SDG 17: Partnership for the Goals

The Lebanese American University’s (LAU) is highly commited to SDG 17: this is highlighted through the various initiatives, collaborations, and programs through which LAU fosters global and local partnerships to advance sustainable development. Key action towards Achieving this goal include:

Collaborations with UNDP and Global Partners: LAU hosts events like the UNDP’s Youth Leadership Program, encouraging innovative solutions to sustainable development challenges.
Policy Development and Research: The university engages in SDG-aligned policy discussions with entities like ESCWA, UNDP, and UNICEF, focusing on social expenditure and regional reforms.
Data Collection for SDGs: Projects such as “Violence Counts!” in partnership with George Washington University aim to improve data on violence against women in the Arab region.
Educational Integration of SDGs: LAU incorporates the SDGs into almost all its schools and departments such as its Liberal Arts and Sciences Curriculum, offering dedicated courses and minors on sustainability.
Community Outreach and Development: Initiatives like mobile clinics and hands-only CPR training programs exemplify LAU’s dedication to community health and well-being.
Reporting publicly on all 17 SDGs through LAU website

Below are more details illustrating LAU’s commitment to creating impactful global partnerships and fostering a learning environment that prepares students, and staff and surrounding communities to engage meaningfully with the SDGs.

LAU and SDGs Policy Development

LAU actively participates in SDG policy development through partnerships and initiatives involving national and regional organizations such as:

Center for Policy Action – LAU (CePA)

The Center for Policy Action (CePA) functions as a national and regional policy hub connecting academic research with real-world governance. It provides policymakers, NGOs, and development agencies with actionable tools to address Lebanon’s socio-economic challenges and advance evidence-based, inclusive policymaking aligned with the SDGs. Through its research, publications, and workshops, CePA collaborates with governmental bodies, civil society, and international partners to translate data into measurable policy impact and strengthen national capacity for adaptive management. CePA’s activities include:

Policy-Writing Clinic & Anti-Corruption Spotlight (April 2024)
CePA launched its Policy-Writing Clinic under the “Spotlight on Anti-Corruption” service track to train practitioners, NGO staff, and government officials in drafting policy briefs, engaging stakeholders, and structuring reform proposals.
‘Research to Policy’ Workshops & Roundtables (2023–24)
Between 2023 and 2024, CePA held a series of Research to Policy workshops and roundtables that brought together government officials, NGO leaders, and academics to turn research into concrete interventions. These sessions facilitated collaborative problem identification, strategy development, and policy modelling. Outputs included policy briefs and monitoring mechanisms that contribute to national and regional reform processes.
CePA Publications
CePA’s publications serve as tools for policymakers and development practitioners. Key examples include “Quantifying Turbulence: Introducing a Multi-Crises Impact Index for Lebanon,” which provides a framework for assessing overlapping crises and modelling policy interventions, and peer-reviewed research on climate and energy governance (2024) that supports evidence-based scenario planning. These outputs exemplify CePA’s contribution to policy design, monitoring, and adaptive management.

National Policy Collaboration in Pharmacy Education – LAU School of Pharmacy (2024)
In March 2024, the LAU School of Pharmacy hosted the first annual symposium “United in Action – Pharmacy Education and Practice Advancement,” gathering pharmacy schools, professional associations, and health regulators across Lebanon. The event addressed curriculum reform, workforce competencies, and regulatory frameworks, fostering national collaboration and evidence-based policymaking in the health sector.

Panel Discussion – “Frontiers of Gender Equality in the Arab Region” (October 2023)

Organized by the Arab Institute for Women (AiW), this high-level panel brought together representatives from the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), academia, and civil society to discuss gender equality challenges in the Arab region. Participants examined structural barriers, reform strategies, and progress indicators, positioning LAU as a regional convenor advancing gender policy, human rights, and cross-sector SDG dialogue.

