SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions in the UAE
Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16) focuses on promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, ensuring access to justice for all, and building effective, accountable institutions at all levels. The UAE has made significant strides in addressing these issues, fostering a stable environment conducive to development and social progress.
Government Initiatives for SDG 16
Legal Framework and Governance: The UAE has established a comprehensive legal framework to promote justice and uphold the rule of law. This includes various laws and regulations that ensure the protection of rights and freedoms, enhancing transparency and accountability within governmental institutions.
Anti-Corruption Measures: The government has implemented robust anti-corruption policies and practices, including the establishment of the National Anti-Corruption Committee. These efforts aim to promote integrity in public service and build public trust in institutions.
Judicial Reforms: The UAE has made significant investments in its judicial system to ensure efficiency and accessibility. Initiatives include the introduction of smart justice services, allowing citizens to access legal services easily and facilitating dispute resolution.
Community Engagement: The government promotes community engagement and participation in governance through various initiatives. Programs encourage citizen involvement in decision-making processes and foster a sense of ownership in community development.
Promotion of Tolerance and Peace: The UAE is committed to promoting tolerance, dialogue, and understanding among different cultures and religions. Initiatives such as the Year of Tolerance emphasize the importance of social cohesion and peaceful coexistence.
SDG 16 at Al Ain University
Al Ain University (AAU) is dedicated to advancing SDG 16 through various educational and community-focused initiatives:
Education on Governance and Human Rights: AAU offers programs in law and political science that focus on governance, human rights, and social justice. These programs equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute to the promotion of peace and justice in society.
Research on Social Issues: Faculty and students engage in research projects that address social justice, legal reforms, and community development. This research contributes to the understanding of local challenges and the formulation of effective policies.
Community Service and Engagement: AAU encourages students to participate in community service projects that promote social cohesion and support vulnerable populations. These initiatives foster a sense of responsibility and civic engagement among students.
Workshops and Seminars: The university organizes workshops and seminars focusing on peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and the rule of law. These events provide platforms for discussion and dialogue on important social issues, fostering awareness and understanding.
Collaboration with Institutions: AAU collaborates with governmental and non-governmental organizations to promote initiatives related to peace and justice. These partnerships enhance the university's role in contributing to community development and social stability.
Conclusion
The UAE's commitment to SDG 16 is reflected in its comprehensive approach to promoting peace, justice, and strong institutions. Through robust legal frameworks, anti-corruption measures, and community engagement initiatives, the government fosters a stable and inclusive society. Al Ain University supports these efforts by providing education, conducting research, and engaging in community initiatives that promote social responsibility and justice, thereby contributing to the overall goal of achieving peaceful and inclusive societies.
A sustainable book exhibition on the occasion of International Day for Tolerance
The Deanship of Student Affairs in collaboration with the Student Crescent Club at the Al Ain campus, organized a cultural exhibition for the exchange of used books to promote their circulation and reuse. The event was attended by Prof. Ghaleb Al-Refae, the AAU president.
These books were donated by professors and students as part of a cultural campaign organized by the Deanship to encourage reading. The exhibition featured a variety of content, including historical, Islamic, literary, cultural, and novel books, along with a diverse collection of books related to all scientific disciplines offered by the university.
17th Clubs Participating in the Students Clubs Exhibition
The Deanship of Student Affairs at Al Ain University (Abu Dhabi Campus) organized the Student Clubs Exhibition, which featured the participation of 17th student clubs.
The exhibition aimed to familiarize students with the importance of student clubs in university life, encourage them to join these clubs, and develop their leadership and social skills. It also aimed to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experiences among students and stimulate creativity and innovation through interactive presentations and the opportunity to ask questions and inquire about the clubs.
The exhibition witnessed widespread participation from students who presented diverse displays and activities from various clubs, including competitions and prizes. Additionally, the Student Affairs Deanship provided gifts to students through raffle draws and honored the top 6 participating clubs during the exhibition.
AAU Virtual Career development and Training Fair attracts graduates and job seekers
After the hugely successful initial fair, Al Ain University organized the second virtual Career Development and Training Fair with the participation of 15 governmental and private institutions in the UAE, providing an opportunity for students, graduates and job seekers to communicate with experts in job companies to enhance their skills and get benefit from their experiences in the labor market.
Each institution made a separate virtual presentation through which the participants could communicate with the most important experts in various fields such as; engineering, pharmacy, law, education, business, communication and media.
The exhibition aims at providing training opportunities for prospective graduates and job opportunities for job seeking graduates, in addition to, providing professional development workshops to enhance the skills of individuals in line with the current labor market requirements.
