Al-Shekhly: We Are Committed to Strengthening the University’s Position as a Leading Educational Institution in Supporting Sustainability
Gulf University concluded the activities of the First International Conference on Sustainability and Innovation, organized as part of the second edition of Sustainability Week, with wide participation from researchers, experts, and academics from around the world.
Dr. Mohammed Al-Shekhly, Chairman of the Scientific Research Council and Chair of the Conference, stated that the event received 365 scientific papers from across the globe, 223 of which were accepted, marking an acceptance rate of 61%, with participation from researchers representing 27 countries, reflecting the diversity and international presence of this academic event.
Dr. Al-Shekhly emphasized that organizing this international scientific event reaffirms Gulf University’s commitment to strengthening its position as a leading educational institution in promoting sustainability and innovation, pointing out that the conference outcomes represent a valuable contribution to the academic and research community in the region.
He added: “Through this conference, the University sought to establish a global platform for serious scientific dialogue, bringing together experts, researchers, and decision-makers to explore the future of sustainability and connect scientific research with practical, applicable solutions.”
He praised the rich knowledge exchange that characterized the conference, which included a series of panel discussions and interactive workshops that allowed participants to engage deeply with the latest practices in innovation, quality enhancement in education, and sustainability applications across various sectors.
“The conference stood out for the depth and diversity of its discussions, covering key themes such as combating poverty through strengthening the roles of health and education, social marketing strategies, occupational health, and principles of health sustainability,” he added.
The conference concluded with a set of recommendations aimed at reinforcing its scientific and practical impact. Participants stressed the importance of enhancing partnerships between universities, governmental institutions, and the private sector to support joint research projects capable of driving innovation in renewable energy, public health, and sustainable technologies. They affirmed that expanding collaborative frameworks contributes to developing scientific initiatives that can be implemented on the ground.
The conference also called for directing more research efforts toward issues of poverty, education, and health, noting that addressing these areas represents a fundamental entry point for achieving sustainable development in Arab and regional communities. The recommendations highlighted the need to encourage young researchers to present studies and projects with direct societal impact, capable of improving quality of life and promoting social equity.
Dr. Al-Shekhly noted that among the key recommendations was the importance of developing specialized academic and training programs in sustainability and innovation, focusing on enhancing the skills of students and professionals and aligning them with labor market needs. He emphasized that such training initiatives serve as an essential bridge between academic knowledge and professional applications within the context of the green transition.
He affirmed that Gulf University remains committed to supporting scientific research and expanding academic dialogue, noting that this first edition of the conference has laid a strong foundation for launching a continuous series of initiatives and research projects aligned with global trends and responsive to community needs for a more sustainable and innovative future.
Keywords:
Sustainability, Innovation, Gulf University, International Sustainability Conference, Renewable Energy Solutions, Research Collaboration, Sustainable Development Goals, Academic Partnerships, Green Transition, Social Equity, Public Health Initiatives, Quality Education, Knowledge Exchange, Scientific Research, Bahrain Sustainability Leadership, Environmental Innovation, Sustainable Future, Regional Academic Cooperation
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