Adnan Kassar School of Business:

Social Policy and SDG Alignment: LAU’s Adnan Kassar School of Business hosted a seminar in collaboration with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), UNDP, and UNICEF, focusing on social expenditure policies in the Arab States. This seminar explored fiscal reforms to support SDG achievement, specifically addressing poverty reduction, education, and healthcare access. The event emphasized LAU’s role in providing platforms for data-driven policy discussions and regional reform strategies:

Cross-Sectoral Dialogue about the SDGs

LAU actively initiates and participates in cross-sectoral dialogue about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through conferences, symposiums, and collaborations with governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders. Below is one of many examples illustrating such contributions:

Launch of the Office for Sustainability (OfS)

In March 2024, LAU established its Office for Sustainability, led by a Chief Sustainability Officer, to integrate sustainability across teaching, operations, research and outreach. The OfS engages with external stakeholders (community partners, funding bodies, etc.) and represents LAU in sustainability-related forums, thereby supporting cross-sectoral dialogue on SDG implementation and institutional policy alignment.

LAU at the UN-ESCWA Forum for Sustainable Development (March 19, 2024)

LAU participated in the UN-ESCWA Forum for Sustainable Development 2024, joining government, NGO, academic, and private-sector representatives to review SDG progress in the Arab region. The university contributed to discussions on social expenditure reform, governance, and sustainable development frameworks in Lebanon and beyond.

“Sustainable Development Goals: The Role of Social Expenditures” Symposium (April 12, 2023)

The Adnan Kassar School of Business hosted a symposium on the role of social expenditures in achieving the SDGs. The event gathered academics, policymakers, and NGOs to examine how fiscal policy and public spending can drive progress on sustainable development goals in the region.

Advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: Tomorrow’s Leaders Scholars Present their Papers in Egypt (August 2023)

Under the MEPI-funded Tomorrow’s Leaders program, LAU scholars joined peers from 11 regional universities at a UN SDG conference in Egypt. Students presented policy papers on inclusion, gender equity, environment, and governance, fostering cross-sector dialogue between academia, civil society, and policymakers.

Partnership with UNDP — Youth Leadership Programme (May 2024)

LAU and UNDP signed an MOU to collaborate on the Youth Leadership Programme (YLP) and launch a National Youth Forum, uniting academia, NGOs, and international partners to support youth-driven SDG initiatives and sustainable development efforts in Lebanon.

Panel Discussion “Frontiers of Gender Equality in the Arab Region” (October 2023)

The Arab Institute for Women (AiW) convened a regional panel with OHCHR, academics, and civil society to discuss gender equality challenges and reform strategies. The event promoted cross-sector collaboration on policy, data, and advocacy to advance SDG 5 across the Arab region.

Assessing the Progress of Arab States Toward the Sustainable Development Goals: The Role of Social Expenditures

A seminar held by AKSOB’s Department of Economics brings to light the report on Social Expenditure Monitor for Arab States, jointly produced by ESCWA, the UNDP and UNICEF.

https://news.lau.edu.lb/2023/assessing-the-progress-of-arab-states-toward-the-sustainable-development-goals-the-role-of-social-ex.php

While countries worldwide strive to meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that call for building economic growth, addressing social needs equitably and preserving our planet, the Arab States lag behind. To redress the situation, they would need to effectively rebalance their priorities, focus on social expenditure, and improve their public financial management.

Gathering or Measuring Data for the SDGs

LAU actively participates in international collaboration to gather and measure data related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These efforts span research projects, partnerships, and programs that align with global efforts to address sustainable development challenges. Below are examples on LAU’s participation in data gathering aligning with its commitment to advancing the SDGs through data collection and measurements. (More initiatives, could be found at the LAU News link and its research repository).

LAU’s Office for Sustainability (OfS)

The Office for Sustainability (OfS) coordinates university-wide efforts to implement LAU’s Sustainability Strategy and align teaching, research, operations, and outreach with the SDGs. It develops sustainability policies, supports curriculum redesign, fosters research partnerships, and builds institutional capacity.