University Council
The University Council is chaired by the AAU President. It comprises the AAU Vice President(s), the Deans of Colleges, the Dean of Student Affairs, the Dean of Scientific Research and Graduate Studies, Deputy Deans (Abu Dhabi Campus), a Representative from each college, the Head of the Quality Assurance Unit, the Financial Manager, Registrar General, Center of Information Technology Manager, the Director of the English Language Center, and two students: one from Abu Dhabi Campus; the other from Al Ain Campus. The Council meets at least once every semester. The main task of the Council is to prepare the budget of AAU and discuss the f inancial position of the University. The Council also sets policies regarding the University’s involvement in community service. In addition, the Council sets plans for relations with other academic institutions on an international level.
Deans’ Council
Membership:
The Deans’ Council is chaired by the University President. It comprises the AAU Vice President(s), the deans of colleges, the Dean of Scientific Research and Graduate Studies as well as the Dean of Student Affairs. The Deans’ Council meets once a week.
Responsibilities:
- Implementing the University policies.
- Approving plans, which secure the appropriate infrastructure to execute University objectives.
- Approving by-laws that govern organizational, financial and executive University affairs.
- Approving by-laws to govern employment and punitive measures that apply to all University personnel.
- Approving new University study plans.
- Conferring University academic degrees.
- Setting terms and conditions regarding students’ admission and number of accepted students in light of the Ministry of Higher Education overall plans.
- Directing and overseeing studies aimed at establishing new colleges and new programs.
- Following-up the implementation of college plans for teaching and research.
- Approving admission policies.
- Making policies regarding the size and quality of student enrollment.
- Applying for approval of new academic programs and new non-academic units.
- Making the final decision regarding faculty promotion upon recommendation from the Appointment and Promotion Committee
Dean of Student Affairs
Responsibilities:
The Dean of Student Affairs is responsible for the following:
- Directing services offered to students at the University.
- Setting up centers or units to better help students overcome their social, psychological, and financial problems.
- Overseeing work at the student counseling offices.
- Supervising and monitoring services such as: restaurants, transportation, housing, etc..., and preparing regulations that govern such services.
- Organizing various activities for the University’s students.
- Forming and managing newly established clubs and societies.
- Organizing seminars, celebrations, academic, and extra-curricular activities.
- Organizing specialized workshops and training programs to improve modern administration facilities system.
- Establishing various databases for student affairs.
- Implementing University decrees regarding his/her directorship
Student Clubs at the Deanship of Student Affairs
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# |
Club Name |
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1 |
Tolerance Club |
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2 |
Volunteering Club |
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3 |
Arts Club |
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4 |
People of Determination Club |
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5 |
Sustainability Club |
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6 |
Technology Club |
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7 |
Nutritional Health Club |
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8 |
Legal Education Club |
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9 |
Sports Club |
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10 |
Cultural Club |
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11 |
Social Club |
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12 |
Innovation and Creativity Club |
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13 |
Media Club |
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14 |
Happiness Club |
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15 |
Reading Club |
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16 |
Library Club |
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17 |
Scientific Research Club |
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Student Clubs Registration Link |
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For Inquiries and Suggestions |
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Campus |
Al Ain Campus |
Abu Dhabi Campus |
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activities@aau.ac.ae |
activities_ad@aau.ac.ae |
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Phone Number |
037024892 037024941 037024994 037024781 |
026133586 026133518 02613005 026133024 |
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Instagram Account |
@studentaffairs_aau |
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The Society of Student Affairs Deanship's Management (SSADM)
The Association of Arab Universities decided to establish the Society of Student Affairs Deanship's Management (SSADM) in its meeting, 28 December 2015, the society will include deans, directors and supervisors of student affairs in all Arab universities.
During the general conference of the Association, 10- 11 April 2016, the association decided that Al Ain University is going to be the headquarters of "the Society of Student Affairs Deanship's Management (SSADM)".
Vision
Wide-range and continuous communication among students in Arab universities which belong to the Association of Arab Universities in order to build a good citizen and to achieve the maximum benefit in the academic and non-academic fields through undergraduate stage and after graduation.
Mission
Build a culture of striving behind the distinction among students to encourage competition for creative opportunities offered which resulting in an educated generation who is aware of their responsibilities in the community.
Goals
Considering the society as the first destination where deanships of student affairs in all Arab universities can meet.
Creating academic and non-academic opportunities for all students affiliated to these universities.
Providing opportunities to exchange experiences among students through conferences, meetings, formal and informal.
Attracting and supporting various creative ideas from deanships of student affairs.
Contributing to creating and supporting creative environment for students where they can build their personalities, be responsible and be an active member in the community.