• 29 Sep, 2025
• International Collaboration
• inc

International Collaboration

International Collaboration and Comparative Research to Develop SDG Best Practice (2023–2024)

The University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa actively participates, as a single institutional body, in international collaboration and comparative research that reviews approaches and develops best practice for advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Our work in 2023–2024 demonstrates three linked modes of activity: (1) joint research projects that develop and test locally-adapted solutions using international methods and partners; (2) hosting and co-hosting international conferences that exchange comparative experience and data; and (3) membership in international benchmarking and academic networks that enable transfer and adoption of best practice.

Key examples (2023–2024)

• Comparative research on water sustainability (SDG 6) — The University participated in collaborative research assessing the feasibility of artificial (pond) recharge using treated wastewater to raise groundwater levels and improve water quality in Iraqi aquifers. The project developed numerical/mathematical models, compared international technical approaches and hydrological scenarios, and produced peer-reviewed outputs that inform policy and operational practice in semi-arid settings.
• Renewable energy and technology benchmarking (SDG 7) — Through joint projects with international partners, our researchers have compared solar energy technologies (including solar still improvements and DC-DC converter optimisation) to identify design and operational best practice appropriate for regional climates and resource constraints. These comparative studies feed directly into recommendations for technology choice and deployment strategies.
• Hosting international knowledge exchange (SDG 11, SDG 16) — The University co-hosted the First Global Conference on Crowd Engineering and Management in the Holy Karbala (March 22–23, 2023), which convened international experts to share data, modelling techniques and operational best practice for managing large urban crowds and pilgrimage events — an important contribution to resilient cities and community safety.
• Cross-sector, international conference engagement (SDG 16, SDG 17) — The College of Islamic Sciences organised the Fifth International “Islam is Life” Conference (Human Rights and Contemporary Challenges) with preparation and participation by UN representatives, demonstrating the University’s role as convener of international actors (UN, government and civil society) to compare governance and justice approaches and develop socially sensitive best practice.
• Institutional benchmarking and networks (SDG 17) — The University is an active member of international networks (including UN Academic Impact) and participates in UI GreenMetric benchmarking, which systematically compares institutional performance, promotes good practice uptake and supports evidence-based improvements across multiple SDG areas.

How this produces best practice

1-Comparative modelling and evidence synthesis — International projects combine local field data with modelling and methods used elsewhere, allowing robust comparison of technical options and the selection of interventions suited to local conditions (for example, different recharge methods, solar designs, or crowd-management protocols).

2-Knowledge transfer via conferences and multi-stakeholder forums — By hosting and participating in international conferences and by engaging UN and government stakeholders, the University creates rapid pathways for promising practices to be discussed, tested in pilot settings and adapted for policy uptake.

3- Institutional learning through benchmarking — Participation in global benchmarking networks allows the University to measure performance, identify gaps relative to peers, and adopt established best practices across campus operations and research priorities.

Conclusion

During the 2023–2024 season the University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa demonstrated clear institutional engagement in reviewing comparative approaches and developing international best practice relevant to the SDGs — from water and energy research to crowd management and governance dialogues. These activities combine rigorous research, international partnerships and multi-stakeholder convening to produce evidence and recommendations that are suitable for local adaptation and for informing regional policy and practice.