The OfS publishes LAU’s SDG Report and Sustainability Plan, which include indicators and performance metrics aligned with global SDG standards.
It ensures cross-sector data collection and monitoring across academic and operational functions.
Through policy coordination and dialogue, the office enables international benchmarking, data-sharing, and comparative measurement of sustainability performance.

Department of Institutional Research and Assessment (DIRA)

DIRA serves as LAU’s central office for data collection, analysis, and reporting across academic and administrative units. It ensures data accuracy for institutional planning, assessment, and external reporting.

Its Fact Book and analytical dashboards include indicators such as enrollment, gender balance, retention, and graduation rates, supporting SDG-related data monitoring (e.g., SDG 4 and 5).
The department maintains a Common Data Set (CDS) with standardized statistics comparable to global higher-education benchmarks, ensuring transparency and data consistency.
DIRA’s work in data management and reporting provides the foundation for evidence-based SDG measurement and benchmarking with international peers.

“Assessing the Progress of Arab States Toward the Sustainable Development Goals: The Role of Social Expenditures” (April 2023)

In April 2023, LAU hosted a seminar to present the regional report “Assessing the Progress of Arab States Toward the SDGs: The Role of Social Expenditures.” The study introduced a data-driven framework to track social spending and its outcomes—such as inclusive growth and poverty reduction—across seven SDG-aligned dimensions. The collaboration between LAU economists and regional experts illustrates LAU’s direct role in developing regional SDG monitoring tools.

LAU’s Center for Policy Action (CePA) – “Quantifying Turbulence: Introducing a Multi-Crises Impact Index for Lebanon” (2024)

Published in 2024 in a peer-reviewed international journal, CePA’s study “Quantifying Turbulence” introduced a Multi-Crises Impact Index that models interlinked indicators across health, education, nutrition, and financial stability. The index enables crisis tracking and policy simulation, offering a transferable data framework for SDG monitoring and adaptive governance both nationally and internationally.

LAU’s Arab Institute for Women

AIW collaborated with the Global Women’s Institute at George Washington University on a project aimed at improving regional capacity for collecting data on violence against women. This initiative, supported by UN Women and the World Health Organization, developed training curricula for Arab experts to collect prevalence data on violence against women, essential for policymaking and SDG progress, particularly on gender equality (SDG 5)

Project: Violence Counts! Strengthening Arab Regional Capacity to Collect Data on Violence against Women:

https://aiw.lau.edu.lb/projects/project-violence-counts-strength.php

The AiW, in partnership with the Global Women’s Institute (GWI) at the George Washington University, received a grant in December 2020 funded by UN Women and the World Health Organization for the purpose of building the capacity of Arab experts to collect data on violence against women (VAW). Though quality, reliable data on VAW is essential for developing policies and interventions to achieve gender equality, a substantial gap remains in the collection of prevalence data on VAW in regions across the world, particularly in the Arab States. This gap is due to stigma regarding VAW, underreporting, lack of reporting mechanisms, difficulty accessing justice for survivors, lack of services and support, and other factors. This gap is also due in part to the technical capacity required to collect these prevalence data in accordance with global, methodological, ethical, and safety standards.

The AiW and GWI developed a training curriculum and implemented a pilot training within the context of this grant for the purpose of building the technical capacity of a selected number of Arab experts to collect these prevalence data on VAW. A secondary goal of this program was to widen the currently limited pool of researchers who can collect these data in a high-quality and ethical way. This ensured that there was a wider base of Arab experts who were able to undertake data collection on VAW. Data is critical in strengthening prevention and response, and so The AiW aims to integrate this training curriculum within its sustainable development projects.

