another need is to promote a significantly raise industry’s share of employment and gross domestic product, in line with national circumstances, and double its share in least developed countries.
Al-Quds University is committed to promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization, fostering innovation, and building resilient infrastructure, recognizing their importance in achieving economic growth, social equity, and overall sustainable development. The university contributes to SDG 9 through various means:
Education in Engineering, Science, and Technology: Al-Quds University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in engineering, science, and technology disciplines, equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to the development of sustainable industries and infrastructures. These programs focus on topics such as civil engineering, materials science, telecommunications, and transportation systems, preparing students for careers in various sectors.
Research on Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: The university conducts research on issues related to industrial development, innovation, and infrastructure, including studies on advanced materials, manufacturing technologies, telecommunications systems, and transportation planning. This research helps advance the development of sustainable industries and infrastructures and provides valuable insights to inform evidence-based policies and strategies.
Collaboration with Industry and Stakeholders: Al-Quds University works closely with industry partners, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations to address industrial, innovation, and infrastructure challenges. Through joint research projects, internships, and knowledge sharing, the university helps strengthen the links between academia and industry, fostering innovation and contributing to the development of sustainable industries and infrastructures.
Innovation and Technology Transfer: The university supports the development and commercialization of innovative technologies, products, and processes that can contribute to sustainable industrialization and infrastructure development. This includes providing resources and support to researchers, entrepreneurs, and start-ups, such as incubators, accelerators, and funding opportunities, fostering a culture of innovation and technology transfer.
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.
Advocacy and Policy Development: Al-Quds University plays a key role in advocating for policies and strategies that promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, innovation, and infrastructure development at the local, national, and international levels.
Community Engagement and Social Responsibility: The university is actively engaged in community development initiatives that contribute to industrial development, innovation, and infrastructure improvement, such as partnerships with local businesses, community-based organizations, and social enterprises. These collaborations help address local challenges, create employment opportunities, and promote social responsibility among students and faculty.
In summary, Al-Quds University is dedicated to achieving SDG 9 through a comprehensive approach that includes education, research, collaboration with industry and stakeholders, innovation and technology transfer, skills development and lifelong learning, policy advocacy, and community engagement through:
- Increasing opportunities for small-scale industrial projects and other projects to obtain financial services.
- Improving infrastructures and modernizing industries by 2030 in order to achieve their sustainability, while increasing the efficiency of resource use and increasing the adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes.
- Promoting scientific research and improving technological capabilities in the industrial sectors.
- Encouraging innovation and a significant increase in the number of workers in the field of research and development