Best Practices on Tackling the SDGs

The Lebanese American University (LAU) actively participates in international collaboration and research aimed at reviewing comparative approaches and developing best practices for addressing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This is reflected in its multidisciplinary research efforts, partnerships, and knowledge-sharing initiatives that encompass all 17 SDGs. These initiatives highlight LAU’s commitment to global cooperation and leadership in tackling the SDGs through innovative research and best practice development. Example of these partnerships are presented below:

Partnership with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) — Youth Leadership Programme

In May 2024, LAU signed an MOU with UNDP to advance youth empowerment and sustainable development through the Youth Leadership Programme (YLP) and the planned National Youth Forum in Lebanon. The partnership promotes collaboration on SDG-related initiatives through research, capacity building, and youth-led innovation, fostering comparative practice and policy dialogue on leadership for sustainable development.

International Memberships and Global Collaborations Supporting Best Practice Development

LAU actively engages in international memberships and networks that promote best practices, knowledge exchange, and comparative learning on sustainability, policy, and education. Through these affiliations, the university collaborates with global and regional partners to strengthen SDG-aligned research, institutional benchmarking, and evidence-based policymaking.

Blue Peace Middle East Initiative:
The Office for Sustainability Chief Officer, Dr. Nadim Farajalla, serves on the managing community of Blue Peace, a regional platform fostering water cooperation across Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Türkiye. The initiative promotes dialogue, capacity building, and cross-border collaboration for water, food, and energy security.
Accelerator for Systemic Risk Assessment (ASRA):
Dr. Farajalla is also a member of ASRA, a global network of experts developing tools for decision-makers to address polycrisis and systemic risk, supporting more resilient policy design.
Global Breastfeeding Collective:
Dr. Bahia Abdallah of the School of Nursing represents LAU as an associate member in the Global Breastfeeding Collective, a WHO–UNICEF partnership advocating for investment in breastfeeding and inclusive health policy in low- and middle-income countries.
Mediterranean Network of Engineering and Management Schools:
The School of Engineering joined this UNESCO-recognized network of 150+ institutions across 23 countries. The network advances sustainability in engineering education through workshops, research programs, and regional collaborations.
https://news.lau.edu.lb/2024/soe-joins-engineering-schools-network-for-sustainability.php
Regional Network in Energy for Women (RENEW MENA):
LAU joined the World Bank–hosted RENEW MENA network, which empowers women in the energy sector by connecting them with mentors and supporting their entrepreneurial and research initiatives.
https://news.lau.edu.lb/2024/lau-joins-the-regional-network-in-energy-for-women.php
International Student Networks and Partnerships:
LAU is a member of numerous international education networks, including the Institute of International Education (IIE), AAICU, NAFSA, EAIE, and CHEA, linking the university to over 1,000 institutions worldwide and expanding opportunities for global collaboration and student exchange.
https://www.lau.edu.lb/study/international-students/networks-partners.php

Publication on International Collaboration Impact
A recent LAU study on international collaboration and publication impact found that global partnerships enhance research quality and visibility, underlining the importance of cross-border academic engagement.
https://sb.lau.edu.lb/academics/departments/economics/faculty-publications/faculty-ma-students.php

Combating Food Waste for Food Security
LAU collaborated with the American University of Beirut (AUB) and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) on research and dialogue addressing Lebanon’s high food waste levels. The initiative included a panel discussion and joint research presentation on food waste reduction strategies, contributing to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) through inter-university and UN partnership.

Collaboration with NGOs

LAU collaborates with NGOs to address the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through student volunteering, research programmes and development of educational resources. Below are few examples highlighting this engagement showcasing LAU’s active role in fostering community engagement and social responsibility through meaningful partnerships with NGOs:

Student Volunteering Programmes

Community Service & Engagement (CSE) Unit (https://cse.lau.edu.lb/volunteerism-networking-civic-engagement/): The CSE Unit leads LAU’s Volunteerism, Networking & Civic Engagement initiative, providing structured student volunteering opportunities that combine learning with community service:

Volunteer Teachers Program with MMKN NGO: Since 2011, LAU students have collaborated with MMKN NGO to support public school students in science and mathematics, enhancing academic outcomes for underserved communities.
Corporate Visits Series (CVS): These visits expose students to diverse institutions, linking civic engagement with career exploration and helping them understand how private and public entities contribute to social responsibility.
USAID Higher Education Scholarship Program: Managed by CSE, this program provides scholarships for academically gifted yet underprivileged students, including refugees, integrating community service and volunteering as a core component.
Through these programmes, LAU partners with NGOs, schools, and local organizations to extend education and social development beyond the classroom, fostering sustainability and civic awareness.

International Services and Programs Office
https://studyabroad.lau.edu.lb/volunteering-internships/ The International Services and Programs Office connects LAU students with international volunteering and internship placements addressing the SDGs. Collaborations include organizations such as AIESEC, United Nations Volunteers, and World Endeavors, providing opportunities to engage in humanitarian, educational, and sustainability projects worldwide. Students also participate in exchange and internship programmes with institutions such as:

Tomorrow’s Leaders Undergraduate Program (TLU): https://mepitl.lau.edu.lb/programs/undergraduate/. The TLU Program, funded by the U.S. Department of State’s MEPI initiative, provides four-year scholarships and leadership training to high-achieving students from across the region. Each participant completes 20 hours of community volunteering per semester, supported by access to a database of over 100 NGOs, fostering civic engagement and social responsibility.
Tomorrow’s Leaders Graduate Program (TLG): https://mepitl.lau.edu.lb/programs/graduate/. Implemented by LAU since 2018, the TLG Program is a MEPI-funded graduate scholarship initiative promoting academic excellence, research, and leadership development. Students engage in volunteering and civic activities—20 hours per semester—and gain professional experience through community-based projects and NGO collaborations.

Through Research Programmes

LAU collaborates with NGOs and international bodies on research addressing the SDGs:

Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF) Research Grants (2024):
1. Improving Lithium-Ion Battery Lifespan through Converter Optimization – advancing clean energy (SDG 9).
2. Biocementation through Lebanese Soil Bacteria – promoting sustainable construction materials (SDG 15).
Sustainable Electric Micro-Mobility Platform: Development of an electric vehicle-sharing network integrating solar-powered charging stations to promote sustainable urban transport and reduce emissions.
Plant-Dominant Low-Protein Diet for Chronic Kidney Disease: Joint research between LAU and Zayed University (UAE) on sustainable dietary interventions improving patient outcomes and advancing health and consumption-related SDGs.
Mapping Knowledge on Women and Gender in the Arab Region: Led by the Arab Institute for Women (AiW) with ACSS and UCDAR, compiling a regional database of gender-related research to inform policy and education aligned with SDG 5 (Gender Equality).

Through Development of Educational Resources

Center for Innovative Learning (CIL)

The CIL collaborates with faculty and institutional partners to create high-impact educational resources. It produces toolkits, workshops, and templates supporting active learning and technology integration.

AI in Education Toolkit: Guidelines and resources for ethical AI integration in teaching.
Collaborative Faculty Workshops: Co-delivered sessions with LAU Libraries, DOS, and the Writing Center generating reusable teaching materials.
Faculty Fellows Program: Webinars and collaborative projects producing open-access course templates and rubrics.
Teaching Resource Library and Tutorials: Curated guides and how-to materials supporting evidence-based learning across departments.
Community Learning Events: Co-organized academic events (e.g., Education Day) providing reusable training content and materials.

Academy of Continuing Education (ACE) – Education for Sustainability Programs
https://lau.edu.lb/sustainability/education/

The ACE develops professional courses and workshops that translate sustainability research into practical skills for educators, professionals, and community leaders. These programs embed SDG principles in lifelong learning and promote applied sustainability practices.

Training of Trainers Associate Diploma: Conducted in partnership with Lebanese Education and Advancement Group (LEAG), this 100-hour hybrid course targets NGO staff and educators, building their capacity for effective teaching and community engagement.
Partnership for Continuing Education: Announced in February 2024, a collaboration between ACE and H&A (Cyprus) to design and deliver new continuing-education programs offered both online and on-site.

Meaningful Education Around the SDGs

LAU has institutionally embedded the SDGs across curricula, research, and outreach through structured educational design, inter-school mapping, and partnerships with UN agencies and NGOs. Each academic unit contributes distinctively: from medical education and engineering to gender studies and continuing education, positioning LAU as a national and regional leader in sustainability-oriented higher education.

Curriculum Z

LAU’s Curriculum Z integrates the UN 17 SDGs into all undergraduate programs to promote multidisciplinary learning and civic engagement. All students since 2022–2023 complete courses under Digital Cultures and Change Makers themes, tackling sustainability topics such as energy, food systems, gender equality, and poverty reduction.

School of Medicine

The MD Program integrates SDGs across its modular structure using an interactive SDG Mapping Tool. Each module and clerkship is scored (0–5) on SDG integration, ensuring comprehensive coverage across disciplines such as public health, ethics, and clinical sciences.

Adnan Kassar School of Business (AKSOB)

AKSOB aligns its mission with the SDGs and AACSB’s societal impact standards. Many courses already address SDG-related areas—economic growth, gender equality, and innovation—and future plans aim to deepen integration and expand targeted courses.

Alice Ramez Chagoury School of Nursing (ARCSON)

ARCSON systematically maps all Nursing (NUR) courses to SDGs to prepare nurses who support global health, equality, and sustainability. The school continues to refine this alignment as part of its curriculum improvement process.

School of Pharmacy

Both B.S. and Pharm.D. programs integrate SDG principles into their biomedical, pharmaceutical, and clinical courses. Students engage in real-world practice experiences that address healthcare, ethics, and sustainability in alignment with multiple SDGs.

School of Engineering (SOE)

The SOE Strategic Plan emphasizes sustainability and SDGs as core learning outcomes. Courses such as GNE335: Introduction to Sustainable Engineering train students in green design, energy efficiency, and environmental impact analysis.

School of Arts and Sciences (SOAS)

SOAS mainstreams SDGs through the Liberal Arts and Sciences Curriculum (LASC), especially via Change Makers and Digital Cultures courses. The curriculum strengthens students’ understanding of environmental, social, and economic sustainability challenges.

Liberal Arts and Sciences Curriculum (LASC)

LASC exposes all students to SDGs through interdisciplinary learning, enhancing scientific literacy and civic engagement. It fosters personal and professional awareness of sustainability and ethical responsibility.

SDG Summer Camps

The School of Arts and Sciences Summer Camps immerse high school students in SDG-focused learning across physics, chemistry, and nutrition, combining theory, experiments, and exposure to sustainability in science education.

Sustainable Fashion Design

In partnership with the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), LAU’s School of Architecture and Design hosted a regional workshop on zero-waste and circular fashion, training students in sustainable design and formalizing cooperation with UNEP.

Teaching SDGs through Virtual Exchange

A collaborative research project between LAU’s AKSOB and Boise State University used virtual exchange in design-thinking courses to enhance students’ global awareness and cross-cultural learning of the SDGs.

Arab Institute for Women (AiW) Initiatives

Dr. Suad Joseph Distinguished Lecture Series: Connects global and Arab scholars to gender and women’s studies.
Food 4 Thought Series: Webinars on gender justice, environment, leadership, and law reform.
16 Days of Activism: Annual campaign supporting UN Women’s global advocacy to end gender-based violence.

Academy of Continuing Education (ACE)

ACE advances the SDGs through 65+ public programs that promote lifelong learning, gender equality, clean energy, and social inclusion.
Key initiatives include:

Women Entrepreneurship Diploma and Crafts & Vocational Programs empowering 200+ women (SDGs 4 & 5).
PV Technician Training (SDG 7) to build Lebanon’s renewable energy workforce.
Teach for Lebanon Training Program (SDGs 1, 10 & 16) supporting education in underserved schools.
Food Safety Program (SDG 3) in collaboration with national ministries.

Dedicated Courses for Sustainability

LAU offers dedicated courses, including full minor degrees and Masters, addressing sustainability and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These courses span multiple disciplines across the university, integrating sustainability into the curricula to ensure that students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to contribute to sustainable development. While several other courses are mapped with the SDGs (see https://www.lau.edu.lb/sustainability/sdgs/sdg17/17-4/17-4-1.php for mapped courses within schools)

Dedicated courses and programs ensure that students receive comprehensive, interdisciplinary education on sustainability and the SDGs, preparing them to contribute meaningfully to global challenges.

Liberal Arts and Sciences Curriculum

The Liberal Arts and Sciences Curriculum (LASC) integrates the UN SDGs across undergraduate education through multidisciplinary courses that promote ethical development, wellbeing, and social engagement.
Key courses include:

LAS201 Water Security – addressing SDG 6 on water and sanitation.
LAS202 Sustainable Food Systems – tackling global nutrition and sustainability.
LAS203 Sustainable Energy – focusing on SDG 7 for clean, affordable energy.
LAS204 Technology, Ethics, and the Global Society – exploring digital ethics and responsibility.
LAS207 Migration Studies – examining international migration frameworks.
LAS208 Wellbeing Matters – linking health and social sustainability.
LAS209 Doing Gender – studying gender roles within sustainability’s four pillars.
LAS301 Debating Sustainability and LAS302 Inquiry for Innovation – developing civic engagement and innovation for sustainable solutions.

School of Engineering

The School of Engineering offers sustainability-focused courses and capstone projects that link technical education to global goals:

MEE401 Energy Systems, MEE500 Renewable Energy, and MEE505 Solar System Design explore renewable energy technologies and their economic feasibility.
Capstone Design Projects integrate SDG alignment into applied engineering design and research.

Full Degrees Addressing Sustainability and the SDGs

Minor in Climate Change and Sustainability Policy (CLIMASP):
Funded under a TEMPUS EU project, this interdisciplinary minor trains students in climate adaptation and sustainability planning.
Minor in Renewable and Sustainable Energy:
Equips students with technical and managerial skills in renewable systems, applicable across engineering, business, and environmental sectors.
Minor in Environmental Science:
Provides an interdisciplinary foundation in environmental systems and global ecological challenges.
MS in Civil and Environmental Engineering:
Offers five emphases, combining research and applied training to address infrastructure, environmental, and water resource management challenges.
MA in Interdisciplinary Gender Studies:
Promotes equality and social justice through academic and applied learning, preparing graduates for work in policy, education, and development sectors.
Minor in Gender Studies:
Offers 18 credits of interdisciplinary coursework linking gender, human rights, and sustainable community development.

Sustainability at the Academy of Continuing Education (ACE)

The ACE advances sustainability through 65+ continuing education programs supporting SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 7 (Clean Energy), and SDG 16 (Strong Institutions).
Notable programs include:

Crafts, Arts and Vocational Programs and Women Entrepreneurship Diploma, empowering 200+ women in Lebanon.
Photovoltaic (PV) Technician Training Program, addressing the growing solar energy sector.
Teach for Lebanon Training Program, improving education access and equality.
Food Safety Program, offered with national ministries to promote health and sustainability.

Gender in Development and Humanitarian Assistance (GDHA) Certificate

Developed jointly by ACE and the Arab Institute for Women (AiW), this certificate builds regional capacity on gender equality in development and humanitarian contexts. It combines academic theory and field practice to address gender issues in the Arab region and aligns with international standards for gender-responsive development.

Outreach Activities around the SDGs

LAU actively extends its educational mission to the broader community—including alumni, local residents, and displaced persons—through structured outreach, civic engagement, and service initiatives. President Chaouki Abdallah’s 2024 message “To Educate, Serve, and Unite” reaffirms LAU’s core purpose as a civic institution promoting education, compassion, and inclusion. Examples include mobile clinics, alumni fundraising for displaced populations, and multi-dimensional financial aid programs that ensure equitable access to education and services.

Outreach and Civic Engagement (OCE)

https://oce.lau.edu.lb/

The OCE Department anchors LAU’s community outreach and leadership education. It operates through two main units:

Outreach, Leadership, and Empowerment (OLE): Runs simulation programs (LAU MUN, MGG, MAL, and MEU) engaging school students across Lebanon in policy debate, diplomacy, and governance. These initiatives build civic responsibility and leadership beyond LAU’s campuses.
Community Service & Engagement (CSE): Provides structured volunteering and civic learning opportunities for LAU students, including USAID scholars. Activities connect students to NGOs, public institutions, and vulnerable communities, advancing social responsibility, inclusion, and local capacity building.

Nursing and Health Outreach

Nursing Pledge Ceremony (2024): Graduates of the Alice Ramez Chagoury School of Nursing (ARCSON) pledged to serve communities with compassion. Their clinical training involves community outreach, patient education, vaccination drives, and mobile clinic participation—advancing SDG 3 (Health) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
Pharmacy Outreach – “Student Pharmacists: Serving Through Uncertainty” (2024): Pharmacy students offered health education and distributed medications to underserved populations during Lebanon’s crisis, embodying LAU’s mission of community care.

School of Medicine Outreach

The Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine leads numerous public health outreach programs:

Hands-Only CPR Program: In collaboration with Youth Organization Heart Awareness (YOHAN), trains school students in life-saving skills.
Mobile Clinic: Provides weekly health services, screenings, and awareness sessions in rural and underserved regions across Lebanon.
Alumni “Keep Learning” Series: Offers continuous professional development through public lectures and workshops.
MSA Outreach Programs: Medical students volunteer in clinics and outreach missions nationwide, enhancing healthcare access and education.

These initiatives promote health equity, lifelong learning, and community resilience.

School of Arts and Sciences Summer Camps

https://news.lau.edu.lb/2023/camping-around-the-sustainable-development-goals.php

The SDG-focused Summer Camps (Physics, Chemistry, and Nutrition) immerse high-school students in university-level sustainability education, combining theory, lab experiments, and environmental problem-solving. Participants also earn partial scholarships, reinforcing LAU’s outreach to youth and pre-university education.

Arab Institute for Women (AiW) Outreach

The AiW advances social justice and inclusivity through community projects and publications:

Domestic Workers Awareness Guide: Distributed 24,000 brochures in four languages to empower migrant domestic workers.
Shabaket el Meem: A digital platform funded by the Netherlands Embassy offering information and media for LGBTQ youth in Lebanon.
Human Rights Network (HRN): Supported by USAID BALADI-CAP, connecting Lebanese CSOs to address human rights and vulnerable groups’ representation in media.
Support for Incarcerated Women: Developed a UNFPA-funded Guide for Working in Women’s Prisons in Lebanon and provided material support to detainees.

These efforts highlight LAU’s applied research and community partnerships for gender equality and human rights (SDG 5, SDG 16).

Career and Alumni Outreach

Career Fair 2023: Linked students and alumni to top employers through interactive workshops and networking.
Alumni “Keep Learning” Series: Webinars and panels on health, leadership, and personal development—e.g., Healthy Eating and Weight Management, Resilience in Extreme Contexts, and Logotherapy: Finding Meaning and Purpose.
These continuous-learning initiatives reinforce LAU’s lifelong education framework and alumni-community connection.